Left, just a few of Pizzelle’s Confections hand-crafted chocolates; Right, Michelle Novosel, co-owner of Pizzelle’s, prepares a batch of chocolate. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIZZELLE’S
Pizzelle’s Confections Huntsville
In Pizzelle’s, chocolate is not just made. It is sculpted, painted, and molded by artisans. Customers often ponder: Do I eat Pizzelle’s chocolates or display it in the living room? The self-argument is settled after one bite. Art becomes a delectable memory. “We are very much into art and chocolate is our medium,” says co-owner, executive chocolatier and pastry chef Michelle Novosel. “Our chocolates are beautiful edible pieces but also taste amazing. We use very fine chocolate imported from Switzerland and we add local ingredients whenever possible.” Located in Huntsville’s Lowe Mill District, Pizzelle’s serves many customers who are patrons of the arts with a sweet tooth. But regardless one’s art expertise – from consumers of Picasso to lovers of the Poker Playing Dogs – all love Pizzelle’s. Chef Michelle and her co-owner – her sister, Caitlin Lyon, who’s Pizzelle’s Confections also the general manager – work 2211 Seminole Dr. with a small group of artists, cu- Railroad Room #4 Huntsville, AL linary experts and chocolatiers. 256-513-9745 They make magic happen. Pizzellesconfections.com Fairhope Chocolate 42 1/2 S Section St Fairhope, AL 251-928-7750 Fairhopechocolate.com
forms: dark and milk chocolates, white couvertures, sea salt, chocolate dipped, caramel drizzled, and with locally harvested pecans, caramel apples, Southern
pralines and more. But save room for dessert. They make onsite gelato – one scoop of Fairhope’s dark mocha will amaze. Two scoops and you’ll move to Baldwin County. Fairhope Chocolate also carries Neuhaus of Belgium, the chocolate choice of Belgian royalty and the Kingdom of South Alabama. “It is so delicious,” adds Jule, “and only offered by a few of us in the U.S.” Here’s a Valentine’s Day pro tip: Be there early. “Valentine’s Day is the single busiest day in our business,” Jule says. “We sell a lot of chocolate dipped strawberries but also a huge selection of boxed chocolates – store made or custom made to your order.” Though always busy, Chef Jule acknowledges that being busy is a good thing in the business that is her passion. “I have always loved chocolate and the chocolate business.” She adds, “I love watching children’s eyes widen as they enter my chocolate shop. I also like watching adults’ eyes widen as they enter my chocolate shop.” Alabama Living
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“I can’t really tell you a customer favorite,” Michelle says. “Everyone has favorites. Yes, our chocolates are beautiful pieces of art, but the taste is amazing too.” Pizzelle’s website and store currently feature 20 varieties of edible art – not to be confused with jewelry, which it resembles. Valentine’s Day offerings under consideration at press time include various chocolate varieties mixed and matched with passion fruit, strawberry, champagne and other flavors.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier Tuscaloosa
When they moved to Tuscaloosa from Jacksonville, Florida, in 2003, Heather and husband Travis Reier learned the chocolate business, bought a franchise, and opened Peterbrooke Chocolatier in September 2007. But don’t let the word “franchise” fool you. As Heather says, “This isn’t a large corporate factory. We are a small shop, with much of our chocolate made in-house.” It does not stay in-house long. “Our chocolate covered popcorn is the best seller,” adds T-Town’s chocolatier, discussing the only Peterbrooke store in Alabama. “The popcorn is yellow-buttery-salty with milk chocolate dripped over it. People always ask what makes it so good.” On average, they sell about 250 bags of chocolate-bathed popcorn a week. Other favorites include the couple’s chocolate-covered potato chips, custom made cookies, pretzel rods, molded items and of course, Valentine’s treats for the sweet. Feb. 14 starts early. “We begin dipping strawberries at about 4 a.m.,” Heather explains about Cupid’s little helpers. “We do not dip it earlier and we do not ship it,” she continues. “We never sell chocolate covered strawberries over a day old.” Nor do they have to. On Valentine’s Day, customers are waiting at the door before the shop opens. Acknowledging the busy day ahead, Heather smiles. “It’s a super fun business. I like to think we are small town chocPeterbrooke Chocolatier olatiers with fine chocolates, 1530 McFarland Blvd. European with an American Tuscaloosa, AL flair. We make people happy 205 - 752-0211 Peterbrookeindianhills.com with chocolate.”
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