If I have a vice then it is chocolate. Not just any sort, for my taste buds demand quality. So whenever I hear of a new chocolatier then I just have to go and taste their wares.
This time I secured the assistance of our family who are holidaying here for a few days to take Mrs H and myself to visit Hazel Mountain Chocolates; who are situated quite literally in the western foothills of the Burren about 2.5km east of Béal an Chloga [Bell Harbour]. There is a sign at the road junction at the foot of the hill on that says 2km - it isn't it's further!
Hazel Mountain Chocolates
My three and a half year old grandson said when he stepped into this cottage
" It is like being in a dream"
He was right for the interior is so very much unlike that of an old Irish cottage, that it may well have come from a storybook.
Display and Sales Venue
I was quite disappointed to find that unlike other chocolatiers in Ireland that there were no free samples to be had, for it is customary that a sample of each chocolate is cut into small slices and offered as tempters to prospective buyers. My other complaint is that the price shown on the handwritten labels is misleading for the number Euro 1 is a looped l !
In fairness our visit was on a weekday before the summer season has really got into full swing and there was also work going on to some of the outside buildings.
The Coffee Counter
The serving assistant working the machine - I thought she was one of twins or even triplets (but no) for where ever we went a woman like her appeared to be working.
Mrs H enjoys a pipe (unlit of course!)
Bright decorated rooms, with quaint fripperies displayed in every room.
A mouth watering table.
Delicious slices of home baked Apple pie, served with tart berry fruits and cream which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
In sunshine we ate our recently purchased chocs.
L to R Ollie, Mrs H, myself and Mark
The view of Bell Harbour
I'm addicted to dark chocolate and miss no chance to try a new one. I'm with you, the shop should have had samples to try, how will you know if you like it if you can't try it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet. Yes, every artisan producer of renown gives a sample.
DeleteI have just received this reply from the chocolatier :
Delete"Hi,
Thanks for your time to write about us , you have an interesting blog.
We offer samples when people are interested in purchasing our product and all you had to do is ask.
We don't display samples because people took advantage to the point that we were losing 30 bars a day.
The handwriting on the label - I never had an issue with that, ever, but I appreciate your observations and will look into it.
Regards,
Kasha
Burren Chocolatier
www.hazelmountainchocolates.com
+353879903000
Watch our video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqS58vY6DqM
Find us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hazel-Mountain-Chocolates/1416487941931659?ref=hl
I had the feeling that the business was quite new and I would like to return and see how
ReplyDeleteit develops in the future.
The apple pie was wonderful !
Yes it was absolutely delicious - I might just frequently return just for the pie :)
DeleteMel, you two get on the loveliest adventures. so quaint... and delicious. Love that sweet house and the cool cozy fire nook.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gwen and I immediately thought of you when I saw that mincer clamped on to window ledge.
DeleteThe pie was delicious & the late afternoon sunshine even more so! I agree with Granny Heron it would be interesting to revisit in a few years to observe how it grows! A wonderful family day out in beautiful surroundings.
ReplyDeleteThanks Snapdragon.
DeleteI cannot but notice that you made no mention of the Pipe Smoking Granny was that a deliberate omission ? ;-)
Granny H has many habits that i make no mention of ;) i am the sole of discretion!
DeleteH'pmf .... female unity strikes again !
DeleteThat place looks like my idea of heaven! I have actually been making chocolate recently, the trouble is we keep eating it! That pie looks wonderful xxx
ReplyDeleteHello Fran thank you for your comments. I rather think that we would have the same problem as you and Pete, were we to make our own chocolate!
DeleteThe pie was mouth waveringly scrumptious and I wish now that we had bought the other one to bring home with us.
If only grandpa heron hadn't eaten the promised 2 tubs of clotted cream! They would have gone magnificently with the aforementioned pie!
DeleteNot really my fault !
DeleteThe supplier arrived with a limited quantity knowing full well that I have a great liking to the stuff.
Well, you talked about the pie and the berries which you described as delicious -- but about the chocolates, narry a word other than disappointment there were no samples ... and mouth-watering pictures of the pie, too -- but where or where are the chocolates and were they good? ;-)
ReplyDeleteActually the photos of the chocolates which I took were under glass covers and there was a great deal of reflection, so I suggest that you visit their web site.
DeleteI have omitted to answer your question re taste because one day I shall do a blog post about my favourite Chocolatiers.
DeleteIsn't it strange that a chocolatier should pop up in what I imagine to be a slightly remote. I don't think they've quite got the customer service reply right-sounded a little touchy to me...! However you seem to have had a great time, the pie looked delicious, and family were satisfied. What more could you ask for.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Suzie we did have a wonderful day together !
DeleteWhat a lovely place! And such mouth watering fare too....I must come back to Ireland! I haven't seen half enough og it yet!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes do revisit Ireland Val there is just so much to see and experience for one visit is never sufficient.
DeleteLove the till counter!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit early in the morning as I answer your comment Bill so I am a wee bit confused ;-) as to wether you are referring to the young woman, the ornate till or the frippery around the counter ? - I need another cup of strong coffee !
Delete