Do you like chocolate? Well, who doesn't, right? If you are a true chocolate connoisseur you know that the best chocolate in the world comes from Belgium. The rich, creamy taste of their concoctions is simply unrivaled. But, did you know that you can get that incredible flavor right in Rockford? Leonidas, the signature brand of Belgian chocolate, has a store right in the heart of the Forest City.

Perhaps it might be a good idea to look at the history of Leonida's the brand. It is every bit as rich as the scrumptious goodies they sell. The origins date back to the beginning of the 20th century when "the young Léonidas Kestekides, confectioner in the US since the early 1900's," went to "the 1910 World Fair in Brussels and the 1913 World Fair in Ghent as a member of the Greek delegation from the United States." At those conventions he received a bronze medal and a gold medal, "respectively for his chocolate confectionery and his patisserie." After this huge professional victory, and after having fallen in love with a woman in Belgium, Kestekides settled in that country.

In 1935, Basile Kestekides the nephew of the founder, took over and incorporated "the logo showing an effigy of the king of Sparta, Leonidas, in honour of his uncle." He sold "his freshly-made chocolates from the open window of his shop in Boulevard Anspach." Thus was the starting pointing a growing reputation for quality and taste. According to the company's website (where the other quotes also originated), "the founder's dream, perpetuated by his successors, was to make these Belgian chocolates available to everyone without lowering standards."

That dream is now being lived out in Rockford. The local store is at 301 7th Street, and is being operated by sisters Daniella Swaab and Vanessa Scheer. In addition to the Leonidas chocolates and pralines (another specialty of the company) they have coffee and espresso by the cup and also sell bulk coffee. They opened up their shop in December of 2004. The ladies are open for business Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6 PM and during the fall and winter they are also there from 10 until 2 on Saturday. Stop by and try their wares - you'll be hooked. It's a great way to experience a worldwide tradition, while enjoying some wonderful taste treats.