Honey Café opens Monday in downtown Glen Ellyn

Honey Café may be the magical ingredient that spices up downtown Glen Ellyn.

Elizabeth Janus' trendy new joint is scheduled to open Monday. It's been in the works for three years, and now its modern vibe is eagerly waiting to burst through the doors.

Soothing aquas, deep yellows and teals that outline many windows will lure hungry residents into the cafe at the southwest corner of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Honey Café will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. For snack and food lovers, there's a bakery and coffee bar along with healthy, vegetarian, organic and everybody's favorite comfort foods.

"It's something that's family friendly but modern and fresh," Janus said.

Recently in downtown Glen Ellyn, Tap House Grill replaced The Firkin & Fox, and Salon Esteem, Bells & Whistles Snackery and Dancing Lights all are expected to open soon. However, Butterfly Girls and By Design have left downtown.

Honey Café promises that all edible goodies -- including jams, toast, cupcakes, pancakes and chicken pot pies -- are made daily.

"Everything we're doing is about freshness," she said. "We really wanted a fresh feel and fresh quality."

Janus owned Good Works Gallery around the corner for 10 years but sold it three years ago because she wanted to focus her efforts on creating a lively cafe. This gives her experience in downtown Glen Ellyn to make sure her creation blooms.

For the past year, she's been taste-testing and hand-picking the best items for her menu.

Alex Gomez, former executive chef of the trendy eatery Orange in Chicago, will sprinkle his fancy touches into every meal. He'll make a variety of pancakes, including bananas fiesta, strawberry cheesecake and plain honey butter. Gomez also will whip up juicy meatloaf. And caprese benedict made of roasted tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

"He places things so artfully, it's like you're getting a present in front of you," Janus said.

Honey Café's bakery will have a variety of four cupcakes each day, along with muffins, cookies and bars.

"There's not a huge selection, but they're all really good," she said.

Instead of having a blowout grand opening, Honey Café is easing into business.

"We have had such a tremendous response, that we want to make sure we're on track," she said.