Sweet Spots

Truffles, treats and other goodies to share with your favorite chocoholic

Always in the mood for a little chocolate something? There’s a good reason why: Some chocolate is packed with good-for-you antioxidants that give an amphetamine-like kick to the brain’s pleasure centers. No wonder it’s been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries.

So if you’re sweet on someone, say it with chocolate. Or sate your own craving with a visit to one of these sweet destinations right here in Fairfield County.

Darien

Chunky Pam’s

Chocolate-covered s ‘mores and cherries are just a few of the delicious treats you can indulge in at this bright pink establishment named for a zaftig bulldog mascot. If chocolate isn’t your thing, stock up on taffy, gumballs and novelty candies and leave us to devour the gourmet truffles.

Greenwich

Chocopologie to Go

With his penchant for concocting unusual flavors, Chocopologie’s founder, Denmark native Fritz Knipschildt, has proven that peanut butter isn’t the only thing that pairs well with chocolate.  He’s even done something marvelous marrying it with chili! So, being an adventurous sort, Chocopologie—already a Best of the Gold Coast favorite—has ventured beyond its South Norwalk digs and is exploring a pop-up shop in central Greenwich’s West Putnam Avenue that will be open through at least Easter. That holiday bunny is hopping with joy.

The Little Chocolate Company

Growing up in Belgium chocolate was an everyday celebration for chocolatier Martine Coscia. Fortunately, her Greenwich emporium gives the rest of us the chance to indulge in sweet celebrations too! We’re wild for her “critters;” bite-sized clusters that delicately pair fruit, nuts with chocolate. Or, try the much heralded bark and biscotti at this Best of the Gold Coast winner.

Fairfield

Isabelle et Vincent

We swoon every time we step inside this authentic patisserie, where seventh-generation French chocolatier Vincent Koenig makes specialties such as rochers, truffles, azurs and pralines by hand. These are treats just begging to be savored and gifted. Make sure to try the famous layered hot chocolate too. It’s simply sublime.

Sweet Rexies

Novelty candy, chocolate, and truffles are the beginning of the sweet sensations at this charming downtown emporium. Use your imagination to create a personalized assortment for a delicious gift.

New Canaan

Belgique Choclatiers

Chef Pierre Gillesen’s culinary career included work in the European embassies of Washington, D.C. So he can count the late Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Queen Elizabeth II and King Hussein of Jordan among the luminaries who have sampled his handcrafted chocolates.  You’ll feel royal too with one bite of his authentic Belgian treats crafted at his original Kent shop and brought fresh to New Canaan in his “chocomobile.”

South Norwalk

Chocopologie

To say this SoNo café is sweet is hardly an understatement. Denmark native Fritz Knipschildt proves why he earned his Best of the Gold Coast nod with decadently inventive creations such as port wine and crunchy nougatine truffles, burnt caramel chocolates flecked with Hawaiian sea salt, and confections topped with shaved rose petals. If these don’t melt your gourmet heart, what will?

Sweet Rexies

Variety is the sweet spice of life and you can get just about any kind of chocolate your heart desires from this candy treasure chest of a shop, a predecessor to the Fairfield outpost.

Stamford

Godiva

Nothing says love like dark chocolate; especially when it’s dipped on a heart-shaped shortbread cookie. But if the (healthier) dark stuff isn’t your thing, than mix it up with white or milk chocolate truffles and call it a delicious day.

Schakolad

Three generations of chocolatiers are behind the creations at this downtown sweets factory where you can make your own completely original assortment for gifting. A favorite here are the novelty chocolates that can be made-to-order in whimsical, personalized shapes.

Westport

Cocoa Michelle

Signature chocolates and artisan truffles are just part of the allure at this decadent depot conveniently located near the town railroad station.

Munson’s Chocolates

Originally called The Dandy Candy Company this homegrown Nutmeg State chocolatier has been a Connecticut institution since 1946, when it was founded by Ben and Josephine Munson behind a Manchester tailor’s shop. Its traditional heart-shaped Valentine assortments are a cut above, but it’s fun to put together a make-your-own gift box. Make sure to try Munson’s very sophisticated take on the peanut butter cup.