Forget the Roses, I Want the Best Chocolate You've Got

The answer to your first question isn't cute, or for that matter, even alive. Who is "Frankie" in "Frankie's Sweet Shoppe" candy?

Frankie is a dead cat, and not just any dead cat. He was Laura Lambert's "fat, obnoxious cat." The idea to start a line of chocolates started after Frankie died. After discussing a number of potential names Frankie came out on top. It was, as Lambert explained with a laugh, "a way to honor the cat."

North Reading residents Lambert and Wendy Mutti started making their chocolates in 2012. Each has three children and they met when their children attended kindergarten together. Add in a family friend who made chocolates and the idea was born. Mutti is originally from Peabody, and Lambert is from Woburn. Call it fate that brought them together, but however it happened it's been good news for chocolate lovers since.

The chocolates are made at Laura's house, which has a "certified wholesale residential kitchen." Ryers in North Reading is the main store carrying the line, although Laura is an ultrasound technologist at Lowell General Hospital and Frankie's name lives on in the hospital gift shop.

So far the business has been a success.

"It's going well," said Lambert. "We're still just supporting a hobby."

And a tasty hobby. But whatever you do, don't take the word of some internet reporter. Try one. And think of Frankie when you do.

When it comes to chocolate and Valentine's Day, there are plenty of local options. Here are a few other suggestions.

The Chocolate Truffle on Main Street, Reading, shows off its best on Valentine's Day and that means a red satin heart-shaped box filled with a two-pound assortment of hand-dipped gourmet chocolates. Admit it, you gain weight just by reading that sentence. It costs $74.99 but will absolutely last longer than a dozen roses. Owned by Craig and Jennifer Burkinshaw, the store opened in Reading in 2006. And when you call up the website on your computer, you can smell the chocolate. Trust me.

Looking more like something I'd beg my wife to wear Tuesday, the heart-shaped lace box at Tuck's Candy Factory costs $10.50 alone. Tuck's has been making candy since 1929 so they've got it down. The bottom line here is whatever you wish because into that fancy box (or less expensive boxes) is anything you want. If your loved one has specific tastes like butter creams, then you can fill the box with just butter creams. Located at Market Street in Lynnfield, remind yourself that there's more to the shopping area than the main loop. Tuck's is down a side street behind the skating rink. Follow your nose.

Normally the parking lot for Winfrey's Fudge in Stoneham is big enough to handle the traffic. But not this time of year. Be patient and when you get in, go right for the $69.95 heart-shaped chocolate box. Customize it yourself or grab and go right of the shelf (pay first of course). Christine and Stuart Winfrey began their business in 1979 and they also have stores in Wenham, Rowley, and Beverly. If that heart-shaped stuff doesn't move you, go for the fudge. They've got 20 different varieties.

If you like to think outside the box, then Cravings in Wakefield might be your place. Bring home their newest flavor, Love Potion. It's dark chocolate ice cream with raspberry truffles and a raspberry swirl. A large cup will run you $5.47. Throw a leftover red Christmas bow on top and you're good to go for under $6. That's a win-win. And if you get into their Main Street store and change your mind, look behind you. There's plenty of chocolate too.

Photo by Bob Holmes