Susan Jeffery Fine had been dealing out of her basement. What she sold was pure — straight from Columbia and Ecuador — and entirely addictive. Now, instead of knocking at her door for a fix, clients — new and old — can visit Fine at The Chocolate Path, which opened last week at 26 Lackawanna Plaza, in a beautiful shared space with Under the Pavillion. Fine stocks a full line on what she describes as "Everyday Dark Chocolate From The World’s Best Sources". Chocophiles may recognize brands like MarieBelle and B.T. McElrath, as well as the popular Plantations line. Dark chocolate is getting as sophisticated as wine, with different "varietals" and a "nose" according to a chocolate report from the New York Times last week…
Soon we’ll be seeking small-production chocolate whose aromas of mushrooms, wood, jasmine and leather can linger on the tongue for up to five minutes.
Fine was already on the trail of some chocolate from a former peach farm that was redolent of, yes, peaches.
If you need an excuse to buy chocolate, The Chocolate Path (closed Mondays) is open tomorrow, in time for last-minute Valentine’s Day purchases. Certain items like MarieBelle truffles only keep for a few days, but if you are planning to stock up on some everyday eating chocolate, Fine can point you in the right direction. Ask for the bumpy-looking MarieBelle bar — it’s a decadent dark chocolate version of a Nestle Crunch, but with crushed French crepe cookies. — Liz George
The Chocolate Path
26 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
973-655-0822
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 -5:30
Oh wow. There goes my paycheck.
Another set of those peculiar opening hours that leave me shaking my head, though, how are regular working folk supposed to get there during the week?
But then I suppose they aren’t the target clientele.
Loved my Christmas basket with cooking chocolate from Equador, rich hot chocolate that melts into milk and the many assorted forms of delicate chocolates. The peppermint patties were to die for. The packaging in very mod geometric pink, green and dark chocolate brown is eye catching and memorable. I use my Chocolate Path Bag as a stylish every day tote.
mmm Definately worth it to stop in. I picked up some hot cocoa and a “sexy” bar which is ginger I think with 65% cocoa. Very good. I hope I am not addicted.
This place will be my downfall. I’ve tried maybe 5 or 6 different things. And every one was GREAT.
I will be going back again and again and again…