Elgin's new Hideaway Cafe quite a find

For years, Kathy Ferris kept in touch with a woman who knew about the goings on within the State Street Market Shops in Elgin.

And when cafe space became available earlier this year, that friend tipped the Marengo resident off to the vacancy, thinking it would be great if Ferris set up shop there.

Ferris agreed and in May opened the Hideaway Cafe, which offers homemade goodies, including sandwiches, soups and salads.

"The mandarin orange salad is pretty tasty on a warm summer day," Ferris said.

Soups start at $3.15, salads are $3.89 and sandwiches are the most expensive items on the menu at $5.95. Daily specials cost $5.

For children and the young at heart, there are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hot chocolate.

Other items on the menu include fruit smoothies, chicken salad, turkey pita sandwiches, homemade muffins and the chicken BLT wrap.

For Oktoberfest, she'll be serving up bratwurst and other German foods.

"I've always loved cooking and putting things together and trying different things," Ferris said.

For nearly four years, Ferris had worked at Casper's Cafe and the Walleye Grill in Huntley's Sun City development.

The Elgin venture marks the first time she's owned her own restaurant.

The Hideaway Cafe, named because it's tucked away far in the back of the market shops, is located in the space formerly occupied by Cafe Veranda.

The State Street Market Shops were an ideal place for Ferris start her business because it's "very relaxed, kind of cozy," she said.

Besides, everyone is nice, it's a great place to shop and there are unique gifts around to suit many occasions, she said.