East Wilton store promises to sweeten things up

EAST WILTON – A new chocolate shop on the Temple Road is offering a rich combination of old-time atmosphere and original, gourmet recipes to all customers.

“These are gourmet, all-natural chocolates, no additives,” said ‘A Chocolate a Day’ owner Pam West. “I use all local products when I can such as cream and butter but, of course, the star of the show is my imported Belgium chocolate.”

West spent some years stirring up her recipes both at home and at Farmington’s Richard’s Florist Shop, however she eventually had to stop due to health reasons. It was during this hiatus, though, that West discovered that the public demand for her recipes had not diminished in her absence.

“I guess I’m back now by popular demand,” she explained. “My customers kept asking when and if I’d be back cooking more chocolates. I feel having a working kitchen much closer to home has made it easier to produce chocolates on site and keep up with demand.”

West has been making her gourmet treats for more than 20 years, describing the process as a passion, science and an art for her. Several signature selections from A Chocolate a Day’s menu include West’s bestselling double dark truffles as well as customer-supplied Champagne and wine bottles that are sanitized, coated in chocolate and frozen.

“Once the cork is popped, the chocolate covering the glass cracks so it can be enjoyed with the rest of the beverage,” she said. “Coatings can come in milk or dark chocolate and can also be mixed with 18-carrot pulverized gold dust. It’s completely edible and food approved and adds a little sparkle to the finish.”

West credits her circle of local chefs and chocolatiers for assisting in cultivating of her recipes, extending her gratitude to the community that assisted her in establishing her shop. West will also be offering chocolate-making classes on the second Sunday of every month starting in January.

“I have six to ten people registered already. It’s a good opportunity to learn some of the basics about chocolate and the history behind the recipes. Plus, anything they make in the workshop they’ll be able to bring home.”

A Chocolate a Day is located at 52 Temple Road, East Wilton. Located in a  1903 Queen Anne Victorian home, the store is designed with an old-time feel with a comfortable lounge area, comfy waiting chairs and a rustic, wooden interior. West said the focus of her store is and always shall remain about quality.

“The way someone can enjoy chocolate is similar to how someone would enjoy a good wine,” she said. “There’s a science and an art into making good recipe. The overall finished product is something that’s supposed to be memorable, cherished. I think my store can offer just that.”