Calling All Chocolate Lovers in Roanoke, VA

It's about time we write a little bit about food. For some of us, chocolate is an essential part of nutrition, perhaps of the emotional kind!! You know you have moments when you could just get plain nasty without a chocolate fix. So, does any piece of chocolate do the trick? Nope.

I mean, you just can't put ANY ordinary chocolate into your system. Not you or your kids. No, no, no!! And even if you think, well, maybe that fancy-wrapped gourmet stuff in the supermarket is loads better than the ones in the shiny dark brown wrapper, you'd be mistaken. Why? Because those have been sitting around the store a few days (or weeks). And ya know, it takes a while for the store to receive them. So, counting in the distribution and shipping times, your fancy brand might be a couple weeks old already. Are you eating preservatives meant for shelf-life? Yup.

Okay, what can you do about it? Is there some kind of chocolate factory around? Well, no. Not exactly... Or some kind of secret homemade chocolate connection you need to know? Getting closer!! How about an artisan chocolatier store - a place that makes chocolates fresh daily, by hand?? BINGO!!

Baylee's Best Chocolates is the place - right here in Roanoke, in SW County. They are the best-kept secret in town. But those who know... ah, yes, they do feel special. You get the royal treatment in this cozy little shop, hidden in the back end of the West Village Shopping Center behind Baja Bistro (formerly The Daily Grind). Owner Bayla Sussman and her friendly staff create a variety of scrumptious chocolate treats, which in itself is fun to watch through the glass panes inside the store while you decide between Truffles, Buttercreams, and Pretzel Pops. Baylee's Best makes dozens of different chocolate creations, and they're always designing new flavors to use... even taking requests for your ideas to suit your taste or occasion!

And yes, you don't need to be a local to indulge. Baylees will ship individual orders direct to you, however that may depend on the season. Chocolate melts, ya know, so call the store to find out more details about mail orders.

As for us Roanokers... no sweet tooth or chocolate attack can be best satisfied than with rich, creamy, and freshly made chocolate. Right here, in town. Indulge yourself!! It's the edible equivalent to fine diamonds.

PS - Happy Mother's Day!! (Hint, hint...)