Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Lola's Boutique and Tea Room

Lola's Boutique is located in San Benito, just off Sam Houston Boulevard. It has unique finds, mainly clothing for ladies of all ages. It has a hometown feel. As you walk in, you see jewelry and you are greeted promptly my the owner. Towards the back, you can sit and enjoy a down-home recipe, whether it be a sandwich or dessert. You can also order hot tea or cold tea which is brewed for you to enjoy.

There are many clothing items you can try on that are not seen anywhere else in San Benito or even at the mall.

Chicken Salad, Pickel Spear and Green Tea Offered In The Tea Room
Dresses shown hanging at the boutique. 

Monday, September 19, 2011

LOCAL MOM & POP spotlight: Chocoterre by Le Chocolat

Chocoterre is located at 1425 Ruben Torres Boulevard in Brownsville
    Chocoterre by Le Chocolat is a pastry boutique in Brownsville, Texas. The original pastry shop originated in Matamoros, Mexico and expanded their business to Brownsville in February 2011.
    The shop is owned by two sisters who have eight years of experience in the delectable dessert business. Anna Hernandez, co-owner, happened to be behind the counter during my first stop Monday, September 19. Anna said that she and her sister are both live in Brownsville and said, "We are from here, and we wanted to grow and start here in the valley."
    Chocoterre has an array chocolate pleasure for those wanting to indulge in satisfying their sweet tooth.  They offer cakes, chocolate, French macaroons, pies, brownie, caramel apples, and other dessert boutique items.
    They also make cakes for weddings, graduations, parties, or even if you want to take a cake home to eat while watching sappy movies (not that I have ever done that before...).
    Anna's sister Marcela went to the French Culinary Arts Institute in New York and is also a co-owner of Chocoterre. "The French Culinary Institute is a world-class culinary school that blends classic French techniques with American inventiveness in an exciting, fast-paced curriculum." (Based off of their website, (http://www.internationalculinarycenter.com/)).

    Some of their ingredients are special ordered from suppliers, but they do locally purchase fruit to keep the menu on the fresh side.
During my quick stroll by the business, I purchased a white chocolate covered pretzel for a quarter and a Pecan Rock for a dollar, both which were chololat-rific.
   As I was leaving, a customer said, "Las pasteles son muy ricos!" She recommended the chocolate strawberry cake, which she bought for her husband's birthday.
    Whether it's someone's birthday or if somone needs a little "pick-me-up," a cupcake could put a smile on their face, unless they are depressed about blowing their diet.
    Stop by Chocoterre on Monday-Friday from 10 AM-2 PM and from 3 PM-6 PM. They're also open on Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM. Instead of going to your typical mall candy store, support your local businesses! Au revoir.