As if the seasonal shelves at our local stores didn’t start reminding us as soon as (if not before) Christmas was packed away, Valentine’s Day is here. Since chocolate goes hand in hand with this special occasion, a visit to Sugar Marsh Cottage in Darien was the perfect subject to showcase here. Owner Dale Potts was kind enough to take some time out of her chocolate preparations to sit down with us and chat about what goes on behind the green on Vernon Square.
It's with a note of astonishment that Dale shares that she started up this small artisan confectionery business almost 20 years ago. “This is a second career for me after having been a construction manager for 25 years for a large commercial general contractor. Even though I had a construction degree, I always had a passion for gourmet food and knew at some point I’d want to start a food business. This passion was instilled in me by my parents. They entertained a lot and served unique and fabulous cuisine at their dinner and cocktail parties.” Maybe surprisingly, since it’s the chocolate that draws most customers here, it all began with the shortbread cookies.
“I had been making what ultimately became our signature product, the seashell shaped shortbread cookies for years and would share them with my lovely neighbors in Darien. They’re the ones who hinted that I should start a business. After doing just that, it was a natural progression to create other sweets and focus on artisan, seashell-shaped chocolates, inspired by the Georgia coast.”
Now Sugar Marsh Cottage is a must-stop location in the town Dale dearly loves and credits for welcoming her and her business so warmly, and her pink shrimp buttercream mints and Altie-shaped chocolates used as gifts representing the area—with the shrimp even making their way to VIP gift bags that went to the Peach Bowl with the Texas Longhorns! Of course her signature shortbread coquilles are still very popular, especially when dipped in chocolate and wonderfully unique flavor combinations like Meyer Lemon Buttermint, but today Sugar Marsh’s best seller is the decadently rich Fleur de Sel Toffee. Running neck and neck with that is their Luxury Artisan Chocolate Rum Crème BonBon Collection, made with three different essences of Richland Rum, each having a very distinctive flavor.
When asked where she gets the inspiration for her flavors, Dale says, “I like to use fresh herbs and prefer using fresh, local ingredients, as well as interesting liqueurs. We strive to think outside the box to create unique, out of the ordinary flavors. Some of the more interesting and delicious creations we have made include Peach Basil BonBons, Lemon Basil BonBons, and Blood Orange Olive Oil Bonbons.” Right now she’s been experimenting with a variety of chocolate barks that incorporate nuts and fruit and big bold flavors. She calls these combinations “mindful indulgences,” because dried fruit and nuts add nutritional content and not simply empty calories. (As a fortunate taste taster, I’m a big fan!)
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If you’re shopping for Valentine’s Day treats, the tables will be decked with heart-shaped chocolates, caramels, bonbons, and more, and it’s a perfect spot to find that perfect something special. If you’re planning a gift or dinner with wine and chocolate, Dale recommends white chocolate to complement champagne and dark chocolate as a pairing with red wine. We’ll leave you with a wonderful story Dale shared that’s appropriate for the occasion.
“Several years ago, when we first introduced our large, solid chocolate heart box for Valentine’s Day, we had a grandmother come into the shop looking for something special for her grandson. It was actually on Valentine’s Day, and he was going to ‘pop the question’ to his girlfriend that evening. She was interested in the large chocolate heart box we had on display containing white chocolate pearls and chocolate seashells. She asked if we could put something special inside and we responded that we could. Much to our amazement, she pulled out the engagement ring she had with her and asked if we could put it inside and close it with a ribbon! After placing the ring inside and getting the approval of her grandson, she purchased the chocolate heart gift box which we wrapped up with a hot pink bow.
We were all so excited having created this special gift for such an important occasion that we wanted to post something on social media. We couldn’t, of course, because it might spoil the surprise! The only thing we posted on our Facebook page the next day, without a photo, was, ‘Did she say yes?’ And the lovely grandmother replied, ‘Yes!’ It was the most heartwarming experience for all of us!”
Whether you have a Valentine or you just want to indulge yourself, take a ride up to Darien to visit Sugar Marsh Cottage at 300 Franklin Street on Vernon Square. It’s a beautiful drive and a very sweet escape. If you can't make it there in person, visit sugarmarshcottage.com to place an order online.
