TASTY TOURS

Step aside, Willy Wonka. These chocolate factories are the real deal.

// BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

Step up this Valentine’s Day, or beyond, with a tempting tour of one of our area’s top chocolate factories.

CHOCOLATE KINGDOM

Edgar Schaked is a third-generation chocolate maker. His grandfather started making chocolate at 18 in Germany. Eventually, his grandfather moved to Argentina. Thirty years later, his company employs 300 and sells chocolate to three countries. Edgar’s father worked with him, helping him grow the business through the years, and eventually, Edgar joined the ranks as well. In pursuit of the American dream, Edgar and his family made the move to America, bringing their world-famous chocolate with them.

“Six years ago, we decided to make our Orlando chocolate factory an attraction and museum,” he says. “We traveled the world to visit other attractions to see what they do and what worked. I found that many of the tours were not kid friendly. There was too much reading and information or too much talking.”

So Edgar and his family created an interactive, animated, multimedia experience that takes guests on a trip through Chocolate Kingdom, where the prince and dragon have set out to impress Princess Chocolina on her birthday.

“Our tour starts in the greenhouse, where we grow our own cacao beans, with the agricultural side of making chocolate, then moves to the history, then the river of chocolate and 7-foot castle that brings you to the beginning of the interactive elements. Next, you’ll visit the micro-batch factory where you’ll see chocolate being made from beginning to end.”

The tour is about 45-minutes long, available on a rst-come, rst-served basis and operating at 50 percent capacity. You can also secure your spot by registering on the website. Masks are required.

Chocolate Kingdom // 9901 Hawaiian Court, Orlando // chocolatekingdom.com

CHOCOLATE MUSEUM & CAFÉ

At the Chocolate Museum & Café you’re invited to partake in a tour that will take you from cacao bean to chocolate bar. This family-owned and -operated business has been providing tours and treats to guests since 2013.

“You’ll learn about the history of chocolate, the process of making chocolate, including equipment used through the years and more,” says Manager Gabriel Fink.

The 45- to 50-minute guided tour continues to the sculpture room where more than two dozen gigantic chocolate sculptures of some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Ei el Tower, can be seen. In the workshop, you’ll see chocolatiers hand making decadent tru es and chocolate barks, all of which can be sampled in the sampling room. If you can’t get enough, visit the gift shop to take some sweet treats and other items, including organic, award-winning chocolate bars from all around the world, home with you.

If lunch is in your plans, come early before your tour to try the on-site café. Almost a dozen panini options are listed on the website, along with house specialties, including the caprese salad, chocolate fondue and quiche sampler.

Because of COVID-19 hours have been slightly reduced, and tour group sizes have been reduced to promote social distancing. Tours set o at the top of every hour between 1 and 5pm. Masks are required.

Chocolate Museum and Café // 11701 International Drive, Suite 400, Orlando // wocorlando.com

MARK’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD EL TOREO

30 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala // (352) 402-0097 // 201 SE 2nd Ave., Gainesville // (352) 336-0077 // marksprimesteakhouse.com // Mon 5-9pm // Tue-Sat 5-10pm // Sun available for private parties Mark’s Prime wants to create a sophisticated and unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. Mark’s Prime serves only the nest beef, freshest seafood, premium wines and a diverse stock of bourbons and scotch. Visit Mark’s Prime during Primetime Happy Hour and get great drink and appetizer specials Monday-Saturday from 5-7pm. They are pleased to have been serving the nest quality dining experience since November 2002 and hope to see you very soon at one of their two great locations in Gainesville or Ocala. Outdoor dining available for those guests who wish to dine al fresco. Two Locations: 3790 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala // (352) 694-1401 // Mon-Sun 11am-10pm // 3510 SW 36th Ave. (SR 200), Ocala // (352) 291-2121 // Mon-Sun 11am-11pm Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere. On Sundays, children’s meals are $1.95. Lunch specials: $5.45 Taco Salad Mondays, $5.45 Speedy Gonzalez Tuesdays, $7.95 Quesadillas Wednesdays, $6.95 Chimichangas Thursdays and $5.95 Burrito Supremes Fridays. Dinner specials: $10.95 Fajitas Mondays, $8.95 Chimichangas Tuesdays, $9.95 Alambre Wednesdays and $9.95 Tacos de Bistec Thursdays. Margarita specials: $1.95 margarita Mondays, 99 cent margarita Wednesdays and 2-4-1 margarita Saturdays.

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