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Who better to speak the language of love than Norman Love himself?
The acclaimed chocolatier (he’s had his confections featured by Oprah and others) has become synonymous with sophisticated sweets in Southwest Florida. His “chocolate and dessert salons”—his version of upscale retail shops with some room to sit and enjoy the varied truffles, gelato and desserts—have spread throughout our land, but his latest on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers has taken his penchant for thinking way outside the chocolate box to new levels.
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With ample selections of red, white and sparkling wines, the idea is for people to make it a destination, rather than a quicker in and out—and it’s catching on. NBC2 News anchor Kellie Burns, a member of Gulfshore Life’s Community Advisory Board, tells us it is really popular after work most nights, with people catching up and unwinding over glasses of wine (each is served with your pick of two chocolates). There is also a group who make it a morning stop, too; for $12, you can get a mimosa, pastry of your choice and cup of coffee.
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Now, the salon has debuted Friday and Saturday “Date Nights” with a prix fixe menu and live music. Reservations are accepted between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and the total cost for two is $55, including two glasses of wine, a charcuterie board filled with meats and cheeses, two chocolates and one of Love’s masterpieces (elaborate European-style desserts like raspberry domes, tiramisus, fruit tarts and layer cakes) to share. Chocolate alone can spark romance, but this is a full-on shakeup for your romantic ritual.
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Norman Love Confections Chocolate and Dessert Salon
13261 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
(239) 672-8797
Open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Get the Hot Dish every Monday and Wednesday online and every month in Gulfshore Life.