By Ann Volkwein
In 1994, Joshua Needleman started serving chocolates at his sister’s piano concert receptions. Nine years and several culinary stops later (including stints at the fabled La Maison du Chocolat in France and the Berkshires’ Canyon Ranch and Wheatleigh), he opened Chocolate Springs, a café and chocolate shop in Lenox.
“I was in New York during 9/11, and that’s what inspired me to finally go for it. Life is short, might as well risk everything you own to open a chocolate store.”
The move paid off: Chocolate Springs has been a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike ever since.
Life may be short, but the journey of chocolate is long. It takes six years for a cocoa tree to bear the fruit that then needs to be harvested, processed, fermented, shipped, cleaned, roasted, ground, tempered, and shipped again, Needleman explained.
He said he treats each chocolate creation like a symphony—for example, in creating his Earl Grey chocolate, he layers bergamot and tea infusion with a touch of local honey to balance the bitterness of the Valrhona chocolate base, creating a beautiful harmony.
Chocolate Springs Cafe
55 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox
chocolatesprings.com
Production is all done on-site at Chocolate Springs, which adds to the shop’s welcoming feeling (and aroma).
“What’s nice is the community aspect of this place, and chocolate’s ability to bring people together and have a conversation,” said Needleman. “We’re going through turbulent times. People could use some peace, and the world could use a piece of chocolate.”
More Chocolate Havens:
- Peace, Love, and Chocolate — Stockbridge | peaceloveandchocolate.biz
- Thorncrest Farm and Milk House Chocolates — Goshen, CT | milkhousechocolates.net
- The Quiet Botanist — Hudson, NY | thequietbotanist.com
