An eternity ago, back before the pandemic and the shutdown, I was invited to speak at Mechanics' Hall, as part of their Makers' series. I saw it as a great opportunity to provide a quick primer on the history of chocolate, how we create our artisan goodies, and finally, to talk about the state of global chocolate today. The latter is so important because few consumers know much about the environmental and societal issues around chocolate farming. So, I had a soapbox and made good use of it! Should you be interested, here is a link to my presentation. And...
We are very fortunate that our state's leadership has provided clear, science-based guidance regarding COVID-19 avoidance. Our low rates of infection mean that our economy can safely reopen, and that our essential hospitality industry has a much better shot at recovering. I am also thankful that we have not been placed in the uncomfortable position to dictate mask-wearing as people come into the shop, since the state mandates it. Everyone has graciously complied, whether Mainers or out-of-state visitors. Just so you know, we do make masks available should someone not have one. So our team thanks everyone for their kindness,...
Our first week back was the best! First, we saw so many of our regulars, who were as excited as we were for the reopening. The sense of joy in being able to reconnect is so real. We shared stay-at-home experiences, which everyone endured valiantly, in spite of a sense of acute isolation for many. Everyone wore a mask, but know that we have some on hand should you need one. Everyone was patient and waited outside so one person/social unit could be helped at one time. We were able to offer samples and stepped back so they could be...
The last ten weeks were intense for our little business. They encompassed Easter and Mother's Day, two important chocolate holidays, which generated a huge number of orders from customers eager to support their local chocolatier. The shop was closed, but after week three we resumed production to ensure customers' favorites would be in stock. We set up a special "Stay Home, Share the Love" page (all formats under $20) so anyone self- isolating could send a box to family or friends. Now that we exit the stay-at-home phase and cautiously enter yet a new normal, we want to extend our...
(Winky Lewis Photography) The City of Portland has issued a stay at home directive, effective tomorrow afternoon March 25 and extending for at least the next five days. So we will not open the shop tomorrow, but will concentrate instead on finishing a batch of Marius French bunnies, Critters and big Gianduja and Mendiant eggs. We have a good number of orders and had been producing our various Easter goodies at a great clip. We want to be able to ship in early April to all of you, our wonderful, supportive customers! Our ability to make more is likely...
After much thought, we are starting this week with a new protocol in our shop. We wanted to set up measures that totally meet the social distancing imperative while recognizing that we may need to function this way for many weeks to come. We need to respond in the best way possible to this very fluid situation, while keeping our customers and ourselves safe. To that end, this is what we have arranged starting tomorrow: - For ONE customer (or social unit) to be in the shop at a time. We ask that they look through the window, or...
