By Emma Barhydt
There’s something enchanting about spring in Greenwich. The days stretch gently, sunlight lingers a little longer, and the soft scent of hyacinths floats through the air. It’s a magical time, when the town seems to shake off its winter sleep and burst into vibrant life. Greenwich truly becomes a scene straight out of a painting, with blooming trees and gardens flourishing in every neighborhood.
Among the many cherished local establishments contributing to this seasonal transformation is McArdle’s Floral & Garden Design, a beloved local institution nestled comfortably in our community’s traditions. With its lush greenhouse, McArdle’s has delighted Greenwich residents for generations, helping families decorate their homes beautifully each Easter. However, this spring, McArdle’s has introduced something new and utterly delightful alongside their traditional floral offerings—an irresistible array of exquisite Belgian chocolates, as gorgeous and enchanting as their floral arrangements.
These chocolates arrive beautifully packaged in various sizes, designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, perfect for the once-in-a-while treat lover and the chocolate after every meal indulger (that would be me). McArdle’s currently carries the BE Generous, a 15-piece assortment and the BE Elegant, a grand 32-piece selection. Each box’s name gives a wink to the experience it offers, and I smiled at the idea that you can literally “be generous” by gifting that box of chocolates.
The philosophy behind BE Chocolat is simple and inviting: chocolate should enchant, surprise, and delight without overpowering the senses. Each flavor is thoughtfully created, never overly sweet or predictable, making every bite memorable. These are chocolates meant to be savored, enjoyed slowly, and shared generously with loved ones.
The variety of flavors offered by BE Chocolat captivates as much through taste as it does visually. Each praline is a miniature work of art, carefully adorned with colorful swirls or shaped elegantly into hearts, domes, and other delightful forms. It’s almost a shame to eat such little beauties… but one taste quickly erases any hesitation!
I sampled a few (in the name of research, of course!), and was struck by how perfectly balanced each praline was. Instead of overwhelming sweetness, each bite revealed layers of nuanced flavor that complemented the delicate texture of the chocolate. The outer shells provided a satisfying snap, yielding to luxurious ganache centers that melted gently on the tongue. As someone who typically finds filled chocolates a bit too sweet, I was impressed by how BE Chocolat managed to create an indulgent yet balanced experience.
There are so many delightful flavors, it would be impossible to go through them all. However, some particular standouts were the Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Cayenne praline, which surprised me with its warm spice notes and gentle heat that lingered just long enough and didn’t overpower the chocolate flavor; and the irresistible Biscoff crunchy cookie praline, with its delicate, buttery and slightly crunchy texture and subtly spiced sweetness.
What truly sets these chocolates apart is the passion and craftsmanship behind them. BE Chocolat is the creation of Benoit, a Belgian Master Chocolatier who pours his artistry and expertise into every piece. Each chocolate is carefully handcrafted in small batches in Fairfield, using exclusively Callebaut’s finest fair-trade Belgian chocolate.
Beyond the praline assortments, McArdle’s has thoughtfully curated an enchanting selection of Easter-themed chocolates from BE Chocolat. Adorable chocolate bunnies crafted from rich milk or sophisticated dark chocolate await their place in Easter baskets, centerpieces, and dessert tables. Small foil-wrapped eggs filled with smooth praline make delightful additions to any holiday centerpiece. And then there’s the magnificent showpiece—a large, polished chocolate egg, gleaming enticingly, filled with charming surprises sure to delight both young and old.
What I’ve always admired about McArdle’s is their continuous ability to introduce delightful new surprises while maintaining a comforting sense of familiarity. Over the years, I’ve chosen Easter centerpieces from their lush greenhouse, picked up cheerful pots of tulips simply to brighten my home, and, now, discovered exquisite chocolates that have quickly become another essential part of my spring celebrations.
If you’re looking to make your Easter just a bit more special this year, a stop by McArdle’s is a perfect starting point. Add in a visit to Dogwood Books and Gifts for charming keepsakes, or head to SmartKids for playful basket-fillers, and you’ll find everything you need close to home. In a town that treasures tradition, craftsmanship, and community, there’s simply no better way to welcome spring than by supporting the local shops that help Greenwich bloom each season.
