“My kitchen is enriched by all that is fresh and available to us. We combine the freshest of ingredients in a creative way as I hope to please the most demanding of gourmet palates.”
— Chef Gerhard
Bon appétit!
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Bon appétit!
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Bon appétit! 〰️ Bon appétit! 〰️
Our Legacy
Nestled in the heart of Lake Forest for the past 30+ years, Gerhard’s stands as a beacon of sophistication and taste, drawing upon centuries-old European baking traditions. Our journey began with a reverence for the time-honored recipes passed down through generations, each one a testament to the culinary mastery that defines our heritage. Our master bakery and pastry team bring together the finest ingredients, meticulously sourced from around the world, to curate a selection of delights that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination.
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Mary, deeply passionate about the joy that quality pastries bring to daily life, owns a quaint, well-loved, European pastry shop. Although she is not the pastry chef herself, she takes immense pride in her team's creations, from flaky croissants to Swiss chocolate mousse, which draw both locals and tourists into her charming establishment. Her gratitude for her flourishing business is evident in her warm greetings to customers and her dedication to maintaining a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that has made her shop a cherished part of the community for 30+ years.
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Chef Sandy has spent almost 35 years perfecting the art of pastry and dessert creation. Chef Sandy always knew where her passion was and it was in baking. With her natural talent and her formal training from Kendall College she honed in on her skills. She worked under several French chefs at places like Le Titi de Paris, Le Francaise and The Ritz Carlton Chicago.
She has been an acclaimed pastry chef and with Gerhard’s for over 25 years. She has a unique approach to classic techniques as she seamlessly blends traditional flavors with modern aesthetics creating desserts that are both visually stunning and exquisitely delicious. She has a great eye for detail and would love to create something for you! Chef Sandy loves pleasing her guests!
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We uphold an uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence. From the selection of our ingredients to the precision of our techniques, every step of our process is guided by a dedication to perfection. It's this commitment that sets us apart and ensures that each visit to our patisserie is a truly unforgettable experience.
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Step into our bakery and be transported to a world of refined indulgence. With its warm ambiance and attentive service, our patisserie invites you to linger, to savor, and to create moments of pure joy amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Where creativity meets delicious
Indulge in an exquisite array of pastry and bakery items. From the delicate layers of our signature chocolate marjolaine to the decadent richness of our chocolate éclairs, every bite is a revelation of flavor and texture, designed to delight even the most discerning palate.
Savor the simplicity of a perfectly crafted croissant, its buttery layers yielding to reveal a tender interior that melts in your mouth. Or perhaps immerse yourself in the sensory delight of our fruit tarts, where vibrant, seasonal fruits are nestled atop a delicate pastry shell, their natural sweetness balanced by a whisper of pastry cream.
What we do
