Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts

Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts has been baking on Western Avenue in downtown Lake Forest for more than three decades, and the shop’s own site calls the place a local institution. Owner Mary Greub and pastry chef Sandy run a from-scratch kitchen that turns out chocolate mousse cake, fresh-dipped doughnuts and cookies, almond croissants, blueberry muffins, fruit tarts and quiche. The cafe seats a small crowd in the morning, and the pastry case does a steady trade in cakes for North Shore birthdays and holidays. Market Square is across the street, and the Metra station is a few minutes’ walk.

What to know

• Owner Mary Greub has run the bakery for 32 years, per the shop’s About page.
• Everything is made from scratch in the shop’s own kitchen, led by chef Sandy.
• Signature items include chocolate mousse cake, fresh-dipped doughnuts and almond croissants.
• Located at 720 N Western Ave, across Western Avenue from Market Square.
• Custom cakes and fruit tarts are available to order.