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Robin Chocolates
600 S Airport Rd, Longmont, CO 80503
(720) 204-8003 |
Recently, the Man and I took a trip to Longmont, Colorado where we found
Robin Chocolates, a terrific little chocolate shop that's unassuming at a glance but a chocolate-lovers wonderland inside.
Chocolate buying should be an enjoyable experience. For some, it's a way to splurge and feel pampered. I don't want to walk into a chocolate shop and feel like I'm a burden to those behind the counter. Buying chocolate should make you happy. At Robin's chocolates, the moment we walked through the doors, the Man and I were transported to a chocolate paradise. We were greeted with a smile, and there's no doubt that everyone on the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. I was curious about many of the chocolates, and each of my questions was answered kindly and without hesitation.
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| Chocolates and pastries in the front cases |
Meeting Robin was a treat. I had heard many wonderful things about both the shop and Robin, and I wasn't disappointed. All the positive reviews I had read were substantiated with our visit.
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| Robin showing us where the magic happens |
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| The ginger-dipping party |
Robin was kind enough to take us through the door behind the counter and into the back of the facility to give us a tour. This is where the magic takes place. While we were there, we saw ginger slices being dipped in dark chocolate, trays of fillings waiting to be enrobed, fancy equipment ready to be used and many shelves of quality ingredients. Robin even showed us an air-brushing technique that answered one of my questions about how she creates such exquisite chocolates.
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| The chocolate innards |
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| Robin air-brushing |
As far as sampling, we went a little bit nuts. It's hard to control yourself around exceptional chocolate, and these chocolates almost left us speechless. They are phenomenal.
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| Many chocolates were sampled that day |
I believe that Robin's training in the culinary world and her sensitive and well-developed palate make for an outstanding chocolatier. She combines unexpected flavors -- like sage, something I normally associate only with savory dishes -- with chocolate in a way that's sublime. She has a way of mixing the familiar with something new and different, but her classic flavors are equally magnificent. In fact, the milk chocolate hazelnut flavor was to die for. It still stands out as one of my favorites.
Her signature piece, the Chocolate Caramel Fleur de Sel -- Caramel layered with chocolate caramel and sea salt in a dark chocolate shell --is by far the best chocolate caramel I have ever eaten. It's hauntingly good and perfect in every way: flavor, texture, appearance and overall consumption experience.
I was intrigued with the Pâte de Fruits filling in one piece that Robin mentioned. Pate de Fruits has a gummy or jelly-like texture, and I was surprised how well it pairs with chocolate.
While we were there, Robin mentioned a new item she has been working on that most people will absolutely love. It's a S'mores bar. What I liked about this bar is the tiny hint of spice, just enough to take something familiar and give it a twist of newness. These kinds of subtle, intriguing flavors are what make Robin Chocolates call to me, but her traditional chocolates are done so beautifully that they stay on my mind as well.
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| Something new and exciting being created |
It's not surprising that Robin uses all-natural ingredients and the highest quality chocolates. Whether it's the lovely desserts and pastries or the incredible chocolates, you know you are getting a treat that's made with meticulousness, one that is both visually stunning and tastes amazing.
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| Chocolate turtles |
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| Robin |
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| Stunning chocolates that taste incredible |
