A Sweet Time at Chocolate Works Darien

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When Meredith Scheine, owner of Chocolate Works of Darien, invited the FCMB contributor team to sample the chocolate experience at her Darien location, we couldn’t wait to go! Chocolate, wine, and an evening without the kiddies? SIGN US UP!

View from our room
View from our party room

When you first enter the shop you might think it is like any typical candy store, but when you are led to the back room (which is quite spacious, by the way) you will be blown away. Meredith had the party room setup in a “ladies night” style, complete with adult aprons and wine glasses. There was also a large food table for all of our snacks and treats. Each of our contributors brought something to eat and drink, which resulted in a table full of delicious snacks. Since the chocolate would be provided for us, we stuck to some savory dishes and lots of vino. If any of us had forgotten our spirits, we took note of a conveniently located wine store right next door!

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We began chatting and eating, all while our molds were being setup and the giant chocolate machines were heating up. It really felt like we were in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. There was some pleasant music playing in the background and we all had a great time chatting and stuffing our faces. Did I mention the snacks?

When we sat down, the lovely employee who was hosting for us, explained how the process worked and even took the time to discuss some of the differences that would occur during the kids’ parties (note: no wine is served) including the pacing and types of molds used. We were each allowed to select a mold to be filled with some delicious chocolate. Many of us went with the handbag or high heel shoe, but some of us grabbed flowers, hearts, and even a ninja turtle!

As we made our way to the front of the store, we walked past all of the yummy confections for purchase. Everything from pick your own color M&M’s to truffles were available. As we got our molds filled, we became intrigued by the chocolate fountain and fillable syringes. Yes, you can buy a syringe of pure chocolate from the fountain and eat it. I’m pretty sure I will be stocking up on those before snow days next year! As our molds were filled and frozen, we moved into dipping our choice of marshmallow, pretzel, or strawberry into the yummy fountain. Because I think fruit is an important diet staple, I made sure to get a strawberry before I ate my hunk of milk chocolate. You know, for dietary reasons.

Chocolate Syringes
Chocolate Syringes

Perhaps the most fun experience of the evening was watching the chocolate “car wash” which is where your choice of Oreo, pretzel, or graham cracker gets coated with a layer of chocolate, dried, and then covered again with your choice of M&M’s, sprinkles, or chocolate chips. The whole process is behind a Plexiglas barrier, so it’s a lot of fun to watch! In fact, one of our contributors had to bring her four year old along, and she was in heaven!

Selecting our piece for the "car wash"
Selecting our piece for the “car wash”

As if that wasn’t enough, we then got to decorate our chocolate (from the molds) with fun and colorful melted chocolate. Back at the table, we were still sipping wine and chatting as we created our chocolate masterpieces. Okay, mine wasn’t exactly a masterpiece, but it was fun to make.

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The takeaway? Not only was it fun to make and decorate the chocolate, but it was a great way to get together and do something different. Aside from the high pressure cookie-baking I have going on in December, this was a fun and creative way to make something sweet. It’s also a great space to host a birthday party (what kid wouldn’t love a chocolate-filled celebration?), or to find the perfect gift for any and all occasions. After such a wonderful evening, I have to say that we will definitely be back again soon. The owner tells us that they are always open for walk ins to pop in and make a mold or use the fountain. What a great alternative to the usual rainy day activity!

The whole crew!
The whole crew!

Make sure to stop in and check it our for yourself! For more information you can visit their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram

You can also find Chocolate Works of Darien featured in our 2016 Birthday Party Guide!

 

 

 

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