It’s difficult to think of something that makes almost everybody smile warmly. Puppies are cute, but not necessarily to cat people. Babies are delightful, but not to insomniacs. Football is fantastic, but it’s really not for everybody… even if Favre does come back.
Chocolate. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Loved by billions. Adored by most. Worshipped by many. Chocolate is linked to happiness… as in a Tootsie Pop; well-being… as in a birthday cake; tradition… as in a chocolate Easter bunny; fun… as in a cup of steaming cocoa after a snowy Saturday of sledding, and most important of all… love… as truffles inside a heart-shaped Valentine box. Chocolate might not make the world go round, but it certainly gives it momentum.
There’s a new chocolate Mecca in our midst, and it would be remiss for any art appreciator such as myself to keep it a secret. Franklin’s Fine Chocolate is a new store at 2474 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue. Open the door and the sweet aroma sweeps you off your feet. Franklin and Sue Di Vilio are the proprietors and will delight in telling you chocolate stories as they lean on the original candy counters from Gimbels that they bought and carefully restored after the Milwaukee landmark closed years ago. And trust me when I tell you that their phone number, (414) SO YUMMY is no coincidence.
Trained by and related to the family of purveyors famous for their irresistible Mackinac Island Fudge, Franklin and Sue lovingly make chocolates by hand in their state-of-the-art kitchen on the premises. Caramels, butter creams, cherry cordials, and many more varieties are waiting for chocolate lovers to come and get them, not to mention the mint meltaways, soon to become famous themselves, known as The Franklin Mints.
Some artists work in clay and stone, or oils and acrylics. Franklin works in chocolate that’s creamy and ever so dreamy. Art is subjective, but there won’t be many who don’t find Franklin’s chocolates to be delectable masterpieces.
~Peggy Brown
DID YOU ENJOY THE SOUTH SHORE FROLICS FESTIVAL OF ARTS??
If yes, then don't miss the Milwaukee Artist's Marketplace at the Milwaukee Art Museum Saturday, July 26th.
The Bay View Arts Guild is proud to be invited once again, and will have 9 members displaying their fine artwork. For more information, visit: http://www.mam.org/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=263&year=2008&month=07
