We happened upon Verity Chocolate while strolling through Somerville after dinner, and I am so glad…read morewe walked in. From the moment we stepped inside, we were warmly greeted by the owner, whose energy was absolutely beautiful -- welcoming, passionate, and genuine. She organically gave us a tour, walked us through her products, and explained the process behind making her chocolate. You can tell immediately how much care and intention goes into what she does. She shared how important it is not to burn the cocoa beans and to really honor the process -- and honestly, you can taste that difference. A lot of places sell chocolate, but not everyone respects the craft. She absolutely does. We tried a few treats: the chocolate chip cookie, the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, and the double chocolate peppermint cookie. My wife loved the double chocolate peppermint. And we both loved the others -- you can taste the freshness and the quality of the ingredients in every bite. Nothing artificial, nothing rushed. Just rich, balanced, delicious flavor. We also picked up the chocolate tea, which smells incredible. I cannot wait to brew it ASAP. This is the kind of place you want to support -- small, intentional, high quality, and full of heart. I highly recommend stopping in, and we will absolutely be back very soon for more chocolate and more cookies.

Every time we go by, they seem to be closed…read more Last Saturday we went during their posted hours, specifically to buy something nice for a Christmas present. On the door was a handwritten sign that they were closed, but would be open 1-5 on Sunday. We returned Sunday afternoon, the handwritten sign was gone. And they were closed. We gave up and went elsewhere for our chocolate.

Maaaaan I have #introvertproblems. I was reluctant to go out to a private chocolate tasting with my…read moregirlfriends last week because I was drained of my social energy. But I went BECAUSE I'M A GOOD FRIEND!! Ahem :/ Anyway, the co-owner Tony, took me and my girls for a grownup ride through high level chocolate production and tasting. I felt like I learned a lot and sampled some fabulous chocolates. I'm not even a chocolate lover and I left with about 15 pieces. If you love to support local business and creative people and you wanna upgrade from Hershey's (though no shame bc I just housed a Mr. Goodbar), def give this place a try. Perfect for private events or daily drop-ins!

This was a little shop with lots of variety of house made solid chocolate. Carol was very…read moreaccommodating and helpful when deciding what to order. My thoughts on each item I had are below. Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaway ($2.25) - This was essentially a peanut butter cup. I thought it was just okay, lacked peanut butter flavor. Kokoleka 55% Single Origin Dark Mango Meltaway ($2.25) - This was similar to the peanut butter meltaway, but just with a mango flavor. I initially thought it was going to be a mango filling, but that was not the case. Regardless, it was pleasant and balanced well with the chocolate. Kokoleka Dark 55% Single Origin Banana Ganache Truffle ($1.20) - Again, I thought this was going to be filled with a banana filling, but it was not. This was probably my favorite. The chocolate was delicate, and the banana flavoring just enhanced that. Kokoleka Dark 55% Single Origin Cabernet Sauvignon Ganache ($1.40) - This was my least favorite. I just did not care for the wine taste here. Madagascar Chocolate 36% Single Origin Sea Salt Caramel ($1.60) - The caramel chocolate log was appetizing. I really enjoyed this type of chocolate. Dark Chocolate Infused with 30 mg. CBD Oil ($4.30) - This was just straight chocolate. It was refreshing and pleasant to have. Will I go back? I would.

I started going to this chocolate shop a few years ago. When I had to start doing physical therapy…read moreas it was located next to my physical therapy office. I had passed by it once or twice before and thought it was just a factory. But being that I had started coming in the area twice a week. I decided to park and peek in. The shop on the inside is very nice and clean. They have nice display cases displaying all the different chocolates they make. The gentleman who makes the chocolates is super nice and very friendly. I've had multiple conversations with him about his chocolate. From what I remember, they use more cocoa and less sugar similar to a European chocolate over an American chocolate. I would say there was probably a while where I was coming in and buying a half pound every week. I think my favorites have to be the turtles, the non-parels, and the truffles. I know they also have an online store, so if you are not local you could always order from online. However, if you are local it is worth stopping in. They are only open Wednesdays through Saturdays and they close around 5: 00.

My friend introduced me to this store when I was looking for some White Day chocolates, and I…read morewanted something more than just the conventional Ferrero Rocher chocolate box from the store. I was amazed by the care and service of this local business! The owner is a super sweet man who is always there to lend a helping hand with the chocolate recommendations if you are looking to buy a special present for someone. If you happen to be buying a selection of chocolate, maybe you will be lucky enough to sample one of their chocolates right there Their entrance is a side door off of Madison Ave. It is not labeled, but don't be afraid to give it a turn and go right in! You should hear a bell chime in the back when you head in, so if you don't, give the door another open to make sure they know they have a customer. Their Gianduja chocolate has such a lasting and aromatic hazelnut flavor, I definitely recommend getting a piece in the next box of chocolate you buy. They also have plenty of deals during different holidays in the year. I highly recommend Birnn Chocolate for any occasion, as a thank you gift or a just because gift for someone special. There are no chocolates that disappoint here!

Cute bakery in a small town. We always come here after walking at the nearby park, Natirar. Every…read moretime, we are surprised at how low the price is. We got two hot coffees, two chocolate chip muffins, and a biscotti for less than $10. If it's nice out, there are a few small tables to sit at outside.

Cocoluxe is a cute little pastry shop tucked away in the charming town of Peapack. They offer a…read morevariety of pastries, soups, coffee, and teas. Unfortunately, while the shop itself is inviting, my experience was rather disappointing. I ordered their savory scone with scallions and cheese, which I was told also contained bacon bits. However, I couldn't see or taste any bacon at all. The exterior had a beautiful golden-brown crust with a slight crunch, but the inside lacked the flaky, tender, and moist texture I was hoping for. Overall, it was just okay. I also tried their lemon chicken orzo soup. While it was hearty and comforting, it lacked the bright, citrusy flavor I was expecting. Honestly, it tasted more like a regular chicken noodle soup with orzo replacing the noodles. It wasn't bad, but the lemon flavor was practically nonexistent. The biggest disappointment was their matcha latte. The first cup came out an extremely pale green with absolutely no foam on top. I could barely taste any matcha, and it honestly felt like I was drinking plain milk with a little green coloring. I ended up sending it back. The second cup looked slightly better with some foam, but unfortunately, it wasn't much of an improvement. There were clumps of undissolved matcha powder in almost every sip, making it obvious that the matcha hadn't been whisked or mixed properly. To make matters worse, the matcha itself tasted rather low quality, leaving an unpleasant, overly grassy aftertaste. As someone who appreciates a good tea latte, this was particularly disappointing. Another major issue was the incredibly slow service. I happened to be served by one particular staff member who seemed to take an unusually long time preparing my order. I was actually the first person in line, with about 6-7 customers behind me. My order was fairly straightforward: a premade soup, a scone from the display counter, and a matcha latte. Yet somehow, all the customers behind me had already been served by the other two staff members and left while I was still standing at the counter waiting for my food and drink. What made it more frustrating was that she didn't even think to warm up my scone before starting on the matcha latte. Another staff member eventually noticed that I had been waiting for quite some time and stepped in to help warm up my scone and move things along, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, by the time I finally received everything and sat down to eat, my soup had already gone cold from sitting there for so long. I understand that service can vary depending on who's working, and perhaps I was just unlucky that day. However, between the underwhelming food, poorly prepared matcha latte, and painfully slow service, the overall experience left much to be desired. It's a shame because Cocoluxe has the charm and atmosphere of a lovely neighborhood pastry shop, but the quality and service simply didn't live up to my expectations.

I'm surprised by all the negative reviews! Maybe things have changed more recently. I like that…read morethey aren't all over you the second you walk in, just a simple hello & anyone who has ever rung me up has been perfectly fine! I try not to come here too often bc SUGAR but I love their chocolate! If you head to the back, all of the chocolate is discounted (50% ish). My fav is still their chocolate filled with peanut butter, its so creamy! Have liked their hazelnut, raspberry and dark as well. I usually buy a little bag (factory extras) or a box of smidgens or in chocolate bar form. I wouldn't worry too much if you're buying from a previous season, I feel like the chocolate lasts a while.

Stopped by to check out the candy selection here. This is a factory store and very large and has a…read morehuge selection of candy and treats. Some of the candy is "older" and they are selling at a discount - but trust me the discount isn't much! It's fun to walk around the store and grab a sample. But believe me, no matter what delicious treats you take home, you will spend a lot of money! This isn't an candy store that I would go to on a regular basis, but it was fun to walk around. Plenty of parking, nice people and the sugar rush is a plus.

We've driven past this fudge shop for years and finally stopped in for a treat. It was amazing!…read more The smells were not overpowering but enticing. Everything was so visually appealing. All the Halloween candies were out as well as Thanksgiving and a few Christmas items. See the pictures for variety of freshly made Chocolates and fudge. We ended up with a ghost pepper bar for our daughter and a slice of chocolate peanut butter fudge. It was super nice of the to ask if we wanted a full or half slice. The various cherries looked really good too! We ended up also getting chocolate almond bark and ate it as soon as we got in the car! They had dark or milk options for most chocolate. They even had a section of sugar free options. Beyond all the options, the employees are so nice and friendly. We will make a habit of stopping in more often when in the area.

Best chocolate around! Always great service, also! Almond…read morebutter crunch, and dark chocolate covered nuts are amongst our favorites, as well as the fresh chocolate covered fruit!

A beautiful bakery close to the Raritan Station. My mom and I came by to visit from the city and…read moreabsolutely loved their cupcakes and bubble tea! I'm not a fan of cupcakes, but fell in love with the tres leches cupcake. The texture was so soft and the icing wasn't super sweet. I also loooooved the matcha bubble tea. Reasonably priced and delicious! The owners, Daisy and Gary are so friendly and full of life. They took the time to explain to my mom and I how they make their cupcakes and gave us a little history of how their shop came to be. All in all, my mom and I had a delightful experience and will be coming here again!

Highly recommend Sweet New Creations! Daisy, the owner, responded quickly after I reached out to…read moreher for a cake for my daughter's third birthday. I was so happy to see that she offered a variety of flavors for cakes especially Ube macapuno. We ordered a 8x5 round Ube macapuno cake with Ube buttercream filing and macapuno strings. When placing the order it was very smooth without any complaints or confusion. The cake was absolutely divine! It was moist and flavorful, not too sweet, it was perfect. My family demolished the cake! She will be our go to for family events.

I needed to get some favor boxes for an event last minute. I went in and asked for 20+ boxes with…read morechocolates in them. At first they didn't know if they could put something together in time, but they were able to find a way to fit my order in. The boxes were finished ahead of schedule, look beautiful with a burgundy bow on them and were reasonably priced. Each box had four chocolates -- a caramel, cherry cordial and two creams. A few of my family members told me they taste great. They are super fresh too -- like an elevated version of what you'd get from Whitman's or Russell Stover. I'm really happy I decided to get my favors here.

No organic but nicely displayed chocolate ...so don't expect organic. (Need to fill more space here)read more

Bettys handmade chocolates are out of this world, I was given a gift certificate for homemade…read morecandy, The store is attached to Grays florist on Rt 22 in Watchung, Its hard to find if you have never been there before The young lady that waited on me was very patient and helpful. My favorite were the chocolate covered cherries, I tried several. I plan on going back when they have chocolate covered strawberries, but there is a lot to choose from. I won't buy chocolate anywhere else from now on..

I had a last minute Valentine's order and it was such a pleasure to deal with Betty and she was so…read moreaccommodating and professional, I definitely recommend ordering from her, the chocolate covered strawberries were fresh, high quality, delicious and expertly done, and the caramel apples were excellent. She went above and beyond by delivering the apples to us in the middle of snow and rain. I will definitely order again!

I love desserts and I love supporting local businesses in my community. The Dessert Ladies combines…read moremy two loves and covers them in chocolate. Located on Main Street in the heart of our town, The Dessert Ladies is my family's go-to place for sweets and treats for parties and gifts. The chocolate covered strawberries are divine! I get a mix of dark and milk chocolate plump strawberries with white chocolate drizzled on top. They were wrapped in plastic on a silver tray and a big bow one time, and another time in an adorable pink bakery box with scalloped edges. The biens--basically cake balls--are absurdly rich and fudgey. I brought them to a party and everyone went into shock. They're unbelievable. In the store there are all kinds of fanciful, detailed, gorgeous cakes on display to show the types of cake designs available. The designs rival "the Cake Boss"--these are the Cake Queens! Along with all types of desserts and sweets, there is an area of adorable gifts. Michel Design Works brand soaps, candles and stationary are a personal favorite of mine and there are plenty in the store to choose from. Being able to pick up dessert for a party and a quick gift at the same time is wonderful. The women who own the business are lovely. They are passionate about their business and customers. The Dessert Ladies is a sweet escape in downtown Stirling!

The best tasting and best looking cakes! I hired dessert ladies to do my wedding cake and a…read moresurprise grooms cake for my husband and they were incredible to work with. The grooms cake turned out better than I could've ever imagined and is something I'll never forget. I don't live in the area (I had a destination wedding) but wish I could eat their lemon cake every day!! If you're a bride, look no further!