Truffles Newsletter

Marisa Sergi, Chief Growth Officer, L’uva Bella Winery  Question:  I’m visiting my girlfriend’s parents for the first time next month.  We’re going out to dinner at an upscale restaurant they like. I’m afraid they’ll hand me the wine list at dinner and ask me to choose.  I don’t have a clue. What would you suggest? JW, Lakewood.  Marisa: The wine list can certainly be intimidating, but don't let the tens of pages stress you out. The list will probably be broken into several sections - depending on the restaurant.  Simple wine lists are often organized in three sections: bubbles, reds,...

Truffles:  Tell us about your job.   Nelli:  I do all kinds of things here, and I really like that I get to do so many different things. Most of the time I’m in the kitchen making candy. I run it through the machines, and I often help out new people and I get to train them.  Truffles: Which products do you like to make?  Nelli:  I really enjoy making the chocolate bombs – they’re fun to put together and every bomb is different.  They take a little practice to get the hang of. Once they’re done, we decorate them. Lots...

  This month we’d like to recognize three extra-special Sweet Designs volunteers whose considerable skills and dedication helped us get through this year’s holiday crunch period in style. Their work ethic, sense of humor and flexibility in the kitchen and in working directly with customers were awesome – a tip of the hat to each of them.  The “Golden Girls” brought joy to their work colleagues and we hope to you, our customers. Let’s learn a bit more about them.  Truffles:  What’s been the biggest surprise for you at Sweet Designs?  BJ:  I was amazed to see what the whole...

Truffles:  Is it true that you began plotting your entry into the chocolate business as a 3-year-old?  Sam:  Yeah, it’s pretty funny – I’ve always loved chocolate. When I was 3, I really wanted to have my own candy store; I even had a name for it - Sweeney’s Sweets Shop.  It was a family joke that I had this childhood dream.  Little did I know that my career path would bring me to Sweet Designs.  Truffles: So, how did it happen?  Sam: When I was in the ninth grade, we got an email at my school that Sweet Designs was looking for seasonal help, so I applied and got an interview, but I wasn’t chosen. I have to admit, perhaps my interviewing skills weren’t the best. Fortunately, Ines came back a few weeks later and gave me a second look. So, I...

Truffles:  I’d like to lead off today’s interview with your big news and then we can talk about your work at Sweet Designs.  Maggie:  Yes, just yesterday I decided where I’ll be going to school next fall - it's Queens University of Charlotte.  Truffles: Tell us more.  Maggie: I’m excited because Queens will give me the opportunity to pursue two things that really matter to me – academics and rugby.  I’ve always had a great interest in learning and since I discovered rugby in my freshman year, it’s become a real passion.   Truffles: We’ve heard you’re a force to be reckoned with on the rugby pitch.  Maggie:  That’s very kind.  In ninth-grade, I fell in love with the game and my team and I’ve worked hard to develop my...