Illinois Nut and Candy Co.

In search of some foodie-worthy candy for the LTH Picnic Pinata, now that both Dulcelandia on Clark and that candy shop on Oakton in Skokie have closed, I cast my net a bit further out. I recalled a store on Dempster that I'd passed by many a time, assuming it was just another Long Grove Confectionery type place...so I went to the internets to check it out.

Turns out, while they do have quite the selection of saltwater taffy and chocolates (there's a nice-looking collection of chocolate-dipped dried fruits) the owner is a real connoisseur of hard candies. Following up on an interesting selection of flavors like pomegranate and goji berry candies and lollipops, he told me these were the last of them; the supplier had gone out of business - but that not only were the flavors incredible, they were also completely organic. He asked exactly what I was looking for, and the age of the crowd. When I explained it was a foodie picnic, he made several suggestions - including a candy called "Fizzy" sort of a Jolly Rancher/Pop Rocks hybrid.

So, in addition to the traditional (to our picnic at least) ethnic candies that I purchased from various different stores, we'll be having: Organic pomegranate rocks, lime slices, and goji berry rocks; several flavors of saltwater taffy; and party mix (which contains several different kinds of hard candies)

At any rate, Illinois Nut and Candy is worth a look-see.
3745 West Dempster, Skokie, IL 60076
847-677-5777 or 800-590-NUTS

http://www.illinoisnut.com/ - plenty of Kosher items.

What's the upper age limit for the pinata? Some of that candy sounds great!