Calverton-based artisanal sweets manufacturer North Fork Chocolate Company is the proud recipient of the 2014 Long Island Food Critic Award of Excellence for Finest Chocolatier.
Owner Ann Corley and executive chef Steve Amaral were presented with the award April 7 at Long Island Food Critic’s headquarters in Melville. Several other companies competed for the honor, said John Richard, director of Long Island Food Critic.
“I’m speechless,” said Ms. Corley, who launched North Fork Chocolate Company in early 2013 with Mr. Amaral, previous co-owner of the now-closed Wading River restaurant Amarelle. “I’m so proud of Chef Steve and we are very honored to be recognized.”
Mr. Richard said he first tried North Fork Chocolate Company’s line of handcrafted chocolates and sweets last fall at Harvest East End and, later, at the World Chocolate Expo.
“They have a great product,” he said.
Don’t let their name fool you, though: North Fork Chocolate Company sells more than just dessert.
In October the manufacturer, which has a production kitchen at the Calverton Business Incubator, opened its first retail operation out of the main food court at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead. The café sold fresh soups, artisanal sandwiches, and, yes, chocolates, all made by Mr. Amaral.
The business’ temporary lease expired in February, however, and North Fork Chocolate Company is currently negotiating a deal with Tanger officials to operate a mobile food truck just outside their former digs.
“We’re not going away — we’re just having a new beginning,” Ms. Corley said this winter.
And being named “Finest Chocolatier” by Long Island Food Critic is a nice start.
“We’ve had many achievements, but this is our first award,” she said.
