The Summerside Festival is on until 2 March – last week I reviewed the yummy Oyster Bar at Capital Wines. That same day we take our guest (who also happens to be my bestie!) to Robyn Rowe chocolates, down Nanima Road (near Poacher’s Pantry). A day with Capital Wines followed with Robyn Rowe chocolates is always a cracker: a guaranteed good day out (I’ve done it more than once before!).
While Robyn Rowe chocolates are good on their own, today’s made even more special because there’s a deal on as part of the festival: an assiette of chocolates with sparkling shiraz. We’re cutting it fine with getting our guest to the airport, but the deal is worth the risk.
You can see Robyn creating in her workshop – she often comes out and tells you what she’s working on (this pic from 2013)
Since we last visited, the workshop has been opened up with a seating area, and it’s hosting an exhibition by local pastel artist Amanda McLean (who happens to work at Robyn Rowe chocolates, too!). From a distance, Amanda’s artwork looks like beautiful photographs; getting up close is when the true level of detail and talent is revealed. (Check out what I mean on Amanda’s page here.)
For just $16, we get to choose any three chocolates from the cabinet (the hardest part), along with an edible chocolate cup filled with icecream made by Robyn, a spoon made of chocolate, and a glass of Jeir Creek Sparkling Shiraz. Chocolates are normally $2 each, and I’d guess a glass of Sparkling Shiraz would go for ~$8, so it’s easily a great deal. For those who aren’t drinking, there’s coffee or an iced chocolate (tempting!).
Heaven!
What’s more, each of Robyn’s creations comes in milk and dark chocolate and Sparkling Shiraz goes brilliantly with dark chocolate, with each able to cut through the other. Sadly, dark chocolate gives me a headache (weird?), but I can confirm that the milk chocolates still work (and the others enjoy a mix!). For my chocolates, I choose hazelnut praline, chocolate pear, and honey log.
What’s not to like?
Hazelnut praline is my number one choice every time: it’s got a crisp and crunchy base, and with a smooth filling full of flavour. The chocolate pear is tasty, but the one that packs the best flavour punch is the honey log. Divine!
If you’re heading out to the wineries, Robyn Rowe chocolates is a great place to break up or end the day. There’s even more reason to visit in the next two weeks!
Date: Sunday, 9 February 2014
Cost: $16 per person for the assiette + more for individual chocolates (how can you leave without getting more chocolate?)
Worthwhile factor: Highly worthwhile
Want more? The Summerside Festival ends on 2 March. Throughout the Summerside Festival, Robyn Rowe chocolates is open Friday-Monday. HerCanberra is also running a pretty spiffy giveaway which will take you out to wineries in a brand new BMW (!) (entries close this Friday).
In The Taratory 
Oh how I love Robyn’s chocolates! Exquisite.
They really, really are!