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CHAMBERLAIN'S GOURMET CHOCOLATIER
IN DUNWOODY They're all here: IBM, American Express, Hewlett-Packard, Southern Co. And Evander Holyfield's ear. Like the corporate logos, the ear is a representation, in mouth-watering chocolate, a delicious reminder of the infamous boxing incident in 1997, when an enraged Mike Tyson bit Holyfield's ear. Here at Chamberlain's Gourmet Chocolatier, in Dunwoody Village Shopping Center, the ears were first ordered by a customer who wanted 50 --- apparently for TV party favors as guests watched Tyson's next fight in 1999, explains Margaret Foerman, who runs the family-owned business. Now, a few ears are made from time to time, satisfying people who come in and want a solid piece of chocolate. And, the hand-wrapped pieces of corporate candy? They often are given out at conferences as tasty reminders of the companies. "People will remember you more if you give them a piece of chocolate," she says.
To be sure, in the world of chocolate, just about anything is likely to be poured and eaten. Hearts and flowers, yes, of course, especially this time of year. The chocolate season runs from November to April, says Foerman, noting the sweet-loving holidays, beginning with Thanksgiving and ending with Easter --- a period that coincides with cool and cold weather, when chocolate always just feels and tastes best. There are little message chocolates: "I'm sorry," "Happy anniversary," "Get well soon," "Thank you." In one novel order, an inn requested a set of tools, including little saws, drills and screwdrivers. The inn's repairman used the candies to let guests know he had visited their rooms to make requested repairs. Then, there is this clever innovation: chocolate pieces designed to fit into little plastic cases resembling those that hold audio tapes. Hosts can give these to guests and know "they won't melt in your hands," says Foerman. Yes, in your mouth, instead. Versatility and special attention may not be the sole province of small businesses like Chamberlain's, but it is difficult to imagine getting the same level of attention at industrial-size chocolate makers. Comfort and guiltless pleasure are byproducts here, where a little sign says, "Life's too short to eat cheap chocolate." Knowing that's true, regular customers come and go, satisfied, as did businessman Gerald Goldstein the other day, reveling in his favorite candy, chocolate-covered vanilla caramel. "I send this to all my office people," he said, between chews. (I found out why after a hasty taste test.) And, Foerman, a former first-grade teacher, notes that children, too, may visit unescorted --- a remarkable luxury in these times. "One lady who was doing a birthday party said, 'I can come here and park outside, and let my child go inside and have no worries at all.' Children can learn how to change money because they're talking with me. That's the part they love about a small store." And, what do people love about chocolate, this food of the gods? Among other things, it's romantic, says Foerman. "It's probably given as a gift more than anything other than jewelry." And the seductive fragrance. "When people walk in here, they say, 'The smell of this place. I love the smell,' " she says. As does Foerman. "People ask me all the time: 'Don't you get tired of chocolate?' I say, "No, I really don't.' " Still, a sweet thing can take a toll, especially around Valentine's, when there's so much of it. "I've been eating a little of it, and I've got to lose some weight," she says. 5527 Chamblee Dunwoody Road; 770-394-1112;
www.wearesweet.com
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