Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Dreamy Gelato and Chocolates

As a self-proclaimed sugar addict, today I am so excited to feature Dreamy Gelato and Chocolates. The owner, Sukai Crook, has stopped by today to give us a behind the scenes look at her wonderful little dessert boutique.

Lemiga: What is Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates?

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates: We are a dessert boutique offering three business lines:

(1) Perfection in a cone (Gelato, Sorbet, and Sherbet)

(2) Perfection in a cup (Hot Chocolate, Italian Espresso Drinks, and Granitas)

(3) Perfection in a box (Handmade Onsite European Chocolates and Pastries)

Lemiga: Why did you decide to open your shop?

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates: I always want to start my own business; however, starting my own business was not part of my immediate plans. I was working as an US expat in London for a successful company. I had the best boss and my family was enjoying living abroad. One day while working in Folkestone, England, I was invited to go to lunch. After lunch, we stopped at a local gelato shop. I had no idea what gelato was, but it looked like traditional ice cream so I ordered two flavors. The moment I tasted the gelato, I knew traditional ice cream was a thing of the past. The gelato was full of flavor. To add to my enjoyment, I learned the addictive treat was low fat. I thought to myself, this dessert is an oxymoron….intense flavor, but low fat. This moment was the birth of Dreamy Gelato.

The addition of chocolates to the business model came when I visited Tenterten, England. There was a lovely chocolate shop located on the High Street. The chocolates there were handmade with exceptional ingredients. When I tasted the truffles, I wondered what I had been eating for so many years in boxes labeled “chocolate truffles”. To my excitement, the owner agreed to teach me to make his chocolates. This was the birth of Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates.
Lemiga: Where do you get your recipes from and where did you learn to make gelato and gourmet chocolates?

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates: I trained in Italy and the U.S. to make my gelato and I trained in England to make artisan chocolates. I completed additional chocolate training at Ecole Chocolat (http://www.ecolechocolat.com/).
Lemiga: What options do you offer for special events and weddings?

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates: We can personalize our chocolates and boxes for any customer needs.

Lemiga: What is your favorite flavor of gelato and your truffles?

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates: I honestly don't have a favorite. I make the gelato/sorbet myself and I like them all. As for chocolate, I am a dark chocolate lovers so I love the dark chocolate raspberry, dark chocolate espresso, dark chocolate coconut, dark oreo.......... anything dark chocolate.
Lemiga: Where can we find your shop?

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates: We are located at The Avenue Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 106, Cumming, GA 30041, 678-513-6964.

I can personally testify that the gelato and chocolates taste even better than they look! Sukai takes the time to personally make all of her gelato and chocolates herself and it really shows in the quality of her product. I've never had anything like the desserts that she makes. Her gelato is so good that it is incomprehensible to me that it could be less fat and calories than regular ice cream!

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates is a participating vendor at my Open House Soiree on August 24th at The Solarium. Sukai will be there with her divine chocolates for you to sample and to also talk about how she can custom make chocolates to fit your wedding or special event. Be sure to register for the Soiree at http://lemiga.eventbrite.com/

2 comments:

Your Dream Day said...

Have been stealing glances at your blog and website all day at work. Your work is so inspiring. Beautiful blog and amazing event designs.

Anonymous said...

What an amazing experience. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the gelato, as well at the atmosphere. The gelato tasted very fresh and rich. We highly recommend Dreamy Gelato and Chocolates, you've got to try it for yourself!