La Farine, alive and baking

Rida Shahin of La Farine Bakery

Tasting Table is reporting today that La Farine Bakery has finally, after months of anticipation, opened its doors to the general public—at least a little bit. The bakery opened three days ago with plenty of ciabatta, baguettes and pastries, but the long-promised sandwiches and salads aren't being served yet.

Readers of Time Out may know that we've been waiting for this moment for a long time. Not just because Rida Shahin's breads are fantastic, but because the opening of an artisanal bread bakery is something that doesn't happen enough in this town. Will Mr. Shahin save Chicago's bread scene? That's the question we asked back in February—now that La Farine is baking, Shahin may have the chance.