In a delectable triumph for Greenville’s burgeoning culinary scene, LaRue Fine Chocolate has been recognized as one of the best chocolate shops in the United States. Founded by local chocolatier Elizabeth Logan McDaniel, this artisanal gem secured an impressive fifth spot in a nationwide ranking of chocolate shops, as voted by readers in a recent survey.
10 best chocolate shops across the US – USA Today
A Taste of Greenville’s Rising Food Scene
LaRue Fine Chocolate’s success is a testament to Greenville’s growing reputation as a foodie destination. “This recognition isn’t just for us, it’s for Greenville,” says McDaniel. “It shows that our city can compete with major culinary hubs when it comes to craft and quality.”
The shop has become renowned for its specialty truffles, which combine refined flavor infusions with playful names. Among the standout offerings are the “Sweet Kentucky,” a dark chocolate creation featuring a salty and tipsy caramel, and the “Dora LaRue,” which tantalizes taste buds with a peanut butter and graham cracker crunch enrobed in milk chocolate.
Crafting Chocolate Magic
McDaniel’s journey to chocolate mastery is as rich as her creations. “Each truffle is a little work of art,” she explains. “We source the finest ingredients and experiment constantly to create unique flavor profiles that surprise and delight.”
The chocolate-making process at LaRue is a blend of traditional techniques and innovative flavors. McDaniel and her team hand-temper their chocolate, ensuring each piece has the perfect sheen and snap. “It’s a labor of love,” she admits, “but when you see a customer’s eyes light up at first taste, it’s all worth it.”
More Than Just Chocolates
What sets LaRue apart is not just its confections but its commitment to creating a complete chocolate experience. The shop includes a cafe space where customers can indulge in boozy beverages and a menu of small plates, making it a destination for chocolate lovers and foodies alike.
Local food critic, James Thompson, notes, “LaRue has transformed how Greenville thinks about chocolate. It’s not just a sweet treat here; it’s an experience, a craft, an art form.”
Stacking Up Against the Competition
LaRue’s fifth-place ranking puts it in esteemed company. The top four spots were claimed by shops from larger cities like Chicago and New Orleans, making Greenville’s presence in the top five even more remarkable.
“We’re honored to be ranked alongside such incredible chocolatiers,” McDaniel says. “It motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and perfecting our craft.”
Looking to the Future
With this national recognition, LaRue Fine Chocolate is poised for growth. McDaniel hints at exciting plans: “We’re exploring new flavor combinations inspired by global cuisines. And who knows? Maybe a second location is in our future.”
Plan Your Visit
LaRue Fine Chocolate is located at 123 Main Street in downtown Greenville. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM. For the full experience, try their chocolate tasting flight, which includes five of their most popular truffles paired with local wines.
As LaRue Fine Chocolate basks in this well-deserved recognition, it not only puts Greenville on the map for chocolate lovers but also sweetens the city’s reputation as a rising star in the culinary world. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, now is the perfect time to discover why this gem is considered one of the best chocolate shops in the country.
