My shopping experience at Chokaico in the Riverdale Shops was first class. Chokaico is a gorgeous…read morespecialty chocolate shop, specializing in single origin beans for chocolate, bonbons, truffles, hot cocoa and bars. They also have coffee and I think frozen treats. I didn't catch his name, but I think the owner helped me. He certainly had the pride of an owner. He was top tier friendly, engaging and helpful. He said he is from Ecuador and many of the beans used in the chocolate come from Ecuador. This was one of the best customer service experiences I've had this year. Any type of business. Before buying a bunch of holidays gifts, I tried a number of chocolate samples. They were obviously very high quality. There were a number of artistic chocolate pieces. Like one in the shape of a high heel shoe. I had a black iced coffee that was very good. I love Chokaico. They have my high recommendation. 5 Stars

Fernando is an amazing person to learn from and a great host! His chocolate was rich and delicious…read moreand he does a great job helping with tasting notes. We got some of the 70% chocolate and because I was so intrigued and he was a great chocolate coach, I asked him for his espresso drink of choice. He served up a double shot mocha with oat milk and chocolate shavings on top and it was the perfect French hot chocolate silkiness with the bold espresso flavors! Highly recommend!!!

Do not sleep on this candy store! I wish I was able to take pics but with a toddler in hand…read moremesmerized by this place there was no way I was whipping out my phone to pause the fun and amazement my whole family had. Every candy here is curated from all over the world. You can find amazing Swedish candies to Italian hard candies. Everything is so organized and so fun to look at! It was so fun to ask questions about where all the candy comes from and even try a piece to see what to get! You can scoop your own bag and feel all the nostalgia or buy a prepared bag or individual pieces. There is so much to choose from it can definitely be overwhelming but the woman at the counter was so patient with us and gave us some really awesome suggestions! My daughter loved their play station and it was a serious relief she was occupied with that so I could focus on finding some goodies for the fam. We opted for a variety of their sour Swedish candy and a bag of Italian hard candies. We even got this gigantic gummy worm and my daughter was just mesmerized at us pulling it out of the container! Though it's definitely pricey you are getting high quality candy from all over the world. This shop is incredibly unique. You do get a discount if you shop at their bakery first so definitely do that because I'm telling you are about to spend a lot because everything is just so good! Definitely will be here again!

When you first walk in, you are met with the most delightful sugary smell! The staff was so sweet…read moreand welcoming--and since we mentioned we came from the BouNom Bakery, we got a discount off of our purchase. BouNom Emporium is a small candy shop, offering candy from around the world from Sweden, UK, Spain, and more. There is an awesome variety of gummy candy that you can scoop into your own bag. Raspberry Lemonade Skulls, Watermelon Gummy Sharks, Pineapple Grapefruit Rings, and other fun flavors and shapes. If you love Peach Rings, you would literally be a kid in a candy store here. My husband likes this kind of gummy candy and hand picked a few different types for him to try. Since I visited around Halloween, there were a lot of fun Halloween shapes like vampire teeth and candy corn. I was also really excited to find the Sakura Matcha Pocky. They also had some of my favorite Kit Kats too. This place is truly unique and I haven't been to another candy shop like it. I loved the fact that they weren't wall to wall full of candy because it gets overwhelming. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in the Avon ares.

I liked Bridgewater Chocolate ("BC") before they were in West Hartford Center. I had heard about…read moreBC from a Best Chocolate list. The list suggested that BC had great traditional chocolates, while another CT chocolatier had a modern European style. Both great, but different. I remember going to a store in Bridgewater, CT many years ago, but I don't think it was actually a Bridgewater Chocolate store. That store sold BC's high end classic chocolates like turtles, toffees, patties and caramels though. I bought a bunch and thought they were outstanding. I already thought that West Hartford Center was kind of a cool place, but when the West Hartford Bridgewater Chocolate store first opened, I knew it for sure. With its beautiful chocolates displayed like expensive jewelry, the West Hartford store feels like a high end chocolate boutique that would be at home in Beverly Hills. Sometimes, I feel under-dressed when I go. I'm afraid they're going to kick me out Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman-style, but the BC staff never makes me feel that way. They welcome me and offer me a free taste of chocolate. It always works. I buy a few extra. If you like things done in a classic way, but at the highest possible level, BC is your place. The chocolates have perfect shapes and colors. If you don't like the look of a circle with uniform color, they've got stripes. Don't like long, flat and smooth pieces, they'll rough it up with some chopped nuts. You only want to buy chocolate in the shape of a top hat? That's kind of weird, but they've got you anyway. The toffee breaks in your teeth the exact way you had hoped it would. The nuts and caramel in the turtles crunch and stretch simultaneously. The caramels ooze when you bite into them. The milk chocolate tastes smooth and sweet, and the dark chocolate tastes deeply bittersweet and complex. You can buy curated boxes of chocolates in very cool boxes if you're buying gifts. You can also order by the piece and select the exact ones you want. BC has things like bars and containers of chocolate covered pretzels. Love the pretzels. Even BC's bags are classy. Food-wise, Bridgewater Chocolates is one of the most respected names outside of CT. It's 5 Stars for me every time.

Service was terrible. Caroline is a poor excuse of a manager, and customer service just lacks in…read moregeneral. Was shocked to see how unprofessional the business runs. I've been a customer for years.. and after new management it has never been the same. And it's so disappointing. The friendly environment that I once adored is no longer there.

A spell was casted on me…read more.. Taste of Spellbound is a bakery that does custom dessert orders. They've been around since 2012 and offers a variety of treats; from macarons, cupcakes, bars, pies, truffles, and cookies. There are three locations; Avon, South Windsor, and West Hartford. This one in Avon is super cute and whimsical; love the decor with the picture frames on the wall. There was a table and some chairs to enjoy your treats. I decided to get a few macarons, bars, and a cupcake. All were so good but my favorite were the macarons. They were the perfect texture, lightly crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. This place is definitely a gem and I can't wait to go back!

When it comes to their desserts, calling ahead and ordering may be the way to go. I'm not a coffee…read moredrinker so I can't speak to that, and the desserts they had on hand were delicious. But there may be more options available.... Definitely worth a pop-in to get something small and taste the deliciousness. Regardless, the interior is beautiful decorated. It feels like a modern tea room with some availability to sit. The walls are a beautiful calm blue. They have some cold drinks, and the cups cakes - very moist, definitely have standing life in them. The employee was very kind and friendly, and the shop seems smoothly run. The shop seems to be in two plazas, and have designated parking on either side next to the building. Watch carefully for the signs, because the plaza is a little nondescript from the road.

I'm newish to the area and I've been hearing a buzz about this place for a while, so I had to check…read moreit out. There are two locations but the one in Canton is temporarily closed. This one is located in Avon in the Old Avon Village plaza. There were plenty of parking when I went. The bakery is pretty spacious with some tables and seats. The display was filled with delicious looking cupcakes and other treats. They are known for their cupcakes. I got a few different ones to try with my family; the Oreo, funfetti, and brownie flavors. We were all very happy with the outcome; they were moist and up there with the best cupcakes I've had in a while. They also have gluten free, vegan, mini cupcakes, and cupcakes kits. Other treat options were the chocolate covered Oreos and cannoli chips and dip. I bought a few of those Oreos and they didn't disappoint. I can't wait to go back and try out more treats!

This lovely place is already rated one of the top cupcake shops in CT so the 5 stars should come as…read moreNO surprise. Their Avon location is cute and quaint and boy of boy does it smell good when you walk in! I've gone here many times to get some sweet treats for the kids and I. They NEVER disappoint. My daughter usually cons me into getting way more than we need but I'm never truly upset about it because everything is so good. I for one am not a big super sweet frosting person. I've always preferred the whipped cream frosting or cream cheese frosting but their buttercream is something that even I enjoy. They keep their peanut butter options completely separate from the other flavors and even asked if I wanted my peanut butter cupcake in a separate box for allergy purposes. They offer dietary accommodations including gluten free and vegan as well and they have a table of delicious chocolate dipped Oreos and beautiful hot cocoa bombs. There's also an ice cream counter. They even have something for the 4 legged friends!! With multiple locations they are pretty accessible to give a try

I recently visited Le Banh Patisserie for the second time, and once again found myself overwhelmed…read moreby the quality of the baked goods within. I find that most bakeries drown their flavors in sugar, glazes, and frosting, while the pastries offered at Le Banh Patisserie deliver the perfect balance of taste and texture without being cloyingly sweet. If you are a fan of crossaints, you owe it to yourself to give these a try - they are golden and flaky on the outside with an incredibly buttery and airy center, and baked to perfection. Whether you choose the almond, chocolate, or classic butter, I guarantee you won't be disappointed, and will likely feel as if you just stepped out of a Parisian café. The scones are equally delightful with a crisp exterior while remaining soft and moist in the middle, and abounding in flavor. Also, be sure to grab a Doodle cookie (or two) before you go, and give the Vietnamese coffee a try - you'll be glad you did. Above all else, the owner/baker is one of the friendliest and most personable people you are likely to meet, and I could have spent the entire afternoon talking with her. After complimenting her on the quality of her treats and contemplating the lack of decent bakeries in the area, she was generous enough to recommend other establishments which she thought would be worth trying. In addition, after telling her I would love to possess her skill, she encouraged me to give it a try and even gave me a few resources with which to begin my baking journey. Overall, I can highly recommend this hidden gem as perhaps the finest confectionary I have ever had the good fortune to stumble across, and would honestly suggest to anyone that they would be doing themselves an incredible disservice by failing to stop in one afternoon and give Le Banh Patisserie a try​

I have been wanting to come here for such a long time!! I can't believe I haven't been!! Both the…read moreoutside and inside are so cute. There are tables inside too. I missed the morning rush and came closer to lunch time. There wasn't a lot left, but I was SO excited there was one sandwich left with the focaccia bread that was Made the night before! It was so delicious!! I also tried the salted lemonade and it was a Different taste for me, but so good! Kim, the owner, was there and it was so nice to meet her and get to know her. I look forward to going back!!

Came here for a date night with my husband and we were wowed by the food and service. Great…read moreattention to details and flavors! They were very accommodating for gluten free food and even had delicious gluten free rolls available. Our server, Sarah, was so sweet. We were so excited about the menu that we decided to try a bunch of appetizers and dessert. Can't wait to go back to start trying the dinner menu.

Two North House Cheeseburgers: 8 oz Certified Angus Beef | Bibb Lettuce Tomato | Vermont Cheddar |…read moreBlack Garlic Aioli Crispy Shallot. One was medium and one medium rare; both perfectly grilled. Added the Parmesan Truffle Fries and the Grilled Asparagus. Service was excellent and water refilled as needed. Excellent place for lunch in a very interesting quiet tavern-like atmosphere. Will definitely go back for the Cubano.

I thought I didn't like these cookies until I tired the minis. Now I am hooked darn it!read more

Theres usually kind people who work here that are friendly and are helpful some are ok but the…read morecookies are always fresh and look as advertised overall good experience

Happy Tail Coffee is in an old horse trailer that was converted. It's a cute trailer and I've seen…read morethem at various locations, such as Flamig Farm, festivals, and The Shops Of Farmington. They serve coffee of course, lattes, and baked goods. I've had their chagaccino a few times now. It has lion's mane, cacao, mushrooms, cinnamon, vanilla, and steamed milk. It's a delicious and unique drink. The people working there were nice too. Overall, it's a cute coffee trailer serving up quality goods.

"If it makes you happy It can't be that bad"…read more(Sheryl Crow) Next time you're at the Shops at Farmington Valley, park in the back lot and keep an eye open for what looks like a horse trailer. Well, it's not really a horse trailer. It's a mobile coffee shop specializing in coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, mochas, chais, lattes, baked goods and more. I spent some time chatting with Julian, Happy Tail's friendly and engaging proprietor. She explained that the coffee shop will be there for most days into December, then will take a hiatus for the winter. I ordered a 12-ounce iced White Chocolate Pistachio Latte for $6.17, and it was so good I kind of wished I had upgraded to a 16-ouncer. It had a distinct pistachio flavor, and the chocolate component was noticeable but not overpoweringly sweet. It was fantastic. I can't recommend Happy Tail's enough. My latte was great, and I really enjoyed meeting and chit-chatting with Julian. I'm sure you'll enjoy both as well.