“Indulge Your Happy” at Joy Chocolates in Essex
Just in time for St. Valentine’s festivities, Joy Chocolate has opened its doors in Essex. This sweet spot (imaginatively designed by Caryn Paradis Interior Design) presented a problem for me during my “no sugar” January. No matter, what’s a tiny piece of deliciousness? I can resist plenty, but a shop full of freshly made treats and the heavenly scent got the best of me. Owners Claire and Steve Ariyan encourage you to “Indulge Your Happy” here, and I complied!
Of course, you must have a salted caramel or three and perhaps bring home a few bars of their exquisite housemade chocolate (milk or dark), but do not turn down a cup of the most decadent, thick, and rich single-origin cocoa. Yes, it’s that good. And for even more JOY, a wall of nostalgic candies will give you a hankering for a Charleston Chew, Mary Jane, or giant Tootsie Roll. I grabbed a bag of S’mores Bark for a gift, but only after I had a nibble. Nothing is better than just a bite of chocolate for dessert, and I know my future dinner guests would be thrilled with a platter of various barks, some chocolate-dipped figs, and the charming hazel-nut stuffed hedgehogs!
Open only on weekends at the moment, but expanding their hours to include the 13th and 14th of February.
5 North Main Street
Essex
https://www.joychocolateco.com/