Lake Champlain Chocolates started on a dare- In 1983, Jim Lampman, owner of Burlington, Vermont's acclaimed Ice House Restaurant on the Lake Champlain waterfront, was buying expensive boxes of chocolates as gifts for his staff. One day, his pastry chef, a man of high epicurean standards, took Jim aside after receiving one too many boxes. "These chocolates are terrible," he confessed. "All right then, you do better!" Jim challenged him. Shortly thereafter, Jim was presented with hand rolled, distinctively flavored truffles - the finest chocolates Jim had ever tasted. Jim began serving them Sundays to select restaurant patrons. The response was so favorable; Jim founded an upscale chocolate company to keep up with the demand. Although intended only for wholesale, and located in a tiny alley, the business was constantly interrupted by retail customers who somehow found out which door to knock on to get the locally famous truffles. Jim eventually sold the restaurant to devote himself full time to his new business. Starting with truffles, he soon concocted Chocolates of Vermont. The product line has since grown to include hot chocolate, Signature bars, Five Star bars, novelties and much more. In 1998, we moved to our present location at 750 Pine Street. We make all of our chocolates in one 24,000 square foot building. During peak season, we're nearly 100 people.

The growing team at Lake Champlain Chocolates continues with the highest standards of chocolate-making Jim began with twenty years ago, and still uses only the freshest, natural ingredients.  At Lake Champlain Chocolates, our goal has always been the creation of something special. The union of the rich history of making fine chocolate, the heritage of craftsmanship, and the wonderful flavors of Vermont is accomplished every day at our factory, producing sweet indulgences with pride that goes into each bite. Perhaps that's why The New York Times reveres it as "some of the best chocolate in the country."Our chocolate contains no additives or shelf extenders - no junk, no kidding! As chocolate has over 500 flavor components, anything extra is bound to compromise the flavor.  Now that Lake Champlain Chocolates has grown to a nationally recognized company, they are happy to give some back to Vermont where it all happens and began, and they are a proud sponsor of community groups in and around Chittenden County, Vermont. Lake Champlain Chocolates supports The Flynn Theater, the Mozart Festival, the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the United Way, as well as also supporting local nonprofit community organizations with product donations.

Products:
1. Select Origin Dark Chocolate Bars (3 oz.): Sao Thome {fruity vanilla}, Tanzania, & African Blend
2. Signature Bars (3 oz.): Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Peppermint Crunch Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Praline Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate with Almonds, & Triple Nut Milk Chocolate
3. Filled Bars: Milk Chocolate Caramel, Dark Chocolate Coffee Truffle, Dark Chocolate Rum Truffle, &    Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle  
4. Five Star Bars (1.9 oz.): Caramel, Peanut, & Fruit
5. Organic Milk & Dark Chocolate Bar (1.25 oz.)
6. Organic Milk & Dark Chocolate Square (.28 oz.)
7. Chocolates of Vermont Box (9 oz.)

Vendor Info:
www.LakeChamplainChocolates.com
Lake Champlain Chocolates
750 Pine Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone:  (800) 465-5909 (802)864-1808
Email: info@LakeChamplainChocolates.com