Chocolate shops the hot thing in the Triangle

[bbqme]

Looks like the hottest thing in the Triangle lately is made-from-scratch chocolate shops. You have probably heard by now about Matthew's Chocolates in Hillborough, Excazu in Raleigh and Carolina Confectionary Company just south of Chapel Hill (if you haven't see links below) . I was in Carr Mill Mall in Carborro the other day and noticed a chocolate shop going in there. The owner was working on her laptop so I decided to pop my head in and say hi. She said that they are hoping to open in 3-4 weeks and they will be making all of their chocolates and pastries on the premises. Can't wait! What other chocolate shops (self made, not resellers like say Southern Season) are in the Triangle area of NC? Let's make this thread a reference for future chocolate cravings.

http://www.chapelhillnews.com/features/story/12064.html

http://www.newsobserver.com/1158/story/941506.html

http://www.southernneighbor.com/

[fussycouple]

quote:
What other chocolate shops (self made, not resellers like say Southern Season) are in the Triangle area of NC? Let's make this thread a reference for future chocolate cravings.
endquote:

Actually, some of the resellers like A Southern Season do sell local chocolate, and provide a venue for those people who don't have their own shops "yet", like:

Mr. Reginald Savage of http://www.azurelise.com/testimonials...

A.S.S. also sells handmade marshmallows and fruit de pate made by a local woman: these things are out of this world good and I don't even LIKE marshmallows. Fruit de pate btw, is kinda like "good" turkish delight.

Wanna sweetie? Wanna sweetie?

[dubedo]

I haven't been to Escazu's shop on Glenwood yet but I have bought their bars in Beaufort, NC, where they started, and at Southern Season. I love love love the Beaufort Bar - dark chocolate with chunks of sea salt. It's not for everyone but if you love it, you really love it.

And then there's Peche, near City Market in downtown Raleigh. It's been open less than 6 months I think. Delicious chocolates, mostly truffle-type offerings, very expensive. Downtown is also home to Crema, a coffee shop that sells truffles, more affordable but unfortunately are not very good.

. . . realizing that I know a little too much about Raleigh's chocolate offerings, considering I have only lived here for 6 months. Might need to investigate some vegetable shops or something.

[LulusMom]

There is a place selling european-style chocolates (I *think* they make them there) out Old Airport/MLK in Chapel Hill at the shopping area just before 40 (with the Taj-MaTeeter). I bought some over the summer but can't vouch for the taste - it was so hot in the car that day that they melted before I got home. sorry I can't remember the name of the place right now.

[tommio]

Stams. Their quality is pretty solid.

[LulusMom]

Now I'm doubly sad about the melting!

[bbqme]

Stam is quite quite good but they do not make their own chocolates. They are brought in from their store in Iowa.

[josephin]

Can't say enough about Matthew's in Hillsborough. Super-nice guy, exquisite chocolates. He's working hard to keep up with the demand, and to see that no one is disappointed. Worth the trip : )

[Rory]

Matthew's is first rate, I had his dark chocolate, mmm deep & bitter. His place really is like the chocolatiers they had in Paris

[blewgo]

Chocolate Smiles has been in Cary for years. Their products will make someone smile.

http://www.chocolatesmilesshop.com/