We came for a stroll around Old Orchard and were surprised to see this new Swiss chocolate store. We popped in to take a look, hoping to indulge in perhaps one or two artisanal truffles. However, I am especially a sucker for floral sweets, and their limited edition flavor of the month was alluringly adorned with dried alpine blossoms. Apparently this is their "Summerdream," which their website notes is "a fruity mix of blood orange, passion fruit and mango in white chocolate combined with dark chocolate."
They offered me a sample, and it was love at first bite. Sometimes with a fruity mix like this, you just get an indistinct Fruity Pebbles sort of flavor, but not so here. Each of the flavors was distinguishable and the ingredients shined through individually. So now, my plans had to change, and the basil chocolate truffle would have to wait until next time. Instead, I was apparently going to buy a $24 block of Summerdream.
Meanwhile, they further tempted us with various samples of more chocolate, and especially the caramel flavored ones, as my husband said he was a fan. We quite nearly left with a second block of chocolate, but - NO! - next time! That said, the staff were gracious, friendly, and helpful tempters, happy to let us sample whatever we wished.
Apparently they opened this location just last month, and it will be the first of three Laderach locations in Chicagoland. Next, will be one in Rosemont, and then, downtown. (I love living in Chicago, where good food from anywhere on Earth is sure to crop up sooner or later!) Meanwhile, we are happy to return to this location at Old Orchard, once we are ready for our next chocolatey indulgence. read more