Donna Toscana Chocolate Lounge Debuts

Master Chocolatier, Diane Pinder, opens her Donna Toscana Artisan Chocolate Lounge. An expansion of her renowned Donna Toscana Tuscan Style chocolates, the Lounge provides an intimate environment that is reminiscent of a Florence cafe.

Cranford, NJ (PRWEB) August 26, 2008 -- After a summer of change Chocolatier Diane Pinder has opened her Donna Toscana Artisan Chocolate Lounge for business.

"The Lounge is an extension of my Donna Toscana Tuscan Style line of chocolates," Pinder explains. "Having established and expanded the Donna Toscana brand over the past three years, the Lounge was the next natural step."

Diane developed her Tuscan Style line of chocolates after visiting with several of the premier Chocolatiers in and around Florence, Italy. Introduced at the Chocolate Show NY 2006, Diane's Donna Toscana chocolate truffles and gourmet bars were an instant hit, finding their way to the TODAY SHOW coverage of the Chocolate Show and into the hearts of chocolophiles.

"I immediately fell in love with the Tuscan Chocolatiers' sensibilities in their approach to chocolate confections," Pinder said. "Incorporating Old World craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, these chocolate masters create some of the richest and most unique confections in the world."

Pinder returned from her visit to Tuscany with a head full of ideas and a vision of bringing the Florence chocolate experience to the US. Starting with chocolate truffles and bars, Diane has since expanded her Donna Toscana line to include gelato, cakes, fondue, hot and frozen chocolate drinks, and a special coffee roast from James Beard Award winning Chef Craig Shelton. To complete the dining experience at her Lounge, Diane had a local designer work with her to create an interior that makes customers immediately feel welcomed.

"There is something special about the Tuscan region that just says 'welcome' and I wanted my Lounge to greet my customers in the same way," Pinder said. "Working with my designer I maintained the original high tin ceiling and walls in the space, added earth tones of the Tuscan countryside, arranged comfortable café seating with tables covered in imported Italian cloths, and set an intimate tone with discrete lamps and a rustic chandelier over the main table."

Donna Toscana Chocolate Lounge is open for business until 10 p.m. most week nights including Saturday, and until 5 p.m. on Sundays. Complete Lounge hours, menu and pictures are available on line at http://www.donnatoscana.com. Donna Toscana and Tuscan Style are registered trademarks of Donna & Company.

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