Yarra Glen seemed very quiet and almost a ghost town on the Sunday we drove through, which is surprising considering its usual popularity on any given Sunday. We decided to keep driving through to Healesville. In a former cow paddock on the corner of the new Yarra Glen bypass we spotted an architectural delight that would not be out of place as a stunning new winery with views across paddocks to mountains.
Fun art works
This new building however is the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, with its bright pink entrance gates and vast car parking space suitable for a supermarket and surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and landscaped gardens. Crowds filled the car parks and overflowed the Chocolaterie Cafe, for this is where everyone had descended. The sheer number of people at this one shop was nothing short of overwhelming. Talking to a staff member she assured me that this had been normal since opening 6 months ago.
Free tastings
Inside the Chocolaterie is amazing, overwhelming and nothing short of brilliant. There are three giant bowels full of milk, dark and white chocolate chips that are free to taste, a great way to see what type you prefer.
Towards the viewing area
On the left hand side are big sheets of glass which show through to the production area, making these irresistible chocolates. Children stand memorised at the whole procedure and are awed by the huge novelty chocolates behind the glass.
Great wall of chocolate list
Down the side of the shop is what is known as the great wall of chocolate, and it is exactly that, filled to the brim of assorted chocolate.
Chocolate display cabinet
In the middle of the store is the display cabinet for singular chocolates that proves to be the most popular and has people queuing to be served.
Chocolate freckles
Dotted throughout the store are department store like tables stacked with every chocolate combination imaginable with a total 150 different chocolates that include some favourites giant freckles at $7.95, Rocky road, 73% dark chocolate, and so much more.
Towards the cafe
If the chocolate isn't enough head down the back to the cafe for a variety of tempting treats, they serve breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, coffee and cake, ice creams and much more. The most unusual item on the menu would have to be the chocolate and mint sausage with caramelised onion for $16.50. However, everything seems fairly normal with pizza, toasted Turkish bread, eggs on toast, B.L.T, and so on. Prices for lunch vary between $16 - $20. For morning and afternoon tea, the Vanilla bean scones seem a popular choice; $6 for 1 person or $9.50 for two.
Giant chocolate block
There is heaps of room outside for the kids to play on the lawn in front of the cafe. When we were there many children were running about playing footy and kicking balls about.
more chocolates
During the school holidays they offer chocolate making classes for 6-12 year olds. These tickets sell out faster than a Pink concert so if your child wants to be apart of it for the September school holidays, you need to get tickets as soon as they become available on the 22nd of July. Tickets are $30.
Chocolate frog
With so much temptation it's hard to leave without a bag full of these mouth watering Belgian chocolates, so be prepared for this amazing chocolate shop.
Chocolate counter
