Chocolate Foodie Heaven...In Tremont, Cleveland!!

OK.

I have discovered a "Foodie Heaven."

As an East-Sider, I don't get out to Tremont as much as I would like. Since I was out that way today, I took the opportunity to explore some of the shops.

My first stop was Visible Voice Books:
http://www.visiblevoicebooks.com/

This is a FABULOUS little bookstore with an amazingly diverse and appealing collection. If you are out that way, you really MUST stop in. I found a wonderful book today on edible wild plants (for myself) and a magazine about the world's best beers (for my husband...but I'll like it too).

They also have a different artist showing their works each month. I would rate this place as a "must-stop-shop" for holiday gift giving! Food for the eyes (art) and food for the brain (books)!


Now, on to the CHOCOLATE...

I also went, for the first time ever, to Lilly Handmade Chocolates:
http://www.lillytremont.com/

To cut to the chase, I LOVE these chocolates and I LOVE this store.

I'm going to be totally honest here...I am an utter SNOB when it comes to chocolates. I have tasted expensive "gourmet" chocolates by more makers than I can count from locations all over the country and I turn my nose up at most of them. Why? I find that the greatest failing of many of these expensive places is an utter lack of depth of flavor.

I want to eat a chocolate that has such depth of flavor that it evolves in my mouth, the way a fine wine or beer does. I want to taste multiple layers of flavor. Lilly's Handmade is one of only three places I can count right now that delivers this kind of rich flavor experience.

In addition to making amazing chocolate, this shop also provides a fairly wide range of exceptional beers and wines for chocolate pairing or drinking alone. The truffles themselves are displayed next to wines and beers that have been specifically chosen to compliment the flavors of each. You can even mix and match a 4 or 6 pack of beer bottles. Have a question about a beer or wine? You can't stump this owner...at least, I couldn't! She knew exactly how to describe the flavors of each beverage I asked about.

They use fresh ingredients and to boot, they have vegan, dairy free, AND gluten-free options to boot.

Who COULD ask for anything more?

I met a foodie soul mate today with amazing wares, and I'll be going back for more!!!