This week, it is not a restaurant review. Instead, we will explore what many consider a total essential part of the food guide … chocolate — kidding! However, some days as the pandemic plays out, the only decision I have capacity for is “dark or milk?” (You guessed the correct answer. It is “Yes!”)
Bring it on! The Canada Food Guide does not have a category for chocolate, but in the gloomy days of a Canadian winter, it feels like it should be there somewhere at the top of the pyramid. Chocolate lifts our spirits, softens sadness and, whether self-reward or gift, is something that makes the days just a little brighter.
As food retailers also are included in this series, let’s wander over to Huckleberries Chocolatiers in downtown Sudbury. Denise Regaudie** has been Sudbury’s chocolatier all the way back to the days when they were neighbours of Gloria’s on Bouchard. For 15 years, Regaudie and her business partner were located in the shop on the corner. Downtown seemed like a natural next step. Last year, Regaudie became sole-proprietor of Huckleberries.
“Most people come in and are mesmerized by what I do with chocolate, and what I drip in chocolate,” Regaudie said. “Truffles are our No. 1 requested item. Sudbury’s taste is dark chocolate for the most part. We are into quality over quantity. Hand-made, it is all a labour of love.”
She tells me she starts early and stays late getting the process going and then cleaning and clearing at the end of the day.
“I only work with nuts one day a week then make sure we deep clean.”
Huckleberries is an artisanal manufacturer.
“We are Independent and locally owned. Word-of-mouth, and now social media, tells our audience about what we are making and what is available. I close one day a week to do production, but you can always call or order by email or on-line. Regulars and repeat customers are what really sustain us. I know they are guaranteed to come to fulfil their Christmas or Valentine’s list. I make up their order before they even ask, because I know they will be there for Huckleberries as I am for them.”
FYI, Huckleberries’ truffles come in fives, 12s and 24s, but for the holidays this year, Regaudie is trying out mixed party boxes weighing in at two pounds and three pounds.
“We also gift wrap everything,” Regaudie added.
Recently, she launched a subscription service as a trial. Now that sounds ideal. Don’t forget her other products like specialty popcorn and ice-cream.
Of course, you can select the contents of any box to meet your own tastes. There are also grab-and-go pre-prepared and packaged ready for those on the run to a special occasion.
”Some feature another local enterprise as many truffles traditionally have liquor cores. Crosscut distilled centres like ‘moonshine’ sure are popular.” There is assuredly a truffle for you. “Amaretto, salted caramel or any of the wide assortment … you know sometimes I dream of chocolate,” she admits. I would too.
“Luxurious silky smooth Belgian chocolate and chili is one of the best things you can ever experience. I even add a little cayenne to my own [not available at the store] chocolate cakes.”
“I actually grew up with chocolate. My mother was making molded chocolates back when I was a kid in Texas. I learned everything I knew from her. Then I worked in a theme park and learned how to make candy.”
Sounds like my kind of schooling.
The highly respected Cleveland Clinic suggests we enjoy moderate portions of chocolate. Does it protect your cardiovascular system? The "antioxidant" power of flavonoids is believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals.
“Flavanols are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate. In addition to having antioxidant qualities, research shows that flavanols have other potential influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, and making blood platelets less sticky and able to clot.”
This makes me feel so much healthier about my proclivity. If one is good, two must be better.
“We do know that you no longer need to feel guilty if you enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate once in a while,” concludes the Cleveland Clinic. Better than aromatherapy, breathe deeply as you enter the Huckleberries’ shop. Serotonin makes people happy. Try not to feel better. Ahhh!
Aren’t you waiting for your doctor to prescribe chocolate? Now you know where to come and get it!
Huckleberries Chocolatiers
Located in downtown Sudbury at 110 Durham Street.
Open: Tuesday to Friday 12 – 6 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m
Closed Sunday and Monday for rest, restocking and production of truffle treasures
For more information, call l(705) 522-7799 or visit the Huckleberries website.
Hugh Kruzel is a committed foodie and a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury. Are you an advertiser? Learn more about our Community Leaders Program here.
**An earlier version of this story misspelled Denise Regaudie's last name. That has been corrected.
