You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Confessions of a<br />
chocoholic<br />
Kate Waller’s love affair with chocolate<br />
began almost two decades ago when<br />
she decided to take a break from the<br />
restaurant industry ... opting instead<br />
to import a few chocolate fountains<br />
from the UK and start a business of<br />
supplying chocolate fountains and<br />
decadent dessert tables at functions.<br />
Then, with her chocolate addiction<br />
now raring to go, she teamed up with<br />
quality chocolate producers Richard<br />
and Loraine Tomes, and launched the<br />
first boutique-styled chocolate shop<br />
at Casalinga Restaurant, called The<br />
Chocolate Tier. This was followed by<br />
a shop at Cradlestone Mall and then<br />
Blueberry Hill Hotel. But, almost on<br />
the verge of opening another store in<br />
Linden, The Chocolate Tier came to a<br />
grinding halt. Covid!<br />
“We had to face the bitter reality.<br />
There had already been a decline in<br />
rand spend on luxury chocolate gifts. Hotels were closed<br />
and travel was stopped. With no walk in trade, we started<br />
to shut all of our shops.”<br />
An all-around happy person with a nothing-can-stop-me<br />
attitude, Kate didn’t see it as a bad space to be in. She and<br />
her team took the time to get creative with new product<br />
line called Artisan Treat and The Chocolate Tier turned<br />
an already successful online shop into a more interactive<br />
retail space. The main change for 2020 was the inclusion<br />
of virtual chocolate pairings and experiences. Massive<br />
success!<br />
She does the most delicious pairing imaginable. Think<br />
chocolate and bubbly, whisky and chocolate, wine<br />
and chocolate and nuts and whisky. How does it work?<br />
Easy. Kate puts everything you will need for the pairing<br />
together – from the tasting samples, assorted handcrafted<br />
African origin truffles, tasting mat with tasting<br />
notes and an easy-to-follow set-up guide, and off it goes,<br />
reaching you wherever you are in South Africa in time for<br />
your scheduled pairing to take place via Zoom or Teams.<br />
Then the fun begins. Kate and her specialists guide you<br />
through the pairing where you’ll experience how they<br />
marry (or don’t!). A great idea to do with a group of friends,<br />
family, colleagues or clients. We’re planning to sign up for<br />
Let’s face it, chocolate is<br />
one of life’s deliciously<br />
feel-good treats. No<br />
matter how you enjoy it<br />
... as a bar, in a cake, a hot<br />
drink, or a drizzled over ice<br />
cream … chocolate brings<br />
joy. We chat with The<br />
Chocolate Tier Kate Waller,<br />
who believes that making<br />
chocolate for a living is the<br />
ultimate dream job.<br />
the gin and chocolate pairing<br />
option, which is coming soon,<br />
so be sure to keep an eye out<br />
on their website.<br />
Fancy something a little more<br />
hands-on and personal? Then<br />
you’ll be keen on the sessions<br />
Kate does in person. As well<br />
as the ones above, there’s also<br />
a Dipped, Rolled & Dusted<br />
interactive workshop where<br />
you create your own original<br />
deconstructed truffles; a single<br />
malt whisky and chocolate affair,<br />
where you will try a range of five<br />
different boutique single malts<br />
from Scotland; the history of<br />
chocolate, with an educational<br />
chat about the origins and<br />
makeup of chocolate and how<br />
to taste it; and so much more.<br />
These experiences are offered<br />
all around the country, in the<br />
comfort of your home or the venue of your choice.<br />
One we - and Kate - are particularly excited about<br />
happens monthly, right on our doorstep. An afternoon<br />
with The Chocolate Tier at Kleine Constantia Boutique<br />
Hotel, where you’ll learn about the history of chocolate,<br />
followed by a Jordan wine and handcrafted chocolate<br />
truffles pairing, served in Riedel glassware. Yes, you will<br />
even learn what a huge difference drinking wine out of<br />
the correct glass makes! Pencil <strong>April</strong> 9 in your diary right<br />
now ... mark off from 11am. The cost is R580 a person,<br />
which includes a plated lunch.<br />
Pairings not really up your alley? No problem. Kate and<br />
her team make some really to-die-for delicious treats you<br />
can order. From grown-up treats, like champagne truffles,<br />
dipped orange peel, dark chocolate rolls, chocolate and<br />
hazelnut cheesecake to a chocolate berry ganache cake,<br />
a collection of all things sweet and a really divine carrot<br />
cake. Hello Easter!<br />
Whether you have a sweet tooth or you are looking for<br />
a gift, chocolate is the answer. Click, click and voila! The<br />
Chocolate Tier has saved the day.<br />
Details: thechocolatetier.co.za or follow<br />
@thechocolatetieragency on Facebook and Insta.<br />
12 Get It Magazine <strong>April</strong> 20<strong>22</strong><br />
GIWR0408_012_1037072813.indd 12 20<strong>22</strong>/03/17 14:14:49
Change language