Friday, Jul. 25, 2008

Grapevine Specialty Shop Offering Sweet Deal

By Angelique York

Contributing Writer

Chocolate fans have long extolled not only the treat’s fantastic flavor, but its health benefits and ability to mimic, to some degree, the feeling of being in love.

Now chocoholics have one more benefit to add to their list as Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Grapevine makes chocolate a form of entertainment with their "Sweet Night Out" parties.

"It’s definitely something different," said franchise owner/operator Sandy Eyer. "It’s playing with food. It’s unique."

The two-hour private party begins with a tour of the chocolate factory hosted by an expert Schakolatier.

While guests mingle and enjoy refreshments including Schako-Lattes — the store’s original gourmet drink made with real chocolate and served hot or cold — they get an overview of the history of chocolate and learn a number of fun facts.

The party is a hands-on chocolate experience that includes a flowing fountain of rich dark, creamy milk or enticing white chocolate.

Guests are invited to dip fresh fruit, marshmallows, pretzels and a variety of Schakolad’s signature truffle dipping centers into the flowing fountain of chocolate to make their own delicious creations.

At another station, party-goers have the opportunity to try the old world art of hand-dipping chocolate under the instruction of the Schakolatier. Each guest also can create a molded chocolate design and sign a chocolate business card.

Perhaps the most fun is the assembly of a three-dimensional chocolate house, complete with decorations.

"It’s two hours of dessert," Eyer said. "Everybody loves it. Men and women seem to enjoy it equally. Everyone has fun and learns a lot about chocolate."

Eyer opened the specialty chocolate boutique in Historic Downtown Grapevine five years ago.

It is the twelfth franchise of the Florida-based company and the first location in Texas, followed by stores in Plano and Fort Worth.

Schakolad sets its self apart from other chocolate stores by making all their product fresh, in-house and by hand.

The care given to each item is exactly the same, from the tiniest truffle to the largest arrangement.

Schakolad uses no preservatives in any of its products, including their edible containers.

In addition to traditional European chocolates and truffles, Schakolad offers sugar-free and low-carb alternatives.

A "Sweet Night Out" party is the perfect setting for bridal or baby showers, birthday celebrations, a girls’ night out, office parties or corporate team-building, Eyer said. All the tools and techniques are provided and each guest can leave with their sweet tooth satisfied.

"The party is customized to the group," Eyer said. "Each party we’ve had has been a little different, depending on the event. We keep it fun and flowing. It’s only two hours, but we pack a lot in."

Schakolad Chocolate Factory is located at 601 S. Main St.

For details about booking a Sweet Night Out party, call 817-410-4720. Parties start at $20 per person, with a minimum of 10 guests and a maximum of 30. Two weeks advance notice is recommended.