Posted: May 29, 2008

Ties that bind. Things that come to mind are family, country and chocolate of course. Anything chocolate that suits your fancy can be found at Allo! Chocolat. Pronounced, AH-lo SHAW-co-lot, this store is the rebirth of Amy Lyn's Chocolates in a new location, and now a new name.

Owners Carrie and Roger Igielski moved the store around the corner to its new digs at 234 W. Main St. in historic downtown Waukesha, Allo! Chocolat caters to grown-ups but nearly owns the heart of every child. When you walk in the door, it's an immediate feast for the eyes. From the beautiful chocolate molds in every shape, to the dozens of flavors and colors of malted milk balls, to the nostalgic candy; Allo! Chocolat has it all.

The number of chocolate molds alone is amazing and can put a fine touch on any event. Choose from chocolate roses, to baby bottles, piano keys, swans, baseballs and dinosaurs. You also have your choice of milk, dark or white chocolate. Owner Carrie Igielski says many, many orders are custom made for a variety of events.

"One customer ordered a variety of baby items in chocolate to make a centerpiece for a shower," said Igielski.

Allo! Chocolat also features nostalgic candy. There are hundreds of items from candy dots to wax lips. "People come in to buy candy from a particular era for birthday gifts or table decor," said Igielski.

Youth classes are also very popular. Children learn about the history of chocolate, the process from bean to store, and then put that information to good use by creating their own chocolate masterpieces.

Creating masterpieces is the favorite task of Igielski. "Making the molds is my favorite thing to do," she said. Igielski added many recipes are complicated and time-consuming but she finds the process very relaxing. Recreating the process of the chocolate experience is a close second.

"We try to do new things, offer new products and continually change the packaging." Among the new products is "Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream," a Wisconsin product that touts itself as "not low-fat, low calorie or low anything and that's why everyone loves it."

Stop by Allo Chocolat the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and say "allo!" You won't be disappointed.

For your info

What: Allo! Chocolat

Where: 234 W. Main St.

Phone: (262) 544-8030

Web: www.allochocolat.com