The Home Of Handmade Treats

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday March 1, 2006

KILMENY ADIE

Chocolate lovers will find paradise in a special sweet shop at Shellharbour Village, reports KILMENY ADIE

TRICIA DWYER takes a moment to decide which of the many handmade chocolates under her counter is her iconic one.

It's a tough call but in the end she decides not to go with the apricot and white chocolate truffles, which are also dipped in a layer of dark chocolate, and go with something equally decadent,

"My strawberry champagne truffles," she decides.

"I use dried strawberries, coat them in white chocolate, cream and butter and roll them in balls. Then I dip them in white chocolate again."

Two months after the doors opened on My Chocolate Shoppe business is booming for Dwyer and her husband Brian.

The shop is in Shellharbour Village and the popularity of the eatery's chocolate, coffee and cakes has taken the pair by surprise.

"I have always liked the thought of having loose chocolates and choosing your own so you don't get a box of stuff you don't like," Dwyer says of the decision to open the business.

"You could have a box of the same one if you want."

Inside, My Chocolate Shoppe has an atmosphere that goes hand-in-hand with sweet treats and gossiping with friends.

The chocolates are carefully placed inside a glass counter which catches the eye as soon as you walk through the door.

Along one wall is a range of chocolate-related gifts including body paint, mugs and glass ornaments for filling with sweets.

The Dwyers make all the various sauces for their iced chocolates, hot chocolates and cakes daily and supplement their own chocolates with those supplied from the popular Colefax Chocolates range.

Customers can chose from the range of handmade chocolates which are priced by weight (10g for 99 cents), a chocolate sampler platter which has a special chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, shortbread as well as handmade chocolates or from a selection of cakes.

The hot chocolate is made from dark Belgian chocolate with full cream milk and cream and is topped with whipped cream and chocolate flakes.

There are also plans to introduce new handmade cakes to the menu as well as introduce more confectionary to tempt customers.

Dwyer says the pair decided to open the business after returning to Australia from New Zealand two years ago.

They had lived in Australia for 16 years previously before moving back across the Tasman for four years.

"We had been looking at opening a cafe type thing and then, because at Christmas time, I was making truffles and people really enjoyed them that encouraged me," Dwyer says.

"I made them at home and I did the bonbonniere for my son's wedding and for a cocktail party at work in New Zealand and everyone loved them.

"Moving back here I suppose we thought we would go for it because we thought we would regret it down the track and wish we had done it."

The lowdown

What: My Chocolate Shoppe.

Where: Shop 1/ 20-26 Addison St, Shellharbour.

Phone: 4296 9616.

Hours: 10am-5pm daily, except Monday.

Food: Cakes, coffees and handmade chocolates.

Signature dish: Strawberry champagne truffles.

Owners: Tricia and Brian Dwyer.

Coffee: Nova.

Crowd: Chocoholics and those wanting a special treat with their coffee.

Seating: 11 inside and nine outside.

Wheelchair access: Yes.

Payment: Cash, EFTPOS and credit cards welcome.

Children: Welcome.

Takeaway and delivery: No delivery. Takeaway coffee, cakes and chocolate.

Parking: On street.

© 2006 Illawarra Mercury

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