Good Ambler, the expansive cafe situated in Chicago’s West Loop Neighborhood, announced its new Executive Pastry Chef, Meg Galus. Meg brings with her nearly two decades of experience and a passion for all things pastry. At the full service cafe, open seven days a week, customers can get their daily fix of sweet and savory pastries, handcrafted espresso beverages, salads, sandwiches, and plenty of afternoon sweets.
After graduating from the prestigious French Pastry School, Meg spent several years working in fine dining restaurants and high end hotels, ultimately serving as Executive Pastry Chef at the Michelin-starred BOKA. Most recently she spent two years honing her chocolate skills at Cocoa + Co in Old Town. She has been nominated as a finalist for the James Beard “Outstanding Pastry Chef” award three times, was named “Pastry Chef of the Year” by the Chicago Tribune and received the Jean Banchet Pastry Chef of the Year award.
“I am thrilled to bring my love for all things sweet to Good Ambler,” says Meg. “While my pastry training was heavily rooted in French patisserie, I was born and raised in the Midwest and approach our menu with that sensibility. Whether it’s adding a hint of nostalgia or putting a twist on an old favorite, it is important to me to use great technique and ingredients to create flavors and combinations that are craveable, seasonal, and delicious.”
Daily offerings in the pastry case at Good Ambler include a wide array of croissants, savory danishes, scones, muffins and breakfast breads, along with cookies, brownies, bars, and more. Everyday there are at least two featured pastry specials (up to five on the weekends), so there’s always something new to try. Some recent specialty items have included a Double Chocolate Espresso Morning Bun, Pretzel Croissants, Tomato & Goat Cheese Danish, Chocolate Malt Cream Pies, and Glazed Coriander Lime Shortbread Cookies. In addition, Good Ambler has a robust chocolate program featuring a collection of handcrafted artisanal bonbons, chocolate bars and confections offering more than 20 flavors at a time. Plans for celebration cakes, ice cream, and catering options are all in the works, making Good Ambler a one stop shop for pastries & desserts.
