One of the most wonderful things about living in a non-industrialized, less suburban area is discoveries like Chocolate by Morgan's Bay. Down meandering roads of elegant New England-style homes and built-up Cape Cods in the village of Babylon is a blue waterfront house that serves as a chocolatier's studio.
Right on top of the docks is Nina's passion project, a chocolate shop unlike any other. There are no artful displays of mass-produced truffles and treats. Rather, Victorian dessert plates grace a table up front with packaging displays, with one lone refrigerator gracing the waiting area by the register.
The buying experience is also different from any other. The owner, Nina, believes that it's hard to convey a taste or sensation with words. So she describes her treats by offering sample tasting plates -- for free!
Be prepared to buy after you try, though. She has no set flavor list, preferring to make custom orders or go where imagination takes her. The rich Belgian chocolate truffles are hearty and full-flavored, whether the centers are liqueur-spiked ganache or Oreo cookies in the consistency of a dense chocolate cake. Also part of the sampler platter are candied orange peels--fragrant, sweet, and addicting.
However, the showstopper for me was her most easily made confection -- the almond butter brittle. Buttery and rich without being overly sweet, this is a praline-style treat that delivers satisfaction without the toothache.
Also offered are chocolate-covered strawberries, peanut butter patties covered in chocolate, and hand-dipped chocolate-covered cherries.
The prices are reasonable, and actually less expensive than many other chocolatiers, since Nina seems to weigh lightly. Generally, $2 a piece is the norm, but here, $2 will buy you roughly two and a half pieces, creating a packed half pound for $12.50.
The only shortcoming would be that the white chocolate selection is nearly nonexistent and that the bon-bons aren't of perfect uniformity. But that's if you're being really picky (which I sometimes am, since I was spoiled in New Orleans by Sucré).
But in conclusion, wrapped up in a festive red bow, Chocolates by Morgan's Bay is a great gift idea or special treat. Truly a hidden gem in a waterfront community. read more