Marguerite McClay in her new kitchen at Rose Chocolatier. The shop will open this month. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

Rose Chocolatier will open later this month in Los Alamos at 991 Central Ave., next to the DMV. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

Toffees and caramels and truffles, oh my! Los Alamos will soon have its own chocolate shop! Rose Chocolatier will open in mid to late June at 991 Central Ave., next to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Owner Marguerite McClay has been in business since 2010, but has not had her own storefront until now. She has worked out of several commercial kitchens and sold her wares at a number of retail venues.

“I’ve always wanted a space where people can watch as I make chocholates,” McClay said.

Patrons will be able to see McClay at work in the kitchen from the front counter of the shop. In addition, the shop will have table seating and will serve coffee. Waiting for one’s number to come up at the DMV will soon get a lot more pleasant.

“I’ve eaten a little chocolate almost daily for most of my life,” McClay said. “Just a bit. My family are all chocoholics. We all bake and all our favorite desserts involve chocolate.”

McClay moved to Los Alamos in 2005 and knew she wanted to open a business. “My sister makes truffles, and I thought, I could do that too,” she said.

McClay discovered Ecole Chocolate, an online school for chocolatiers based in British Columbia. She began training in 2008. The school offers classes given by chocolatiers from around the world, as well as advice on how to set up a business. McClay connected with like-minded folks who offered support and advice through the school as well as receiving first class instruction, she said.

Rose Chocolatier will offer barks, brittles, toffees, caramels, mousses and all kinds of truffles. McClay invites people to suggest their favorite flavors! Dark, milk and white chocolate varieties will be available. Especially for summer, chocolate covered fruit will be available, too.

“I try to use fresh organic and natural ingredients,” McClay said. “I think of myself as people’s personal chocolatier …  I’m there for you, whatever your chocolate emergency!”

The shop will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with later hours on Friday night. In addition, the shop will take orders for parties and special events.

Watch the Los Alamos Daily Post for news on the opening of Rose Chocolatier. Visit the shop online at http://www.rosechocolatier.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rose-Chocolatier/159966047384890. For more information, call 505.695.1156.