The Chocolate Lady

The little beach town of Oyster Bay, on the far north shore of Long Island, is home to a most unique chocolate artisan. In her shoe-box sized store on Audrey Avenue, across from Canterbury Ales and Buckram's Variety Store, The Chocolate Lady, Lee Perrotta, works her magic. Perrotta creates her own base chocolate primarily from vanilla, spices and cacao beans that she personally selects on annual trips to the Caribean at harvest time. There are actually 15 different chocolates involved in formation of the base, and that includes some French and belgian bases. The resulting chocolate is crafted into the confections that are made at the store in Oyster Bay. Passion, creativity and connection to the history of the art of chocolate making sets The Chocolate Lady apart from other local chocolatiers, and you can taste the difference.

Being health conscious, I am partial to dark chocolate. In this area, the Chocolate Lady excels. Chocolate covered caramels are smooth and rich, especially when accompanied by a hint of grey salt. Chocolate covered marshmallows are another favorite. Well, so is the chocolate covered orange peel, chocolate covered nuts and any truffle that Lee and The Chocolate Lady collective create. Other chocolatiers have approached non-traditional spice and chocolate combinations, but the "Maya Maya, So Spicy We Named it Twice" truffle is a stand out. With its secret ingredient that gives the truffle a special kick, the Maya Maya truffle is not for gulping. Savored slowly in small bites, however, this truffle reveals layers of sweet, savory and spicy.

The Chocolate Lady is a family affair. The store's logo features a sepia picture of Lee's great aunt, who was a chocolatier in the early 1900's, astride her chocolate making table. That same table now resides in the Oyster Bay store. Husband Paul is generally around and son Brandon, though not a chocolate aficionado, makes an ocassional appearances and came up with the idea for a cookie dough truffle. Paul Jr., the couple's elder son, is serving our country in the Armed Forces. So, patronizing The Chocolate Lady is not only supportive of the local economy, but also an act of patriotism. What's more,
The Chocolate Lady chocolate, in particular, has been shown to have positive health benefits.

Okay, that statement is not based on a scientific study, but eating The Chocolate Lady chocolate has made me and my daughters very happy. My husband bought me two diamond bracelets for a landmark birthday. They were okay and I eked out a form of thanks, but the gift of The Chocolate Lady chocolates this past Valetine's Day elicited a FAR more exuberant response. The bracelets were returned; the chocolates were joyfully devoured. Also, I sent a box to my cousin after brain surgery. She wrote," The chocolates were terrific, and they definitely made me feel better!" What other proof is required?

Visiting The Chocolate Lady, alone, is excuse enough for a trip to Oyster Bay. The Chocolate Lady products can be ordered on line at www.chocolateladyboutique.com, too. Ms. Perrotta also makes educational presentations about chocolate the history of chocolate and loves to prepare favors for any type of party. What an excuse to have a party! Visit the shop at 49 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay or call (516)922-2002.

By the way, this is an unsolicited review. I haven't been paid AT ALL. However, I have been influenced by the chocolate and the affable atmosphere created in the shop by its owner and her family.