While driving through Mundelein, Illinois, I saw stars. Neither celestial nor celebrity, these stars were colorful outdoor sculptures.

I have written many times about my appreciation for such public art programs. This one was simply serendipity.

The stars are part of the Mundelein Arts Commission’s Stars on Parade series that began in 2020. MAC choose from local artists who had submitted creative proposals. Decorating and painting the plastic and steel pieces, the artists created sculptures of the Mundelein star logo. When the artists were finished, a local auto body shop applied a clear topcoat to help preserve them. The display was expected to last a few years, but many still decorate the downtown strip. Each star has a theme such as “Alice in Wonderland” or “Starry Night.”

The last star I saw proved to be even more serendipitous. One thing I appreciate more than public art is a cannoli. Mere feet from the last star was Tony Cannoli, a whole shop devoted to cannoli. Clearly, this was a sign, and I had to take advantage of it.

Upon entering, I saw a chalk board listing several types of cannoli, cannoli cakes, cannoli shakes and other delicacies. I was in cannoli heaven. As a cannoli aficionado (maybe even a cannoli snob), I always start with the traditional, a shell filled with candied orange peel ricotta dipped in pistachios. If the traditional doesn’t pass the test, there’s no point in moving to other flavors.

When told it would be a couple minutes, as Tony made them to order, my excitement level rose. Very quickly, Tony presented me with three cannoli. I bought the other two for my friends I was visiting.

I managed to delay eating mine until I could share them with my friends. The scent was a good sign, but the first bite sealed it. This was one scrumptious cannoli. To pass my cannoli test, it must have real ricotta filling and a crisp but not hard shell. Tony’s masterpiece had both. Upon finishing my cannoli, I wished I had bought more, but I know I will return soon.

Mundelein’s star sculptures bring fun and color to the area, but the real stars are at Tony Cannoli.

— John Wroblewski, online writer