THE CHOCOLATE SANCTUARY
T
he Chocolate Sanctuary Restaurant and Lounge is a destination that celebrates the cocoa bean in its many forms. Founders Bill and Donna Collazo are area residents who are fulfilling their long-held dream of making a mark on the North Shore dining scene. The couple’s restaurant, which opened in June of 2015, provides an elegant escape from the everyday. It is a business where community pride is nourished with exceptional food, drink and hospitality. In addition to critically acclaimed lunch and dinner service, The Chocolate Sanctuary offers chocolates crafted by local artisans and its own hand-made, in-house truffles and other retail items for sale. The venue also features exquisite space for a variety of private events. The couple’s dream aligned with opportunity when Bill and his former aviation partners sold their business, and their two children, Will and Kayla, finished their education. This enabled the family to then jointly establish their concept and realize their vision. “While Lake County communities contain a variety of modern casual restaurants, we felt that Gurnee would benefit from having a destination restaurant that they could call their own,” stated Bill Collazo. “Our concept brings yet another great dining option to the village and the surrounding cities and towns”. The Chocolate Sanctuary is actively engaged in Lake County communities and is continually looking for new experiences to
share with its neighbors. Gurnee Mayor, Kristina Kovarik, hosted a morning coffee with area constituents when the restaurant first opened, and the restaurant continues to welcome public officials and nonprofits to look to the venue as an opportunity to bring various communities together. The restaurant is partnering with area charities and will be hosting a series of events that are designed to entertain and enlighten guests and members of their up-and-coming Cocoa Club. Through the program, rolling-out later this year, members will receive the Collazo’s monthly chocolate selections, along with exclusive discounts and invitations to member-only events such as cooking and mixology classes, wine and chocolate pairings and chef ’s dinners. The Chocolate Sanctuary is currently open for lunch and dinner, featuring menu selections that awaken the palate by honoring the many nuances of cocoa with inspired small plates, twists on classic entrées and utter masterpieces for dessert. Lunch offers a variety of options and price points with pleasant and efficient service and a complementary chocolate surprise. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11p.m. Fridays and Saturday. The Chocolate Sanctuary launched Sunday brunch hours on Easter Sunday, and will continue serving Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the year. Sunday dinner hours are 4 to 9 p.m.
Gurnee Salata Funeral Home An Honor and Privilege to Serve
John L. Salata, III Director
�
���
�
�
��� ����
� � ��
�� ��
� � ���
�� �
4190 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee IL 60031 847-244-1155 Fax: 847-244-1111 Cell Phone 847-804-8402 gurneefuneralhome@yahoo.com
Complimentary, personalized floral consultations
15
Flowers for Every Occasion! ������ ��������� � �������� �� � ���� ������� ����������� ��� ���������� ����� ��� ���� ��� ���� ���������� ���������� �������� ��� ��������� �������� �� ��� ������� ���������� �������� ��������� �� ��� �������� �� ��� ����������� �� ������
Bouquets • Birthday • Anniversary flowers Weddings • Parties/events Gifts • Everyday and Holiday décor. DeBrand Fine Chocolates
4949 Grand Avenue, Suite 7B Gurnee, IL 60031
��� � ����
847-249-4644 www.balmesflowersgurnee.com
������ ��
2016-2017 COMMUNITY GUIDE
IL-GUR-CW-16 Design.indd 15
|
�
��� � ���
� ������������
���������
����� � ���� ��� �
��
�
������
� ���� ��� � �
� ��
����������
����� � �� ����� �����
�
�
�
W W W. G U R N E E C H A M B E R . C O M
5/4/2016 12:29:28 PM