Posted on December 2, 2022

Sophie Evanoff, owner and chef of Vanille Patisserie with locations in Lincoln Park and the French Market, was recently presented with the Ordre du Mérite agricole medal by the Consulate of France in Chicago.

During the presentation, Consul General Yannick Tagand noted, “The excellence of your work makes you one of the best Ambassadors of the French gastronomy, which is a significant part of French culture, in Chicago.”

A classically trained pastry chef, Sophie acquired Vanille Patisserie in 2011 and oversees business planning, new product development, sales and marketing.

Sophie is passionate about upholding the French standard of technique, quality and taste while providing the best customer service. Vanille was awarded #1 Retailer of Lincoln Park in 2015 and recognized as one of the best bakeries in America by Time Out Magazine. A dedicated and active entrepreneur, Sophie was the first female business owner to win the James Tyree Emerging Business Leadership Award in 2016 and was honored as a Women of Influence by the Chicago Business Journal in 2019. She is also an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Sophie is involved with several non-profit organizations, serving as both a board member and volunteer, and Vanille donates to philanthropic events and initiatives throughout Chicago on a weekly basis. Sophie currently serves on the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.