What a discovery! A few months ago, Il Giardino del Dolce opened only minutes away in lovely downtown St. Charles. Yes, it is an incredible bakery, but it also serves paninis and focaccias.
Lunch started with the Angela Panini, which is prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil on ciabatta for $5.95 plus tax (adequate for two if having desert). Next the Lobster Tail pastry and a Napoleon were selected, along with steaming, robust cups of coffee.
The Lobster Tail ($2.50) was a crunchy puff pastry with a French custard filling, and it did look like a lobster tail! The Napoleon ($1.50) was a classic with custard filling (the only way a Napoleon should be made). Coffee was $1 for a small, $1.25 for a medium.
On the day of our visit, five flavors of gelato were available. The staff would have provided samples of each if asked. Of the ones tried, the peach and the wild berry were outstanding. Prices ranged from $2.75 and up, depending on size.
The pastries. Oh, what an incredible selection, from cakes, cookies, pastries, biscotti, marzipan. Hundred to select from.
Visit the website for pictures! The biscotti and cookies were $7.99 per pound, specialty cookies $9.99 a pound. Marzipan, $13.99 a pound. Naturally, a box of delicacies were selected to take home.
Il Giardino del Dolce is an extension of the bakery on Harlem at Diversey in Chicago. The St. Charles location has been so successful, it is taking over the neighboring storefront and has plans to add to its menu and expand its catering.
Just north of the bakery is a delightful plaza with charming water features and benches. The perfect place to enjoy a great cup of coffee and an old world pastry. Use your imagination and transport yourself to an outdoor café in Vienna!
Handicapped accessible. Directions: Il Giardino del Dolce is located on 1st St., just south of the Baker Hotel and just north of the Blue Goose grocery store (both St. Charles landmarks).
Il Giardino del Dolce: Four Acorns
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