CONFESSIONS OF A
Chocoholic!
My love affair with chocolate began almost two decades ago when I decided to take a break from the restaurant industry … opting instead to import a few chocolate fountains from the UK and start a business of supplying chocolate fountains and decadent dessert tables to various Venues for weddings and birthday celebrations.
Then, with my chocolate addiction now raring to go, I teamed up with quality chocolate producers Richard and Loraine Tomes and launched the first boutique-styled chocolate shop at Casalinga Restaurant, called The Chocolate Tier. This was followed by a shop at Cradlestone Mall and then Blueberry Hill Hotel. We were supplying airlines for dinner tray chocolates and Hotels for turndowns and as we were on the verge of opening another Retail store in Linden, The Chocolate Tier came to a grinding halt. Covid!
I had to face the bitter reality. There had already been a decline in Rand spend on luxury chocolate gifts and spoils. Hotels were closed and travel was stopped. With no walk-in trade, we started to shut all our shops.
In my very nature I am a happy person and I like to see the glass as being half full so once I had accepted my circumstances, we, as a team decided that we now had the time to get creative and developed a new product line within The Chocolate Tier stable we call Artisan Treat. We commissioned Ariska Milne from Miss Milne design to upgrade our already gorgeous online shop into a more interactive retail space.
Big Changes…
2020 was a big change in direction for us as we created and included virtual chocolate pairings and experiences. Massive success! Think chocolate and bubbly, whisky and chocolate, wine and chocolate. How does it work? Easy. The Chocolate Tier present everything you will need for the pairing together – from the tasting samples, assorted hand-crafted African origin truffles, tasting mat with tasting notes and an easy-to-follow set-up guide it’s all boxed up and off it goes, reaching you wherever you are in South Africa all in time for your scheduled pairing to take place via Zoom or Teams. Then the real fun begins. Our group of specialists guide you through the pairing where you’ll experience how they marry (or don’t!). A great idea to do with a group of friends, family, colleagues or clients. Keep an eye out for the gin and chocolate pairing option, which is coming soon.
Fancy something a little more hands-on and personal? Then you’ll be keen on the sessions we do in person. All the virtual experiences mentioned are hosted in person as well as a Dipped, Rolled & Dusted interactive workshop where you create your own original deconstructed truffles; a single malt whisky and chocolate affair, where you will try a range of five different boutique single malts from Scotland; the history of chocolate, with an educational chat about the origins and makeup of chocolate and how to taste it; and so much more. These experiences are offered all around the country, in the comfort of your home or the venue of your choice.
A chocolate experience we are particularly excited about happens monthly, right on our doorstep. An afternoon with The Chocolate Tier at Kleine Constantia Boutique Hotel, where you’ll learn about the history of chocolate, followed by a Jordan wine and handcrafted chocolate truffles pairing, served in Riedel glassware. Yes, you will even learn what a huge difference drinking wine out of the correct glass make! Pencil April 9 in your diary right now … mark off from 11am. The cost is R580 a person, which includes a plated lunch.
Pairings not really up your alley? No problem we make some really to-die-for delicious treats you can order. From grown-up treats, like champagne truffles, dipped orange peel, dark chocolate rolls, to a collection of toffees biscuits and brownies.
Whether you have a sweet tooth or you are looking for a gift, chocolate is the answer. Click, click and voila! The Chocolate Tier have saved the day.
Details: thechocolatetier.co.za or follow @ thechocolatetier on Facebook and Insta.
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Take the journey with us and indulge your senses with our various experiences, ranging from food and wine pairings, whiskey and chocolate tastings and you can even learn how to make your very own truffles.
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