Chicago - October 05, 2007

Collective Soul

Sweet Collective Opens

Focus on the swirling lollipop. Close your eyes, breathing deep. Relax.

You’re in a faraway land where sugarplum fairies leave caramel wing prints on fondant roads.

Under confectioner’s clouds, behind the gumdrop tree, lies Sweet Collective, a new bakery co-op that brings camaraderie to the table. Three ladies, three businesses, one roof, one agenda: to woo you with delicious treats.

You head toward Ruth and Phil’s Gourmet Ice Cream and face an obstacle: chocolate orange tea or blueberry chardonnay sorbet? Easy. Both.

You’re distracted mid lick by sweetness wafting from Rich Chocolates & Candies. You dive into a pool of handmade truffles — s’mores, bananas Foster, key lime. Chinatown (dark chocolate, orange, sesame) and Devon (garam masala) chocolates rain from the sky. You open your mouth wide.

Then The Sugar Syndicate queen bestows upon you mini pastries — creme brulee, cupcakes, tarts, cakes for two — and you throw your sticky hands up to the sky in thanks.

It’s quite literally a dream come true.

Sweet Collective, 5333 North Lincoln Avenue, at Berwyn Avenue (773-293-0888).