Chocolate is arguably the most sensuous food in the world. And this sweet, decadent confection has become synonymous with the sexiest holiday of the year — Valentine’s Day. While “chocolatoriums” in Eugene struggle to keep up with the Valentine rush, the bewildered boyfriend or girlfriend searches for a unique take on the chocolate purchase. However, local experts can alleviate the confusion. As you’ll see, there’s no end to the possibilities.
Euphoria Chocolate Company Manager Kris Ogden said people have been extremely creative in incorporating chocolate into their romantic life.
Ogden, who manages the 17th Street location, said she once sold a bulk amount of the store’s popular “Ultra Sauce” — a rich fudge concoction — to a local florist. She found out later that the sauce was being sold as body paint for Valentine’s Day.
Valley River Center Euphoria manager Laura Betty has also seen her share of love-related chocolate purchases in her 20 years in the business.
“We’ve been asked to design a truffle with a piece of jewelry in the center,” Betty said.
She also said some customers have purchased one of the store’s heart-shaped tins filled with chocolates, then returned every year to refill the same tin.
Whatever the selection, there’s no doubt that Valentine’s Day is big business for local chocolate distributors.
Christmas remains the busiest time of the year for Euphoria, accounting for 25 percent of the year’s business, while Valentine’s Day accounts for 15 percent. However, Betty said the numbers are a bit deceiving, considering Christmas purchases last throughout the month of December, and Valentine’s Day sales are usually limited to the three days leading up to the holiday.
Joyful Confection owner Joy DuYan said people have bought hundreds of dollars worth of chocolate for the holiday. Her store, located at 1035 Conger, offers chocolate ring boxes and Romance Boxes, containing an array of love-related items, including chocolate lips, a rose “for her,” a chocolate kiss “for him,” and peanut butter-filled chocolate hearts.
If you’re looking for straight-up sexual chocolate, stop by Castle Super Store, located at 3270 Gateway Street. This adult store has something for every erotic taste. Among other things, Castle sells chocolate handcuffs, breasts, penises, vaginas and, for the ultra-safe consumer, chocolate penises with condoms.
Love birds can also pick up the chocolate police officer’s kit, which includes a chocolate badge, night stick and walkie-talkies.
Castle Sales Representative Kevin Tee said Valentine’s Day is definitely the shop’s busiest time of year.
“It’s a time to recognize that loved one,” Tee said. “You can do that with everything from chocolate to toys to lingerie.”
You can even combine all three and get a pair of edible undies. Now that’s one-stop shopping.