Southlanders seeking something different may want to check out one of the newest downtown Park Forest spots instead.
“We’ve lived here for two years,” said Serenity Johnson, chef and owner of Serenity’s Place Cafe & Bakery Inc. “My kids love to dine out every now and then. There was really nothing other than fast food, fried food and pizzas, which they love,” but she wanted to provide other options.
Here is the dish on this local establishment, which opened in August:
On the menu: “We have homemade waffles, muffins, cakes, pies and cookies. We offer teas, coffees, cappuccinos and lattes. We’re not like your average cafe or bakery. We’re more gourmet-style,” Johnson said.
“When you come in, you’re going to get a nice-size sandwich or wrap and fresh meat, fruits and vegetables. We do carved meat so it’s turkey breast, chicken breast and the actual ham you would have for your holiday meals. Our meats are farm to table so they’re coming from an ethical farm.
“The fresh fruits and vegetables also come from a farm. It’s a healthier style of no preservatives, no additives and no artificial flavors.”
About the owner: Johnson went to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago and had catered private events since 2002 before launching Serenity’s Place.
“Being able to feed someone and just looking at the expression on their face when they actually eat something I made is a sense of wow,” she said.
A mission statement: “It consists of not just food for thought. It’s food for the soul or comfort food without the guilt. You’re getting something other than food,” said Johnson, who described Serenity’s Place as relaxing with good conversation.
“It’s family-oriented. It’s not just for seniors. It’s not just for young ones. I look at the diversity in the neighborhood and try to give everybody a choice. Everyone feels at home when they dine here.”
Decor: “It’s a serene atmosphere,” said Johnson about Serenity’s Place, which can seat 20.
“We have a picture of the ocean and sky in the center of the room. We have a lot of love on the walls. We have cases with a variety of sweets that people can eat.”
Specialties: “The top things people order are our panini, our Belgian waffles and our blueberry muffins,” said Johnson, who also recommended that diners try limited-time breakfast selections such as the breakfast panini or egg casserole.
We’re different because: “It’s a community effort. I do a lot of team-building skills right here in my own kitchen. I work with different high schools and the kids come in and get job training right here,” said Johnson about partnering with places such as Rich East High School in Park Forest.
Serenity’s Place offers a resource for the Rich Township High School District 227 Transition Program, which is billed as serving “qualifying young adults with disabilities from ages 18 through the day before their 22nd birthday” in order “to support students to transition from high school to adult life.”
Private event space and catering also are offered at Serenity’s Place, which can provide customized orders with 72-hour notice.
Prices: Start at $1 for beverages or sweets, $2.75 for breakfast selections or smoothies, $3.25 for salads, $3.99 for daily specials and $4.99 for gourmet panini, subs or wraps.
Logistics: Serenity’s Place Cafe & Bakery Inc. is at 323 Main St., Park Forest. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and Tuesdays-Wednesdays, closed Sundays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays . Call 708-898-7006 or go to www.facebook.com/serenitysplace4foodndrinks
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.Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer for the Daily Southtown.