Kilwins opens, invents Hyde Park dessert
By LINDSAY WELBERS
Staff Writer
Kilwins has begun offering its sweet treats in time for the holidays. The chocolate and candy shop opened its doors last week. Owner and Hyde Parker Jackie Jackson celebrated the soft opening of her second Kilwins store location in Chicago, at 5226 S. Harper St., on Saturday, Dec. 22.
“We love the revitalization and what’s going on at the 53rd Street project and we’re just happy to be here to support our community,” Jackson said.
To honor the neighborhood Jackson created a Hyde Park Mud ice cream. Jackson described it as “velvety, vanilla ice cream with caramel swirls throughout and explosions of chocolate chips.” Hyde Park Mud’s fudgey counterpart is “a creamy vanilla-based fudge with caramel swirls throughout and dark chocolate fudge. “
The ice cream, Jackson said, is super premium meaning it is made with 14 percent butterfat. The majority of the ice cream flavors, 30 out of 37, are kosher and all sweets and candies are made on site, in the front window.
Jackson said Kilwins is working out partnership opportunities with Harper Theater and other businesses in the area.
A grand opening is expected in January, but Jackson said she would like to see the store open early enough in the morning for people to get coffee and stay open late enough to satiate a sweet craving after leaving the late show at the Harper Theater.
Because the grand opening has not yet occurred Jackson said the hours may be a little flexible for the time being. Call 773-675-6731 for more information.
January 10, 2013 @ 8:01 pm
What a lovely addition to the “new” Harper Square area! Kilwans is a real Confectionery.
I was conciously looking for the store after having called to verify the location, but had I been casually walking north past the new movie theater on Harper, there’s no way I could not have stopped after glancing in the window. The window display and decor grabbed me and pulled me inside.
There are confections that I have not even thought about since my childhood. The opportunity to sample them led me to make purchasess that I had not intended — but then, I can always use gifts for friends (I lied to myself as I gobbled a luscious caramel fudge). Some of the candies are presented in whimsical and unusual gift containers that be purchased should one have the self control needed to share the delicious candies.
Kilwans is a delight and a needed addition to the area. I suggest you go there — before Lent.