Sweet addition for Lonsdale lovers
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If you are a chocoholic, then Lonsdale Street is about to get a whole lots sweeter.
One of Canberra’s artisanal food success stories, Enigma Fine Chocolates is moving in and decking out its first flagship store in the Ori Building.
Taking up a sizeable shopfront where Groomed used to be, the prospect of Enigma moving in creates a bit of a dessert precinct down the north end of the street, across from Frugii and down the street from Gelato Messina.
Chocolatier and owner Stuart Strutt-Shotton says the move was strategic in that Lonsdale Street was synonymous as a foodie destination.
“There are so many great eating experiences there, so it makes sense that we should make the move.”
It’s a big step after Stuart set up his brand of handmade truffles and chocolate bars in 2015. He has since forged a name for himself – selling at the Handmade Markets and Old Bus Depot Markets as well as being stocked at suppliers across the city.
“It’s a bit scary but it was time to take the leap to open our flagship store,” he said.
He and his partner Adna and three chocolate-loving daughters are currently working on the fit-out which should see the doors open at the end of the month.
The store itself will focus entirely on chocolate, with various counters allowing Stuart to display the beauty of his handmade, often colourful, creations. There will also be room for a few tables to allow those who adore a perfect truffle time to stop, sit and fully appreciate the moment. Stuart is also promising some bespoke chocolate drinks – hot or cold depending on the demands of the season.
“Ideally, I want people to come in, relax and really take the time to experience our chocolate, eating some at the table and then perhaps taking some away.”
Having been a chef for 17 years, Stuart’s passion for chocolate was ignited in London where he worked with chocolatier Paul A Young. He uses mainly Valrhona chocolate from France, although he is increasingly inspired by flavour combinations coming from the local region.
Stuarts truffles are flavour bombs, coming in an ever-changing combination of flavours (think burnt honey caramel, peanut butter and jam on toast, banoffee, espresso martini, raspberry and tonka bean, Moët & Chandon champagne truffle) and his bars come in chai spiced, Anzac biscuit, Turkish delight & pistachio, Caramelia popcorn, salted pretzel, intensely dark with roasted cacao nibs or if you’re game, try 100 per cent dark chocolate.
Enigma has gathered a loyal local following of Canberra chocolate obsessives and also has won the Australia Food Awards 2017 Champion Australian Small Producer/Manufacturer trophy across all categories at the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, several medals at the Sydney Royal Show, and most recently took the Best Chocolate/Best in Class for the raspberry and tonka bean truffle with the Australian Food Awards.
the essentials
What: Enigma Fine Chocolates Flagship store
Where: Shop 65, Ori Building, Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am-6 pm
Contact: 043 22 64 772
Website: enigmafinechocolates.com.au
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