Shop Localista: The Chocolate Path

For those who like their chocolate dark and their dark chocolate decadent the path of least resistance leads straight to 94 Walnut Street. There, nestled under a fittingly rich brown awning you'll find The Chocolate Path, a scrumptious shop that serves up an international array of gourmet goods sure to appease the most diehard Dark Chocoholic .

The Chocolate Path offers a staggering selection of artisan takes on dark chocolate perfection. From dark chocolate dipped brandy truffle filled figs ($19.99) to Burnt caramel & Hawaiian sea salt bars by Chocopologie ($8.99), your mind will marvel while your palate palpitates at the flavor combinations and range of products available: Kakawa's exotic dark chocolate Steak Rub ($4.99) sits alongside Pacari's dark chocolate covered espresso beans and banana bits ($4.99). Looking for some edgier darkness? How about igniting your senses with Chuao's Firecracker (a chipotle, salt and popping candy dark chocolate bar, $6.99)? There's even something for milk chocolate lovers with a dark side; Askinosie Chocolate's Dark Milk & Fleur de Sel, made with goat's milk ($8.99).

Owner Susan Fine fell into her chocolate fixation shortly after winding down a career in television, which could explain her knack for picture perfect décor and display presentation. A 14-year Montclair resident, Fine knew she wanted to open a shop in town but didn't know exactly what sort until the dark chocolate bug hit her at the 2005 Fancy Foods Show. She shared the idea of opening a store with her husband, Matt (who also shares a passion for dark chocolate) and business mold quickly took shape. "I tested the waters at the Junior League's Holiday Boutique and two home shows first," she explains. "We knew we'd found a niche because we had such a great response." So great, in fact that she had trouble keeping up with demand. "I was basically dealing chocolate out of my basement that holiday season," she adds with a laugh.

Nowadays fans of Fine's fine chocolate selection don't have to sneak to her basement to score their next dark chocolate fix. In business successfully for nearly five years, The Chocolate Path has found a very happy home on Walnut Street. Susan still brings some aspects of her work home with her, though — her children, aged 12 and nine share a passion for the family business: "My son Robert absolutely loves dark chocolate and my daughter Lena absolutely loves all chocolate in general," jokes Susan.

The store's creed is simply to offer 'everyday dark chocolate from the world's best sources.' They also offer beautiful wrapping, customized baskets, corporate gifts, and even seven-course chocolate tastings for anywhere from four to 40 people. (Tastings delve into the history, recipes and regions of the featured chocolates and cocoa beans and run anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours, $25 per person.) Fine seems to have created the perfect recipe for business success and satisfied customers, but she attributes much of it to the magical effects of her specialty: "In all these years I've never had a mean customer," she says. " "I'm still surprised at how happy chocolate makes people!"

Do yourself a flavorful favor and pop into The Chocolate Path for a delicious way to experience a new world of chocolate possibilities or simply to beat the heat with a sinfully refreshing Dark Frozen Hot Chocolate, $4 (think chocolate smoothie times ten). Speaking of ten, Susan is generously offering the Shop Localista discount of the week: 10% off ALL PURCHASES at the store from Friday, August 13 thru Thursday, August 19- just mention Patch to receive the delicious discount.

The store is located at 94 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ 07042-3881

Phone: 973-655-0822

Summer Hours:

Tuesdays through Fridays: 10a.m. to 6:00p.m. and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Sundays and Mondays in July and August.

***During the week of AUGUST 16th, store will be open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 6p.m.**