Matthew's Chocolates

I've never used this blog space before to highlight a new business in the County, but there is a great new shop in Downtown Hillsborough that's getting strong--and deserved--buzz.

Matthew's Chocolate's opened last Friday on Churton Street next to Gulf Rim Restaurant. Chocolatier and chef Matthew Shepherd, who moved to Orange County from South Florida earlier this year, handmakes each chocolate on site. Friends, these are world class chocolates; each is a work of art...they are buttery, rich, fragrant and unique.

My favorite so far is the pomegranate truffle. Seriously, you've got to check these out.

And on a side note, if you have not yet tried Panciuto Restaurant in Downtown Hillsborough, you don't know what you're missing. It's excellent Italian cuisine in a relaxing, simple atmosphere. Your server initiates the experience by presenting each lady in the party with a flower and each guest with a small glass of prosecco. Don't miss this restaurant...definitely worth a trip up to Hillsborough if you live in Carrboro or Chapel Hill. I went with my brother and sister-in-law on Friday night; they were suprised to see both writer Frances Mayes and former NY Mayor Ed Koch dining there that night.