Boston - April 11, 2005

Near Water for Chocolate

Seaside Chocolates

Simple pleasures make life worth living. The sound of ocean waves. Brilliant sunrises. Really freaking good chocolate.

Residents of Lubec, Maine (a little coastal town perched on the easternmost point of land in the U.S.), have all three in abundance. Sunrises and waves? Well, duh: a dime a dozen in that part of the country. (And, sorry, not available for purchase online.) But Lubec is also home to Seaside Chocolate, which churns out luscious confections in small batches that can be shipped anywhere, anytime.

Most ingredients (the peanut butter in the peanut butter cups, the caramel in the sea urchins, and the potato in the Maine-originated needhams) are homemade. And much of the rest (like the wine in the blueberry and raspberry wine truffles) comes from local companies.

So by purchasing a few mouthwatering treats, you’re supporting more than one small (and possibly struggling) business.

Which means the pleasure may be simple, but the warm, fuzzy feeling it gives you lasts long after you’ve scarfed the last bite.

Available online at seasidechocolate.com.