As a young girl growing up in France, Marie Douailly looked forward to chocolates from Leonidas every holiday or special occasion. When she decided to open up her own chocolate shop in America (specifically, in Wilmette in 2002), she knew instinctively to partner with the nearly 100-year-old Belgian company.

At Leonidas Cafe Chocolaterie you'll find nearly 90 different types of chocolates, from covered fruit to smooth, rich truffles. Suburbanites snatch up the cafe's chocolate-covered orange peels faster than any other treat, but internationally the company's most popular item is a delicious treat called Manon, which comes in white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate filled with a mocha butter cream. Each piece is like a little piece of art begging to be devoured, and they’re affordable to boot ($32 per pound or about $1 per chocolate).

The shop also functions as a coffee, dessert and gelato shop for the neighborhood. The barista serves a wide range of beverages, from lattes to smoothies to tea. If you're after a more substantial dessert, you can nibble on a gorgeous pastry from a local European baker. Try the printemps, a white chocolate mousse with vanilla creme and raspberry preserves, or the St. Lucie, coconut mousse with fruit topping. Desserts, croissant and other divine indulgences range from $2 to $5.

The shop also hosts birthday and fondue parties after hours by appointment and specializes in corporate orders.

Centerstage Reviewer: Christy Bonstell