A Yelpy Cookie Exchange Holiday Bash At Cellar Gate Wine Market

So as soon as I received the invite to attend a Unilocal Cookie Exchange, I knew I just had to be there! Although it was more than an hour to travel to the event, it was worth every minute in traffic to get there.
I have never met the dear, sweet Angela prior to this event and was just overjoyed when she greeted us at the entrance of what was sure to be a great evening with my fellow Unilocalers! I baked my special recipe chocolate chip cookies fresh the night before the event and while they are not the most festive cookies in the world, I have been using this recipe for the past few months and looked forward to sharing my treats with my fellow Unilocalers.
When we pulled up in front of Cellar Gate, I have to say, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had not had a chance to explore them online before going which is something I sometimes do before going to any new business. At least to have an idea of what the building looks like so I don’t miss it. Having not ever been to the area before, I was completely unfamiliar.
Cellar Gate is a hidden treasure in Highwood! I felt like I was walking through a shop in Galena or downtown Geneva. This place is just darling. It’s technically not a winery but they sell wine and lots of it! They also serve small plates/​apps of all kinds. I love wine but like to have a little something to nibble on while sipping so this is a perfect place for me!
The small bites and cheese platter they served were excellent. Made with quality ingredients and fresh. The whole ambiance is relaxing. Just the kind of place I would want to wind down after a long week. If we lived closer, I’m fairly certain I would be a regular here.
The owner is just as sweet as their Cabernet is delicious. She’s an absolute doll and I get why she opened this place. The story behind the building itself and her story is amazing. Everyone can walk down the street of just about any town, but never realize who else may have walked that same path 50 years earlier or even who may have stood in the same place you might stand while sipping Cellar Gate’s wine today.
I can’t express enough how much I simply loved Angela’s performance of an Elvis classic. Angela, you are just a beautiful person (after spending a little time with you) and you are just a gem!
When Mr. Angela and Matt asked us if we like the Beatles and since I couldn’t say it then, I’m gonna say it now…“does a bear shit in the woods!?“
Thank you gentlemen, for setting the mood for the night! A huge thank you to Unilocal and Angela for putting together this awesome event. A giant thank you to everyone that baked delicious treats to share. I hope you all enjoyed my Chocolate Chip Cookies. And thank you to Cellar Gate’s owners and staff for allowing us to invade your shop, exchange our cookies, feeding us your awesome food and sharing your awesome wine!
We’ll be back… for sure!!!

Wonderful event to kick off the Holiday Season, and my first Cookie Exchange! Baked 3 types of cookies with my guest (mama) just for the occasion.
I have to say this is one of the neatest venues I’ve been to for the Unilocal Events. While the front area seemed more like a normal storefront with a few tables and chairs, the back really had a cozy and intimate atmosphere and I am sure the garden in the summer is just as beautiful.
I had a great time meeting and catching up with some of the other Elites. I didn’t know there were such great bakers among us! Highlight of the evening was definitely Angela’s performance!

Oh what fun it is to drive to Highwood in a Hyundai Santa Fe!
This Unilocaly Cookie Exchange was my first North Shore event and it was just lovely. Lovely could literally describe almost everything about the evening. From the lovely greeting from Cellar Gate Wine Market’s owner to the lovely vocal stylings of CM Angela to the lovely décor throughout the entire space. The list goes on and on!
Cellar Gate is a cozy nook tucked away and easily missed if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Lucky for me as the driver that evening, my sister the navigator had seen a picture of the front of the building, so we didn’t drive past. Had I been alone, I would have had to circle back. The building is charming (just like owner, Kayla)! And the history, well let’s just say that those walls would have a lot of explaining to do!
The evening consisted of wine, some light but power-​packed bites, great conversation and an abundance of cookies. The highlights for me were the flatbread offerings, meeting Christina S and husband John S, meeting Elaine and her husband Phillip (you’ve got to forgive me if I’m wrong because I haven’t found you two on Unilocal yet!), finally exchanging a few words in real life with Miss Sarah S and winning one of the Cellar Gate gift certificates. The live music was a nice addition to the evening! I should mention the service… it was excellent! We were not a small group and plates were cleared and glasses were filled without having to ask.
Thank you for having this Bartlett-​based girl out to your neck of the woods! I had a fabulous time and hope to see lots of you again soon!

Fantastic night! It was definitely one of those cold nights where you just wanted to stay in but I am so so glad I came to this event! This wonderful find is so close to my home– I can’t believe I haven’t stumbled upon it yet! Such a cozy feel to the place-​so many fun lights to look at, cozy chairs and fireplace in the back, a middle room that reminded me of my great grandma’s amazing farm kitchen, and a front room full of great wines to choose from and a menu full of yummy foods. This place is downright charming, as is the owner. I will be back for sure with family during the holidays and with friends hopefully even sooner. Ang-​it was great to hear you sing again-it’s been too too long!!!

What a wonderful event. Thank you so much Unilocal and Cellar Gate!
Cellar Gate is a very cute comfortable wine bar. It felt warm and cozy inside on the cold day we were there. Yet it also had a beautiful outdoor area for when the weather is warm. It felt like being in someone’s house. There was even a fireplace in the back!
The staff was all very friendly and they took care of us Unilocalers.
The cookie exchange was a brilliant idea, and Angela executed it spectacularly. I’m glad she brought plastic containers for everyone to take their cookies in, because I didn’t think about how to serve my cookies or bring them home!

I wasn’t feeling going out considering the cold weather in the snow on the ground. But I’m glad I did. Angela hosted yet another fabulous event. Thank you to the Cellar Gate hosting us!
Upon entering, I was quickly greeted by the host. Then, Angela gave me a tour of the place. It has an amazing history that was very interesting to learn about. I love the marble floors. The décor was very homey. It was the perfect location for a holiday cookie exchange.
I’m pretty picky when it comes to line. Not that I have an expensive taste, but I enjoy the cheaper sweet wines. However the white wine that they were serving was amazing. I definitely enjoyed the glass I had. It went perfectly with the cheeses, fruits, hummus and other small bites being served.
I loved the live music by «Mr. Angela» and Matt. The song that Angela performed with her husband was so cute. I found it so romantic that they perform the song at their wedding. Angela has an incredible singing voice.
The cookie exchange was a nice touch. I really like how they displayed all the cookies and we got to choose a dozen that we wanted. Mine did not last very long when I got home. I really want the recipe for the brownie cookie. So if that was yours please private message me. I just wish that the cookies would’ve been labeled. I have a nut allergy so I tried to find the people made the cookies to ask them if they had nuts in them. The cookies I was unsure about I may my mom take a bite of first. No worries though, she didn’t complain.
A huge thank you to the Cellar Gate and Angela for hosting this event. I’m glad I got out of my sweats and came out.

What a great way to kick off the holiday season! Hard to decide if the special treat were the delectable cookies, the beautiful and intimate setting of Cellar Gate or Angela serenading the group with one of my favorite songs of all time!
All in all a wonderful experience and a great way to socialize with fellow Unilocalers. While Cellar Gate is particularly charming during the warmer months with its patio, it also provides a warm respite during the brutal Chicago winter. Nice collection of wine for novice and oenophiles alike with hospitality that can’t be beat! Unilocal event or not, Cellar Gate is a winner of a venue in my book!

Angela found the perfect venue for a nice holiday cookie exchange to kick off the season. Hubby and I live very close, yet have only stopped by this place once to see what it was. We will be back!
Kayla, the owner, had such a nice selection of wine for us to try. My fav was the red one from Italy. I was amazed at their wall of wine. It was not expensive compared to what you find in restaurants. And if you just buy it to go, they take $ 5 off. Sweet!
We had a tasty selection of appetizers: a cheese and charcuterie tray, hummus plate, a couple of flatbreads, and olives. Hubby and I had a little bit of everything so we knew what to order when we go back. The pesto flatbread was my fav.
Angela’s hubby played while she sang. So sweet. We also heard a bit of history about the building from the owner. (I remember traveling up to Highwood as a teen to (ahem) «visit» this place!)
It’s so cozy and homey with the fireplace in the back room. I could see a cold winter night coming here for some wine and noshes. Maybe even playing a game.
In addition, I loved being «forced» to bring baked cookies. I actually got into my baking groove and made a couple dozen peanut butter kiss blossoms. I have been dieting, so hubby and I only took a few cookies home to try. I wish I could try them all. everyone did such a nice job of baking something yummy.
Thanks to Unilocal,Angela, and Kayla (and the crew at Cellar Gate) for making it such a fun wintery evening.

You know what this event needs? More cookies…
I’m being completely sarcastic, because there I don’t think we need more cookies after this event. Anyway, this was cool event, and it was a good location.
Had some great conversations with Unilocalers, had a variety of interesting small bites and nice noshes (hummus and veggies was a nice touch) plus good choices of wine to go along with the experience. I like the location, it was interesting in how they separated the back and front of the place so that you essentially had two main areas of the event.
The owner was super friendly and service was great. Another great party put together by Angela! Oh and I youtube’d Angelas performance, as well :)

C is for Cookie, and cookie is for me! C is also for Charming, and that is what this event, venue, guests and host Angela were. So this girl left happy and with a dozen cookies– 2, if you count the cookies I plan to steal from my husband. ;)
What a great idea to have a Unilocal cookie exchange; it made this event just that much more fun and personal, and was the perfect kickoff to putting me in the mood for the holiday season! The venue of the Cellar Gate could not have been more perfect. I am anxious to get back and also bring guests here to soak up all that wonderful, charming, fancy but comfortable atmosphere going on in their parlor rooms– yes, I said parlor. I can’t emphasize enough how perfectly charming this location and its owner, Kayla, are. I’d walked by before and noted its charms from the outside (and hubby says I peeked in the door, but I forgot that) and knew I wanted to return, so I was thrilled this put it back on my radar.
There was ample space to walk around and mingle at different areas and tables, and there are 2 parlor rooms separated by a long hallway, and a cute old-​timey market «kitchen» in between where you would find another table, perhaps for a small private table? I absolutely adored the back parlor room and would most definitely opt to sit back there on a more typical visit, but most of the action seemed centered in front for this event, so I found a seat and planted. :)
Between the surroundings, the cookies, hearing Kayla’s story of the interesting building’s history, the live music, meeting the beaming Angela– who later SANG for us– and meeting nice, fun and chatty Unilocalers like Catherine P, Jennifer S, and finally briefly meeting sweet Sarah S whom I’d love to chat more with later… I’d have to call it a pretty perfect Unilocal event. And of course, spending it with my hubby at his first Unilocal event put it over the top.
I do wish there had been an announcement about the cookie exchange actually beginning, or if there was, I missed it, because I didn’t know it was going on til it was pretty much over. Hubby and I were the last ones over there so I regret not seeing (and taking pics) of what all the Unilocalers so lovingly prepared. However, there were plenty of cookies to choose from, so we definitely did not leave empty handed, and had already begun enjoying some on our couch with Ray Donovan later that night. (One needs cookies to lighten the mood when watching RD, no??) And I NEED to know– who made those thin, yummy, chewy molasses or ginger cookies? They were fantastic! If you made them, you’re a genius in my book. :)
I had such a lovely time, and our server who’s name escapes me, was so friendly and efficient. I really want to thank Angela for the invite, it was so nice to meet you and attend a North Shore Unilocal event. You are such a bubbly, comforting hostess and that is much appreciated. Thanks for making this a fantastic event, and to Kayla and staff for the gorgeous venue, charm, appetizers and wine, oh yes, the wine. :)) I’m very much looking forward to returning here and bringing my wine-​drinking family and friends!
A final profound note:
C is also for Cupcake, and cupcake is for me! Just sayin’, I’m ready for a cupcake exchange. ;)

I love baking! It’s one of the few domestic skills I actually posses so if I ever get the chance to whip something together, I do so happily. I was very excited that there was going to be a Unilocal Cookie Exchange — how fun!
My friend and I were the first ones to arrive at Cellar Gate which allowed us a few moments to explore the shop. It is so adorable! I loved the eclectic sense of style and each twist & turn in a new room showed more fun & exciting items. The place was honestly adorable.
I had such a lovely time catching up with my Unilocal regulars and finally meeting the lovely Christina S. and Jennifer S. plus got to meet newbie Tanya V. Welcome to our neighborhood! Red & White wine was flowing and I know fun was had by all. I didn’t get a chance to play any board games as I was too busy gabbing. Next time though as I love a good game night. Cellar Gate provided us delicious flatbreads (REAL delicious) and fruits & cheeses. Their regular menu has some items on it that sound really good so I’d love to go back and try more.
We were all treated to tunes and even were serenaded by the great North Shore CM Angela! Check out Matt’s video linked in his review to see the adorbs performance. And then… the cookie exchanging began. Although no one has said it yet, I know you all liked my cookies best. It totally goes without saying, so no worries. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. ;)
I’m determined to go back for one of Cellar Gate’s B&W movies or to see Angela’s hubby’s band play again. More Beatles songs please! One of my favorite events on the North Shore thus far, so great job Angela! And a big thanks to our music makers! Plus all those at the Cellar Gate! Staff was incredibly friendly and the one server in particular was extra great bringing me wine table side — score! :D Great friends, great food, great music and great location all culminating in a great night!

Homemade cookies, live music, appetizers, wine and a group of friendly and energetic Unilocalers? Doesn’t get any better. That was a wonderful event, Angela, and you deserve three dozen cookies for your time and creativity put into our 2013 North Shore Unilocaly Cookie Exchange Holiday Bash! The location was great, your serenade was sooo sweet, and I’m really glad to be part of the group. :) Thanks!

Um can every Unilocal event include a cookie exchange?
Seriously best idea ever. I munched on cookies all the way home — they are all so unique and delicious! We have some serious bakers in the North Shore. This definitely needs to happen more often.
Otherwise, gorgeous venue, great event! Wines I actually enjoyed drinking, too. Didn’t know a gorgeous gem like this existed all the way up here. Loved the part when Angela sang. That needs to happen more often, too!
Thanks for a great event!

As a Unilocaler who’s helped organize cookie exchanges, I can appreciate when Unilocal does the leg work for me. Thanks, Angela! My job here is complete for 2013…
In all seriousness, I had a wonderful time. Who knew cookies and wine went so well together? Apparently Unilocal Chicago North Shore!
I don’t get to Highwood (autocorrect wanted me to say Juggalos) very often. Both cases are correct. But when I do get up this far and avoid Juggalos, I have a great time! This little town has some wonderful businesses and Cellar Gate is no exception.
Wine bars are my jam. I especially appreciate that this particular location manages to shy away from the pretentiousness associated with the NS area. It was like a cute little neighborhood café and the prices aren’t bad at all. I left with a bottle of Clean Slate wine after the event.
Take advantage of the cheese and meat platters if you ever get the chance. Anne S. and I agreed that the sliced pears were superb. I particularly enjoyed the Vinho Verde wine with all the white cheese.
It was so nice to see everyone. I can’t wait to inhale your cookies at home!