I scream, you scream, we all—yeah, you get the picture. Slow your roll, though; this isn’t your run-of-the-mill 31 Flavors, nor the ubiquitous posh dessert boutique. Lincoln Square has something unique to scream about: Sweet Treats, the area’s rookie snack shop, now features Sherman’s ice cream, the family-owned brand from South Haven, Michigan that has quite a following here in Chicago.
Ideally set across from Welles Park on Montrose, Sweet Treats researched several ice-cream brands, including Edy’s, Ben & Jerry’s and Breyers. When Sherman’s owner answered the phone himself, gladly taking all their questions, the choice was made. By picking the regional hero, Sweet Treats is certain to strike a chord with Chicago’s large, from-Michigan population and those who vacation in picturesque South Haven. Says owner Angela Latino, “Now, you don’t have to go to Michigan to get Sherman’s ice cream.”
Grandpa Sherman started the small dairy in 1916. In the 1950s, Port Sherman experimented with old-fashioned ice-cream recipes to get the rich, natural flavor he craved. When he nailed it, Port bought out his brothers and stopped bottling milk. Today, Sherman’s boasts no big factory or high-tech equipment, just small batches of ice cream, at first sold door-to-door, then to groceries as the name caught on.
The local theme remains evident throughout Sweet Treats. A Lakeview baker supplies the shop with pastries, a local confectioner creates a bevy of temptations. Pictures of the area, painted skillfully onto old windowpanes, give a perspective of gazing through a window at Lincoln Square landmarks and vistas. These works are on sale, and Latino anticipates working with more artists to give customers a visual treat, while providing opportunities for local talent.
With three bar/restaurant combos on the North Side (Bowman’s, Bluelight and Waterhouse), this is the Latinos’ first foray into desserts and snacks. The common aspect of their approach is to blend in, become a friendly spot in which residents can unwind. With unique Sherman’s flavors like Blue Moon and Mackinac Island Fudge, Sweet Treats promises to be a welcome addition to an already fun part of town. (John Alex Colon)
Sweet Treats, 2207 West Montrose, (773)539-3044
