Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 13th 2006, 3:10pm By

Today I bought my first pack of cigarettes in over twenty-five years. I carefully removed one from the pack, put it to my lips and puff-puffed the sweet smoke. The white wrapper was unrolled, and I chomped on the thin tube of pink gum for about two minutes before it completely lost its flavor. Ahh, some things never change.

I found this nostalgic candy along with hundreds of other goodies at Bella Mia Chocolate Shop on Hertel Avenue. Maybe you've seen this place between Delaware and Tennyson, and thought it was just another chocolate store. Take a moment to step inside this tasty treasure trove and you'll be transformed back to your youth - no matter where you grew up.

Do you remember the weight of the coins in your pocket during bike rides to the corner store to stock up on Swedish Fish, Boston Baked Beans, Snaps and Peach Stones? Remember splurging on candy necklaces, Pop Rocks and Fun Dip? And best of all, remember scoring an ice cream cone for under a buck? You can get all of that, and more, at Bella Mia.

Owner Tom Margarucci's Bella Mia ("My Beautiful") Chocolate Shop has been serving up sweets for three years. In addition to the edible nostalgic treats, there's Beatles memorabilia and retro metal lunchboxes for sale while oldies play on the radio. Buffalonians will enjoy the Crystal Beach Sugar Waffles and Crystal Beach Suckers. Canadians will appreciate easy access to Canadian candy bars ($1.25) and Miss Vicki's potato chips. A framed "golden ticket" near the entrance will bring a smile to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fans. A photo of Willy Wonka (the only Wonka: Gene Wilder) keeps a watchful eye over customers.

Being a "chocolate shop" there are cases of delectable chocolates, caramels, clusters, truffles and more. Some are hand crafted in-house. Tom says that from September to May, folks come in for chocolate, and from May through November people come in for the ICE CREAM! Bella Mia serves up over one dozen flavors of Perry's ice cream. A single scoop is just 99 cents. (Ask about "baby" scoops - ranging from 50 to 75 cents.) A hot fudge sundae starts at $1.99 and Milkshakes start at $2.59. You just can't find prices like these anymore! It is a true treat for a family of four to fill their bellies with ice cream and still get change for a five spot! Also, check out Bosco chocolate and strawberry syrups to make your own sundaes and shakes at home.

Whether riding a banana bike or driving a minivan (ample parking in lot), get over to Bella Mia soon and revisit your youth.

Bella Mia Chocolate Shop 1096 Hertel Avenue 716-447-0922 Open: 11-8 weekdays; 11-9 weekends