Sweetening any occasion

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Chocolate Works
191B N. Long Beach Road, Rockville Centre
(516) 665-3241, www.facebook.com/ChocolateWorks

Sweets come in every shape and shade at the new Chocolate Works in Rockville Centre. An eight-foot wall of self-serve bins will greet you … filled with M&Ms separated by color, and an endless array of assorted candies. Twenty-two flavors of jellybeans are featured, and a variety of ice cream and snacks. But the creativity done with chocolate is what this place is really about.

Up front are enormous vats of chocolate, a giant chocolate fountain, a mystifying shrouded conveyor belt, and ready-made products. Boxes, bags, platters and gift baskets are filled with cocoa-dusted truffles, and chocolate covered everything — nuts, marshmallows, caramels, cookies, chips, fruits, popcorn and pretzels. Chocolate has been molded into party favors, corporate gifts, signs, business cards, logos, animals, sports, and holiday-related treats. And the aroma is irresistible, to say the least.

In the back are event rooms, with long tables to work on, and a large assortment of chocolate molds. Whether you opt to take a workshop, or incorporate chocolate-making into a party, a ladies’ night out, a scout meeting, book club, Mah Jong, or anything other occasion or activity, a delicious (and fun) time is guaranteed.

Your Chocolatier will teach you how to mold, dip and decorate your own creation. There’s even an “I Love Lucy” (enrobing) machine that lets you swathe pretzels or other goodies with luscious chocolate, shower them with sprinkles or edible confetti, chill them … and enjoy.

Owner Stephanie Solomon was an attorney for 18 years. Last May, when the firm she worked for went through reorganization, her job was eliminated. She decided that rather than return to the corporate world, she would start her own business — one that would make her happy, and other people as well. Chocolate Works fit the bill, so she purchased a franchise. She opened In Rockville Centre right before Valentine’s Day, and now adores going to work.

“It is hard work, but it makes me smile,” she says. “Rockville Centre has been wonderful and supportive, and I’m grateful and overwhelmed.” She is thrilled that people have been coming in, introducing themselves, and offering positive feedback.

Chocolate Works is open seven days a week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Check out the photos and events on Facebook at Chocolate Works Rockville Centre.

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