Mary’s Brigadeiro Handmade Brazilian Chocolate Soft Launch

A month ago my sister Jamie and I walked past this poster in the window for Mary’s Brigadier at 1912 Danforth Avenue west of Woodbine. I was trying to take a stealthy photo of the poster (busted) when Mary herself came out with her dog! She told us all about her launch happening soon so I started following her on social media so I would not miss it. I went back later to successfully get the above photograph, LOL.

Soft Launch

The timing was perfect. It was the weekend of Taste of the Danforth when that white paper was ripped off the front window.

I love that she has a bench outside for people to enjoy her chocolates and that the name of her shop is reflected on the sidewalk below. She also has a water bowl for dogs of course!

The Space

There is immediately good energy when you walk into Mary’s Brigadeiro. There is enough room to walk around a little but the focus is all on the chocolate-making area complete with garnishes and treats galore.

To-go products are placed in easy reach like her unbelievably delicious chocolate sauce.

The decor is cheerful, positive and yet tasteful and professional.

I must admit I am curious about the swinging chair in the window. It is an eye catcher but is anyone actually allowed to sit in there and indulge in chocolate?

Foodie Decorative Touches

The first thing Mary mentioned was the quality of not only the chocolate but the decorative crisps, sprinkles and nuts of her Brazilian treats.

Even when you go to the effort to make your own chocolates at home (which I do) we often finish them off the grocery store quality sprinkles. Huh.

Mary sells high quality crisp pearls which give her chocolates a distinct look, texture and professional flavour.

And wow! They taste incredible. This was absolutely eye opening for me.

The Treats

We were given samples of her chocolate sauce which was literally one of the best ones I have ever had. I often will get a sore throat or cough after having chocolate but not this time at all. Smooth and silky.

Do you know how hard it was NOT to have one of those cookies?! This took real strength on my part. I will go back for one but during the launch I wanted to focus on the Brigadeiro chocolates.

And yes, I am going back for the chocolate gold leaf dusted tarts too!

Mary’s Brigadeiro

This is why I was here though. Each chocolate is hand-rolled and made in small batches.

There is not a lot of seating at Mary’s but Jamie and I scored the two stools. I did not want to rush this experience and most people were in and out buying boxes on the run.

The Choices

Mary said that every day the chocolates are different. That means, if you see something you want, buy it now! You can see a list of some of the flavours here.

It was not easy but Jamie and I came up with a small selection that we shared.

The Eating

We both love pistachios so we chose the one with lemon. I of course had to have the cappuccino (my favourite). We got the passion fruit with white chocolate shavings and finished with the Mexican spices chocolate.

I was a little nervous about the last one but Mary assured me she did not like super spicy either.

We asked for a knife thinking we could cut them in half to share but these are not truffles. They are made with sweetened condensed milk and as a result, they as super soft and truly melt in your hands before you can even get them to your mouth on a summer’s day.

The passion fruit blew me away. Having that sweet but slightly sour and tangy fruit flavour with the sweetness of the white chocolate was perfection. Combining pistachio with lemon was mouth transforming. We asked if there was something else in there because it became so unique an eating experience we thought there must be something else in there. No. Just pistachio paste with real lemon. Damn!

Turns out the my nervousness over the Mexican spice chocolate was unfounded. Yes, there is a warmth that comes with it but it is a warmth that feels like love, not torture. Again, perfection. What a master!

Jamie brought some home to share with her husband and he said it may have been the best chocolate he had ever had. I think I might have to agree with him. It is different from what I am used to but all I could taste was super high quality pure ingredients perfectly balanced into the most fantastic texture and flavourful surprises.

This sign could not be more accurate! If you are going to indulge and not make chocolate yourself, go to Mary’s Brigadeiro for that special treat.

What Next?

Next time I am getting the strawberry cream!!! I have lots of excuses to go back and try all of Mary’s Brigadeiro one at a time… If I can control myself! This was a phenomenal foodie experience.

I give Mary’s Brigadeiro chocolates and soft launch five out of five wooden spoons. I wish I could go back in time and taste everything. So in the future, I will. I would love if she also served hot beverages and had more seating but maybe that will happen down the road. I hope so!

Welcome to the neighbourhood Mary!