West Cermak in Berwyn

[troy]

Another positive Berwyn piece from the Sun Times.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/dropzone/wkp-news-dropzone17.html

June 17, 2005

BY DAVID JAKUBIAK

A wide boulevard lined on both sides with storefronts now occupied with retailers and professionals ranging from attorneys to bakers, this swath of near west suburb can be dangerous grounds for pedestrians as automobiles speed east and west, to and from the city.

Some remnants of Berwyn's days as a bastion for Bohemian-Americans remain, including the Czech Plaza Restaurant (7016 W. Cermak). The flavor now, however, is distinctly Mexican-American, from the taquerias to the music stores where you're infinitely more likely to find Vicente Fernandez than you are to find 50 Cent or the Kings of Leon.

While a rather high number of professional offices also line West Cermak -- accountants, lawyers, dentists, doctors, chiropractors -- there are more than enough retailers to keep the sidewalks hopping, particularly on the weekend. And if you're looking for a cowboy hat in the suburbs, this is your spot.

SUGAR, SUGAR

Old Fashioned Candies, Inc.
6210 W. Cermak
(708) 788-6669

Sitting atop the shelves of this bustling family operated candy shop are hand-crank candy machines and chocolate molds as old as 150 years, and at Old Fashioned they take the tradition of candymaking very seriously. Operating out of this site since 1976, the Brunslik family is happy to fill special orders for any budget, and all candies, except brand name varieties, are made on site. Be sure to check out the antique case of penny candy.

Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

CRANK IT UP

Art's Cycling & Fitness
6212 W. Cermak
(708) 788-0943
www.artscycling.com

This full-service family bicycle shop has been helping folks pedal their way to fitness since 1946. Be you looking for a bike to casually cruise forest preserve trails or have the competitive drive to strip the yellow jersey from Lance Armstrong, they'll have a bike for you. They've even got a good selection of products for youngsters looking to deck out their "low riders" in gleaming chrome, just like the kids in California do.

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday.

WRAP IT UP

Zaca Tacos
6224 W. Cermak
(708) 484-8460

Stirring from morning until late at night, this taco spot should be able to satisfy any gurgle of hunger in your belly. Opening each morning at 8 a.m. Mexican style breakfasts are available, mostly eggs scrambled with your choice of vegetables and meats. For other times of day, 10 types of tacos are available stuffed with items ranging from steak to tongue, and with hot summer days on the way, don't overlook the availability of papaya milkshakes.

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

PATTER OF SMALL FEET

Elegant Kids
6306 W. Cermak
(708) 484-5182

While the staff in this small children's shoe store speak limited English, the shoes they sell are adorable in any language. Primarily selling footwear produced by the Mexican company Coqueta, the selection is all upper end, with styles ranging from whimsical flats to rugged boots to patent leather formal kicks.

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEET

Pierre's Bakery
6310 W. Cermak
(708) 788-8660

One of three Pierre's in Chicagoland, the Berwyn location is palatial -- 6,000 square feet with sparkling granite counters sitting atop cases filled with high calorie goodness worthy of a pastry competition on the Food Network. Specializing in cakes for special events like graduations and weddings, they are constantly introducing new styles to keep things fresh. For smaller events -- or fellas looking to impress -- there's also a Pierre's flower shop right next door.

Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

David Jakubiak is a local free-lance writer.