Vosges Haut-Chocolat (951 West Armitage Ave.)You can’t go wrong at this exotic chocolate boutique, which pairs unexpected ingredients with premium classic cocoas. Warm up with a spicy hot chocolate, peppered with ancho and chipotle chiies and cinnaMonday, or bite into a decadent truffle spiked with spices like curry, wasabi, paprika or ginger for an exceptional (albeit eccentric) treat.
Hoosier Mama Pie Company (1618 1/2 Chicago Ave.)You can’t beat the smell of a fresh pie coming out of the oven. That smell, coupled with the gooey, fruity filling peaking out of crunchy lattices that bind it entice pie-eaters galore to this Ukranian Village shop. Devour a tangy key lime slice, a sticky peanut butter sliver or a wedge of fluffy banana cream – or stick with any grandmother’s favorite: classic apple pie.
Sweet Mandy B’s (1208 W Webster Ave.)Old fashioned desserts get a glowing makeover at this adorable shop in the heart of Lincoln Park. Whoopie Pies melt in your mouth and peanut butter cookies crumble at the lightest touch – but what this shop is really known for are their delectable cupcakes where the airiest cake is adorned with dollops of rich frosting, They’re simply divine.
Old Fashioned Donuts (11248 S Michigan Ave.)A pilgrimage from Evanston to this South Side institution is worth every calorie. Try the perfectly poufed traditional glazed donuts, or one coated in layer of chocolate – but absolutely don’t leave without biting into their famous apple fritters. Dotted with cinnamon swirls and approximately as big as your head, these gobs of deep-fried dough are a little bit of heaven.
