Chocolates and Valentine’s Day go together like TV and Netflix. How about I tell you where to find wholesale priced chocolates so you can buy more?  Galerie Au Chocolat recently moved to a new larger facility  so there’s extra space for you to see all that they offer. Since 1985, they’ve been producing yummies with fine quality Belgian chocolate and confections for the North American market. They’ve  been a best kept secret spot for years, since they were a wholesale but now they sell retail with wonderful prices.

The delish ultra premium items which are made with fine Belgian chocolate (Kosher) come in many interesting varieties: almond or cranberry clusters, chocolate covered orange peel or apricots, Rice Krispie or candy cane bark, Amaretto creams, mint chocolate truffles, espresso wafers, or their famous almond bark.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the treats inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy them in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $10.

Whether your taste buds are craving chocolates or you need gifts for everyone you love, head to Galerie au Chocolat.

New Location: 6665 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1Z5
corner: Migneron
Tel: 514-331-8460
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
www.galerieauchocolat.ca

Who doesn’t like chocolate, everybody’s favorite indulgence. Since 1985 Galerie Au Chocolat has been producing yummies with fine quality Belgian chocolate and confections for the North American market. They’ve  been a best kept secret spot for years, since they were a wholesale but now they sell retail with wonderful prices.

This sweet emporium  has moved to a new, larger facility to bring you more of the great chocolate you love. It’s time to check out their new factory showroom and browse their assortment of ultra premium chocolates (they are also Kosher).

The delish high-quality items which are made with fine Belgian chocolate come in many interesting varieties: almond or cranberry clusters, chocolate covered orange peel or apricots, Rice Krispie or candy cane bark, Amaretto creams, mint chocolate truffles, espresso wafers, or their famous almond bark. Discover more when you come in to the shop.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the yummies inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy them in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $10.

Whether your taste buds are craving chocolates or you need a go-to gift to impress, head to Galerie au Chocolat.

New Location: 6665 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1Z5
corner: Migneron
Tel: 514-331-8460
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
www.galerieauchocolat.ca

Chocolates have always been the go-to gift for everyone and for all occasions. So for a secretary, an aunt, teacher, co-worker, hairdresser, gift exchange, kid, barista or a perfect hostess gift, head to Galerie au Chocolat.  Since they are also Kosher, anyone celebrating holidays, now can buy them to sweeten a meal and the new year.

They had been a secret spot for years, since they were a wholesale but now they sell retail with wonderful prices.

The delish high-quality items which are made with fine Belgian chocolate come in many interesting varieties: almond or cranberry clusters, chocolate covered orange peel or apricots, Rice Krispie or candy cane bark, Amaretto creams, mint chocolate truffles, espresso wafers, or their famous almond bark. Discover more when you come in to the shop.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the yummies inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy them in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $10.

Location: 8985 Henri Bourassa Ouest,  Ville St-Laurent, QC H4S 1P7
corner: Autoroute 13
Tel: 514-331-8460
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
www.galerieauchocolat.ca

Chocolates have always been the go-to gift for everyone and for all occasions. So for a secretary, an aunt, teacher, co-worker, hairdresser, gift exchange, kid, barista or a perfect hostess gift, head to Galerie au Chocolat.  They had been a secret spot for years, since they were a wholesalerbit now they sell retail with wonderful prices.

The delish high-quality items which are made with fine Belgian chocolate come in many interesting varieties: almond or cranberry clusters, chocolate covered orange peel or apricots, Rice Krispie or candy cane bark, Amaretto creams, mint chocolate truffles, espresso wafers, or their famous almond bark. Discover more when you come in to the shop.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the yummies inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy them in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $10.

Location: 8985 Henri Bourassa Ouest,  Ville St-Laurent, QC H4S 1P7
corner: Autoroute 13
Tel: 514-331-8460
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
www.galerieauchocolat.ca

Galerie au Chocolat had been a secret spot for years, since they were a wholesaler and sold retail only to those in the know.

The delish high-end items which are made with fine Belgian chocolate come in many interesting varieties: crisped rice bark, almond rochers, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered ginger, chocolate covered orange peel, pecan brittle, espresso wafers, and their famous almond bark. Discover more when you come in to the shop.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the yummies inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy them in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $12; for the rest of Quebec or Ontario, it’s $20.

You don’t have to wait for special occasions or holidays, as everyone loves chocolates every day. Try their high quality scrumptious chocolates right now. Send some to someone special – just because.

For your shopping convenience, during the Spring holiday period of Easter & Passover, Galerie au Chocolate will maintain their regular weekday hours of Mon-Fri 9-5 and on April 3, 10 & 17, they will be open on Sundays 9-3.

Location: 8985 Henri Bourassa Ouest,  Ville St-Laurent, QC H4S 1P7
corner: Autoroute 13
Tel: 514-331-8460
www.galerieauchocolat.ca

Q1: What can we expect to find at these warehouse sales?

Just like we have garage sales, there are many manufacturers or distributors in the city that have an annual or semi-annual “garage sale”. They must clear out their warehouse space in order to make room for the next seasons’s merchandise Sometimes it pays to wait for a certain time of the year to buy. They sell off samples or liquidated items they are no longer producing, leftovers from last season, seconds or lines that never sold well. Whatever it is, the price is always right.

Today’s sales that I’m mentioning: Christmas decor, toys, coats for men and women, snowsuits for kids, and always lots of clothing
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The products at these sales vary as much as retail varies: Quebec designer fashions, toys, bowling balls, fine china, skin care products, home electronics, Halloween costumes, makeup, crystal, duvets and linens, ladies’ bras,  pianos, perfume, flatware, jeans, golf equipment, chocolates, winter jackets, lingerie and, of course, casual clothes for men and women.

Q2: You mentioned outerwear, which ones are happening now?

Gusti used to be very secretive about their warehouse sales but now their name is right on their flyer and there’s another name too – C’est la vie.  Please note that it is in a new location south of the Metropolitain.  Also note that it is a one day only sale. They usually have one in the Spring too.

The meager info on the flyer says that they sell  children’s outerwear which is what they are well known for but also note that they are selling ladies and men’s outerwear too.

Location: 250 rue de Liege
Phone: (450) 682-0500
Date: Sunday Nov 21
Time 8-3

Raffinati has been a well-known well-made Montreal-made label for women’s (2-18) wool coats, suits, capes, raincoats and sportswear  for many years. About 3 or 4 times a year (March, June, Aug, Dec) they are clear out their stock from their Chabanel showroom including scarves and jewelry to go with all of the above.

9200 Meilleur, suite 400
corner: Chabanel
Tel: 514-327-4477
Dates:  Nov 25-Dec 1
Times: Nov 25: 10-, Nov 26-Dec 1:10-6

O.K. Kids which sells a lot of kid’s lines in sizes 0-12 is having a warehouse sale for 10 days starting tomorrow. There has to be some names you like amongst:  Carter’s watch the wear, Petite Bears, , deux par deux, scrumptious, minoti, Bobini, Funky Diva, Nannette,  rumble tumble, Krickets Elite, b.t. kids, Cradle Togs, petit lem, Dr. Bon, Gusti,  Genevieve Lapierrre, Les Deux Capitaines and a petite echelle.

Location: 270 Benjamin Hudon, Ville St-Laurent
corner: Deslauriers
Tel: 514-332-KIDS (5437)
Dates: Nov 17-28
Hours: Mon & Tues 9-6, Wed-Fri 9-8, Sat 9-5
www.okkids.com

Q3:  What brands of clothing might we find at these warehouse sales for men and women?

If you like the brands: Miss Sixty, Energie, Killah and you are a man, woman or a child, you can head here (Chabanel) for another weekend of their fall and winter sample sale.

Location: 225 Chabanel, suite 901
Phone: 514-906-4430
Dates and Times: Nov 17-19: 12-8, Sat Nov 20: 9-5
www.sixtycanada.com

Cool brands as in Dirtee Hollywood, Shirimiri, Riller and Fount, Maurie and Eve,  Sanctuary or Drykorn are being cleared for 50-70% off for men and women in dresses, tops, coats and even shoes and boots.

Location: 225 Chabanel, suite 909
corner: Meunier
Dates: Nov 17-27
Times: Mon-Fri 10-7   Sat 10-5
www.rillerandfount.com
www.drykorn.com
www.dirteehollywood.com
www.maurieandeve.com
www.sanctuaryclothing.com
www.shirimiri.com

Manhattan Industries does not usually offer their premium brands at their warehouse sales. However you will find  Superdry, AG Adriano Goldschmied and i.am here on their 3 weekend sample clearance sale for men’s and women’s clothing and shoes at 50% to 70% off.

The brands they usually offer and still will have at this time: Indus+ry (edgy streetwear for men and women sizes XS-L), Industry shoe company (mens’ casual and dressy leather shoes sizes 38-44), pure & simple (women casual basics, some for men),, and Me(el) (ladies feminine tops, dresses sizes XS-L).

Location: 6150 Transcanadienne
Corner of Isabey, Ville St. Laurent
Dates:Nov 19,20,26.27, Dec 03,04
Times: Fri 5-9,  Sat 9-1
www.manhattaninc.com
www.meelclothing.com
www.industryclothing.com
www.pureandsimple.com

Q4: Okay we’ll bite and talk about Christmas, where were those decorations – and the toys?

Groupe Pierre Belvedere is offering up 4 weekends of clearances on educational toys, Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, candles,  stationery, napkins, calendars, agendas and things for special occasions.

Location: 2555 Dollard Ave, bdlg #1, Ville Lasalle
Corner: rue de Hull
Phone: (514- 286-2880
Dates: Nov 4-7, Nov 11-14, Nov 18-21, Nov 25-28
Time: Th&F 3-9, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5
www.pierrebelvedere.com

Homegrown company, MEGA Brands is having a seasonal warehouse sale . Besides their well-known snap together Mega Bloks, they also sell arts and crafts under the RoseArt brand. Expect prices to be 40-70% of retail for toys, puzzles,  school and office supplies, construction sets, trucks, and Board Dudes. This sale is for excess inventory and discontinued lines., you may find  some regular priced items.

Good idea: If you miss the sale at one of their locations (Ville St-Laurent, Greenfield Park or Lachenaie), you can catch the next one the following week –

Phone: 514-333-3339

Location 1: 4505 Hickmore, door 110
Dates and Times: Nov 24-26: 11-8, Nov 27: 10-4

Location 2: 3858 boul. Taschereau, Greenfield Park
Dates and Times: :  Dec 1-3:  11-8, Dec 4&5: 10-4

Location:3: Carrefour Lachenaie, 250 Montee des Pionniers
Dates and Times: Dec 8-10:  11-8, Dec 11&12: 10-4

Q5: How do we find out about these sales?

Read my shlog where I post them a few days before they happen .When you attend the sale, ask if you can be put on e-mailing list for future sales. If you can’t make the sale, you can try to leave your name and e-mail with the receptionist.

O.K. Kids which sells a lot of kid’s lines in sizes 0-12 is having a warehouse sale for 10 days starting tomorrow. There has to be some names you like amongst:  Carter’s watch the wear, Petite Bears, , deux par deux, scrumptious, minoti, Bobini, Funky Diva, Nannette,  rumble tumble, Krickets Elite, b.t. kids, Cradle Togs, petit lem, Dr. Bon, Gusti,  Genevieve Lapierrre, Les Deux Capitaines and a petite echelle.

Location: 270 Benjamin Hudon, Ville St-Laurent
corner: Deslauriers
Tel: 514-332-KIDS (5437)
Dates: Nov 17-28
Hours: Mon & Tues 9-6, Wed-Fri 9-8, Sat 9-5
www.okkids.com

Q1 – With Valentine’s Day coming up, let’s start with the basics, what is the difference between dark, milk and white chocolate?

After cocoa beans are dried and roasted, they are then ground into a liquid consistency known as chocolate liquor. If this base is hardened, it becomes unsweetened baking chocolate. If you have ever tasted this, you will know it is very bitter.

To make it palatable, sugar and extra cocoa butter are added, and then it becomes what we know as semi-sweet chocolate. For milk chocolate, the world’s favorite flavor, milk is of course added along with sugar, extra cocoa butter and vanilla.

Q2 – We are lucky to have artisanal chocolate boutiques in Montreal, what makes them worth the extra few bucks?

Each piece is hand dipped with ultimate quality chocolate be it Valrhona, Callebaut or variety ones from  around the world: Costa Rica, Madagascar, Tanzania,  Domincan Republic, etc. Their treats go way beyond your caramel and chocolate turtle into complex gourmet tastes

Q3 – Okay, let’s go through a few of them and explain what they each specialize in:

At Chocolats Privilege you can be wowed by the original chocolate combinations. Their signature one is called “Privilege”, and is a crowd pleasing dark chocolate and coffee combo, but they sell lots of ganaches ($9.50 per 100 gram) combined with: green tea, basil and lime, LBV porto, rosemary and cream, coriander, or a raspberry/blueberry/strawberry combo.

Another idea is making chocolates with beans from around the world: Costa Rica, Madagascar, Tanzania, Domincan Republic, etc. There’s a caramel line, pralines and specialties: almond paste with walnuts, rum,  half-coated orange slice and a couple of sugarless options.

First Location: 1001 Fleury est at St. Charles
Phone:  514-385-6335
Hours: Mon-Wed 8:30-6, Thurs & Fri 8:30-8, Sat 9-6, Sun 9-5:30
Other locations: Jean Talon Market, 7070 Henri-Julien (514-276-7070); Kirkland, 3602 boul. St-Charles (514-694-2261); Marche 440 (450-682-3666)
www.chocolatsprivilege.com

Divine Chocolatier takes Callebaut dark chocolate and wrap it around orange or ginger slices, blueberries, orange peel or praline and offers up divine confections (100 gr/$9.95). Sure there’s healthy 72% dark choclate with orange and ginger but look for the fun items: the chocolate shot glasses, body oil, caramel or chocolate hazelnut spread, and molded shapes like a computer, tennis racket or kama sutra poses. Seasonally you might get cinnamon or allspice in your chocolate or flavored hot chocolates.

Location: 2158 Crescent Sherbrooke
Phone: 514-282-0829
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 (closed Sun. in winter except holidays)
www.divinechocolatier.com

In Les Chocolats De Chloé it’s the ambiance here that keeps devoted clientele. The open kitchen makes you feel like you are part of the chocolate-making process, and the staff is so accommodating when asked questions. You will have some, because the originality of the flavors (lemon chocolate, Earl Grey tea, salted ganache, Illy coffee) will perplex you. Valrhona chocolate is all they use, and no extracts – rum is rum – and fruits are made in season and every candy is dipped by hand. Popular hot chocolate mixes come in vanilla bean and cinnamon, and there could be turtles and chocolate covered marshmallows.

Location: 546 Duluth est Berri
Phone: 514-849-5550
Hours: Tues & Wed 10-7, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat 11-5, Sun 11-7
www.leschocolatsdechloe.com

Q4: Let’s get back to the history of chocolate, how did we find out about it?

Columbus brought the beans back to King Ferdinand of Spain in 1492, they didn’t know how to process them. Explorer Hernando Cortez had spent some time among the Aztecs in 1519, and had been able to observe the processing technique, so he took this knowledge and some more beans back to Spain.

Q5 – I understand that it was kept as a secret potion?

Members of the Spanish court fell in love with it after they discovered that by adding sweetener it became a wonderful drink. It was so favored that it was kept a secret amongst the nobility for almost a century. With the marriage of Louis XIII of France to a Spanish princess in 1615, the scrumptious secret was let out and dispersed throughout Europe almost as fast as an Internet virus.

Q 6 –  How is the cocoa bean turned edible and delicious?

To make chocolate, the football-shaped pod is opened and the cacao seeds found inside are fermented in the sweet pulp from the pod for days. When the pulp rots and falls away, the beans are dried and roasted, removing the shells. They are then ground into a liquid consistency known as chocolate liquor.

O.K Kids represents lots of fabulous labels for the wee folk in sizes 0-12. Head over here for a warehouse sale if you like: Les Deux Capitaines, petit lem, scrumptious, Nannette, C’est la Vie Collection, Dr. Bon, Gusti, Harley-Davidson, Cradle Togs, rumble tumble, Vitamins baby, Emporio Baby, mini boss, Genevieve Lapierre Collection, Bobini, b.t. kids.

Location: 270 Benjamin Hudon, Ville St-Laurent
Dates: Sale ends June 7
Times: Mon-Wed 9-6, Wed-Fri 9-8, Sat& Sun 9-5
www.okkids.com