Kane County Reporter

What do a coffee roaster, candlemaker, confectioner, sustainable gastropub, and purveyor of encased meats have in common? If it's handmade, homemade, and locally made, it's Illinois Made. Read our guide and you can discover five Illinois Made destinations right here in the Aurora Area of Illinois.

Atrevete Confections • Montgomery, Illinois

Sweet has never been so daring. Inspired pastries & confections are made from scratch daily at this delicious destination in the historic riverside Village of Montgomery, Illinois.

Chef and owner Jacqueline Mejia's lifelong dream of opening her own confectionary led her to pursue an education at the French Pastry School of Kennedy King College in Chicago, followed by an apprenticeship with Chris Hammer, of "Top Chef: Just Desserts" fame, at his destination patisserie in Sioux Falls. Mejia struck out on her own with a popular food truck that eventually led her to open a storefront and scratch kitchen, where she and her team serve up magnificent croissants, gateaux, cheesecakes, hand-made crepes, and signature confections to loyal patrons. Atrevete is located just steps away from the Fox River and Fox River Trails in Montgomery, Illinois, or you can visit Atrevete's pop-up location beginning spring of 2023 at Chicago Premium Outlets. 

Atrevete Confections is located at 216 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538View Atrevete's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

Endiro Coffee • Aurora, Illinois

Endiro Coffee is a tree-to-cup producer of signature African coffee, grown by women-led cooperatives in Uganda. The coffee is exported and then brought to Illinois where Endiro then roasts and brews it right here in Aurora Downtown. A certified B Corporation, Endiro's profits are dedicated to partnerships with local charities focused on ending child vulnerability in the communities of Uganda and locally here in the Aurora Area. Stop by Endiro's only American location for delicious breakfast and lunch items, sweet treats, and of course, a cup of Bududa Bukalasi coffee brewed in a traditional wood-neck pour over.

Endiro Coffee is located at 29 W. New York Street, Aurora, IL 60506View Endiro Coffee's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

Hardware • North Aurora, Illinois

Rising from a field on Orchard Road in North Aurora, a tall rock and HARDWARE in rustic letters mark the spot where you'll encounter one of the suburbs' most celebrated dining programs, combining New American cuisine with a collection of over 400 whiskeys and its BBGB Brewery and Hop Farm. Reclaimed architecture, a greenhouse, and "living wall" are testaments to the sustainable sourcing practiced here, with much of the produce featured in its menu grown on-site, while meats are cured indoors to exacting, flavorful perfection. Though the menu rotates on a seasonal basis, standbys like Hardware's deconstructed "Chicago Hot Dog" are a fan favorite and a must-try.

Hardware is located at 2000 W. Orchard Road, North Aurora, IL 60542. View Hardware's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

Hearth & Hammer General • Batavia, Illinois

A modern neighborhood general store and candlemaking studio, Hearth & Hammer General is a destination for quality crafted and zero-waste goods in the heart of downtown Batavia's Route 31 craft corridor. Shop signature literary-themed Hearth & Hammer candles, featured in a number of tastemaking publications including Midwest Living, along with a curated collection of home goods, greeting cards, apothecary products, as well as gifts and apparel for men and kids. Custom gift boxes are available, as are counter snacks ranging from sparkling sodas and cold brews to delicious chocolates, rubs, and spices. A dedicated space for candlemaking is part of the shop's appeal, with availability for workshops & classes, perfect for groups. Owner Ariane Scholl says about Hearth & Hammer General, "We want everyone who visits to walk away feeling like they’ve experienced a piece of Batavia and to be reminded that the concept of the neighborhood general store is still alive and well." 

Hearth & Hammer General is located at 319 Main Street, Batavia, IL 60510. View Hearth & Hammer General at EnjoyIllinois.com

Wurst Kitchen • Aurora, Illinois

Since 1895, Wurst Kitchen has been providing the Aurora Area and Chicagoland with the finest all natural handmade sausages and smoked meats. Highlighted as "Chicago's Best Bratwurst," you can find fresh or frozen sausages here to keep your grill stocked all summer long. A variety of traditional and signature styles are available here, ranging from traditional kishka and Italian sausage to unique flavors like Tequila & Lime brats and Wurst's Own "Kicker" brats, with the perfect amount of spice. Don't forget Fido: beef sticks, pig ears, and "Dinosaur bones" available to-go.

Wurst Kitchen is located at 638 2nd Avenue, Aurora, IL 60505.View Wurst Kitchen's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

Original source can be found here.