The Sweet Life
Celebrating Confectionery Creators
The Sweet Life: Nu Chocolat
A FAMILY AFFAIR CREATES CHOCOLATE MASTERY
NU means “naked” or “unadorned.”
On a snowy day in the middle of winter when a biting wind can chill you to the bone, a visit to NU Chocolat will not disappoint. Come enjoy one of their many hot beverages that promise comfort, warmth, and pleasure. Always adorned festively for the season, NU’s expansive windows offer a vista of beautiful Lake Champlain and a peaceful place to settle for a while. Located in downtown Burlington on the corner of Battery and King streets, NU Chocolat beckons you in.
As you enter the chocolate boutique, glass cases filled with an enticing display of European-style truffles greet you. The warm and knowledgeable sales staff offers you a sample of one of their famed truffles. These handcrafted pieces of art are made with the finest single-origin chocolates, rich Vermont cream, and fresh flavors from around the globe. Flavors such as French Lavender Vanilla, Vermont Bourbon, and Cardamom Coffee are just a few of the masterfully handcrafted samplings. Simple shelving displays an array of beautifully packaged chocolate bars including the most popular, Tumaco, a Colombian dark chocolate with hints of floral spice and yellow fruits. Browse the famous candied Italian orange slices, signature cocoa almonds, and hazelnut crisp bars. A stroll around this shop is a feast for the eyes. Any choices you make here are gifts for the palate.
This family affair brings far more than chocolate. Kevin, Laura, Rowan, and Virginia Toohey founded NU Chocolat in 2018. It was the result of love, passion, family, and incredible chocolate mastery. The extensive selection of curated chocolate gifts and European bonbons, handmade by master chocolatiers Kevin and Laura, creates a pure immersive chocolate experience. NU means “naked or unadorned.” Simply put, the naked taste of chocolate is best savored slowly to experience the subtle flavors and finish. A cup of their hot chocolate is an ambrosial experience. They use their signature hot chocolate shavings (available for purchase) with high-tech Swiss mixers to create a creamy, textured beverage with a depth of intense chocolate flavor. The Mocha Latte is a favorite here with the added richness of espresso. Oat milk and decaf options are available for those who desire.
Laura, Virginia, Kevin, and Rowan Toohey, the team behind NU Chocolat
“We are all about beauty and goodness.” –Kevin and Laura Toohey
Kevin laughs when he shares that when he’s out and about, he is often greeted with, “Hey, you’re the chocolate guy!” Always touched to be known this way, his work is playful, fun, and purely enjoyable. It would be difficult to find someone who has such an extensive knowledge of chocolate, which he shares willingly with passion and precision. Kevin and Laura’s path to the world of fine chocolate began with classical music studies at a midwestern university. After college, Laura took a summer job at a Swiss pastry shop in St. Louis where Kevin met Swiss chef Renee Nussebaum. Kevin was invited to apprentice with Chef Renee in an intense three-year program. This time devoted to learning the craft provided Kevin with the experience and skills needed to create his own family business.
As with many who find their way to Vermont, Kevin and Laura have their story. They answered an advertisement to run a Christmas tree farm in Hardwick, which Kevin managed while he and Laura crafted truffles to sell wholesale. A creative, adventurous, and resilient spirit has served them well during the years as they embraced opportunities along their journey that would eventually land them in Burlington.
(left)NU Chocolat’s soul-warming Mocha Chocolate Coffee; (right)Scrumptious Fleur de Sel caramels
NU Chocolat opened its doors in spring 2019. After a successful first year, the pandemic hit. NU closed its cafe and seamlessly adjusted to the pandemic with curbside pickup and an engaging website. Folks sought out gifts to send to loved ones more than ever, and chocolate was often at the top of their lists.
With chocolate being part of almost every American holiday, there is very little downtime, and the Tooheys are always planning for the next. “It’s our lifestyle,” Kevin and Laura agree. “We are woven into people’s lives in our community through the central ritual of chocolate in celebrating these holidays.” When they squeeze time out to get away, they find themselves visiting patisseries and chocolate shops in Montreal or other cities. Clearly chocolate is never far from their mind.
In essence, both agree: “We are all about beauty and goodness.” A visit to NU Chocolat during any season promises to evoke delight and open the heart.
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