Leonidas Chocolate Cafe opened in downtown Northbrook in December, bringing fine European chocolate, Metropolis coffee and handmade crepes to the corner of Meadow and Shermer roads.
Owner Marie Douailly grew up in France, eating traditional Leonidas chocolates since she was a girl. She said her family used to visit nearby Belgium to get the beloved, 100-year-old sweets.
It's the third Leonidas Douailly has opened, but the first to serve crepes. One opened in Wilmette eight years ago, followed by another in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood.
The crepes are made from scratch with fresh fruits, Nutella or even Grand Marnier liqueur. The cafe also serves savory crepes, made with ham and cheese.
Patch caught Northbrook's Susan Young and Lynn Saegebrecht at the cafe, enjoying hot chocolate and scones.
"We come back for the hot cocoa," Young said. "It's amazing."
It was the second time the friends visited Leonidas together.
"I think you get a feeling of expertise," Saegebrecht said. "It just feels special."
For complete Lake Forest and Lake Bluff coverage, sign up for our free newsletter,"like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
