Earth Cup Coffee (45th & Pine) is making some homey improvements. Word comes from owner Natasa Borcanin that the coffee shop has gotten some additional indoor custom-made seating (pictured) and a greater variety of light food fare, such as Hale and Hearty soups, stews, grilled cheese sandwiches, bagels, and pastries. All this, of course, to compliment their growing coffee and tea choices. The shop is now offering more than 20 varieties of coffee blends from all coffee growing continents and always has three espresso blends on tap.
Musicians have been stopping by too. Recently two local artists performed at the cafe – Sharedae and Debbie Valentina. Also a special guest from Chicago’s music scene Obisoulstar played an acoustic set of original songs.
To celebrate the Earth Cup improvements, Natasa is inviting everyone tomorrow (Feb. 4) to enjoy tunes by DJ Rod Bell (10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Also there will be some specials this Saturday and Sunday. For more information and photos, check out the Earth Cup’s Facebook Page.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
I really, really hope this means they eventually covered the wide open basement stairwell/pit in the floor NEXT to the counter that sent me plummeting 8 feet down into the basement.
February 7th, 2012 at 6:07 am
Sherry, that stairwell is to the left and BEHIND the counter, not next to it. You have to really try hard to get back there.
So what you’ve said is false (an in capital letters, no less), which makes me doubt the rest of your story (about falling).
But if you did fall, what were you doing back there?
February 10th, 2012 at 10:21 am
Doubt my story if you will, I don’t really care. Ask the owner and there were several witnesses.
Do you work there? Then it can’t be too hidden and hard to get to if you have seen this hole yourself. The Left side of the counter is totally open ended. Seriously, a huge hole in the floor is safe even if it is “behind the counter”? Staff just leap over it?
I had dumped coffee and there was a roll of the paper towels on the end of the counter. I was trying to be a good citizen and the owner was busy. The counter is open ended on the left side. It’s not like I was dancing behind the cash register. So yes I was reaching over, what a sin! Then fell down.
I made it very clear to the owner that I wasn’t angry and didn’t want anything. I just interested in having the hole covered. She was really obsessed that I had went to the end of her open sided counter. If someone had had such a serious fall and didn’t desire to sue me, I’d cover the damn hole, give them free coffee for life and not be a bitch about it. Now I see fancy new furniture and painting when I was told “my landlord won’t let me change things” and the hole still remains to swallow an unsuspecting toddler…
February 10th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I don’t doubt that you (a customer) went behind a counter. You may not understand what it’s like to work in this sort of industry, but the area behind the counter is actually the personal space of the employees and the owner. You may think you were being helpful, but you were not where you were supposed to be.
It’s okay, though, now you know that you’re not allowed back there. I trust you don’t make this a habit.
Also, it’s not “hole” it’s a staircase to the basement, which is another area customers are not allowed. It’s usually covered up with a piece of plywood. And for further clarification, the staircase is next to the sink area, which is also pretty clearly for employee use only.
February 10th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Sherry, I don’t work at Earth Cup. I live around the corner, on Pine Street. I have been there many times. I know exactly what the area behind the counter looks like. The stairwell is not next to that counter. It is behind it and to the left, against the wall.
Everyone, come by Earth Cup for a nice warm beverage or a tasty snack. While you’re there, take a gander at the covered stairwell. It’s hard to find, because it’s behind the counter and to the left, but if you look over the counter, you’ll see it.
February 10th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
I have no dog in this fight, but you guys are reacting very strangely to a woman who had a harrowing experience falling down a set of stairs. I mean, I like Earth Cup too, but what gives?
February 10th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Craig, in response to a post about the redecoration of Earth Cup, this woman made a false statement to exaggerate Earth Cup’s liability and to diminish her own responsibility. Her false statement was refuted. There’s nothing strange about that.