Frequently Asked Questions

  1. So how did Lilly come to be?
  2. Where did the name “Lilly” come from? Is it you?
  3. How do I store my chocolates?
  4. I’m allergic to nuts/dairy/gluten. Can I eat your chocolates?

So how did Lilly come to be?

Well, this fabulous man Joshua flew me to New York for the weekend for a little mini-vacation. He took me Daniel Boulud’s Bistro Moderne when we arrived (which I LOVED, OMG, we had the best bottle of champagne, and the lobster bisque was amazing, oh and DESSERT! We could’ve had three courses of dessert...oh, but I’m rambling now…) and had a restful evening in the hotel. The next day he took me through Central Park, and the whole time I’m just complaining (Its cold! My feet hurt! Can we go get some food? I’m starving!)

Little did I know that he had a plan. He was slowly drawing me towards the Shakespeare Theatre where a statue of Romeo & Juliet stood. We arrived at the (to me) unknown destination and he dropped to one knee and pulled out a ring and asked me to be his wife! Through all the crying and fumbling (I put the ring back in his pocket I was so flustered!) I of course, said YES! (I am now officially a ‘Montague’, my Romeo had come!) We proceeded to have the most fabulous afternoon! He took me around to all these fabulous chocolate shops, Maison du Chocolat, Kee’s Chocolates, Jacques Torres, Mariebelle, Neuhaus…it was endless chocolate indulgence! I fell in love with the whole scene.

These bright, bold spaces with these spectacular chocolates with crazy flavors and beautiful designs, I just couldn’t get enough! I said to myself, “We need this at home! Cleveland doesn’t have anything like this!” So when we arrived home we hatched a plan to open our very own chocolate boutique. After a year and a half, we opened here in the historic neighborhood of Tremont on May 25th 2008, ready to set your tastebuds on fire! Back to top

Where did the name “Lilly” come from? Is it you?

I get this question constantly. Usually, I say “Yes, I’m Lilly!” but that’s not entirely true. Tiger lilies are my favorite flower and this is what Joshua usually buys for me for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, that sort of thing. So when we were thinking of a name it just clicked in my head - “Lilly Handmade Chocolates”, flowers and chocolate go together right? It’s a very romantic sentiment and it all stemmed from him proposing in the first place. So it fits us just right. Plus I get a nickname out of it! Cool! Back to top

How do I store my chocolates?

Keep these guys in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration isn’t necessary and honestly won’t extend the shelf life that much. Besides, when you place chocolate in the fridge it begins to condensate and encourages the sugar to push up to the surface of the chocolate, making it white-ish and spotty, not to mention it gives a mealy, grainy texture that doesn’t taste so, well, tasty!

The shelf life is 10-14 days at the most. These are not to be stuffed in the back of your dresser drawer (ladies, you know who you are!) and saved until you desperately need a piece of chocolate satisfaction! Eat what you purchase and then come get more! Freshest tastes the bestest. Ha ha! Back to top

I’m allergic to nuts/dairy/gluten. Can I eat your chocolates?

We do have many nut flavors. We use peanuts, pistachios, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, English walnuts, & cashews. We try our very best to keep the nuts from partying both with other types of nuts and other chocolate flavors. If you are severely allergic to any nuts, I’d unfortunately refrain from eating my chocolates. I’m here to make people happy, not queasy!

I do use fresh cream & butter in my truffles. However, I have had many requests for vegan/dairy-free chocolates, so I do have a few options as far as my truffles go. The Redhead, After Midnight and In the Pink are all vegan/dairy-free. Also, dark chocolate Bliss Bars, Chomp Monsters & dark chocolate Lilly Barq are also vegan/dairy-free.

I do use glucose in my truffles, as a natural type of “preservative” made from wheat. It helps inhibit the possibility of water activity which results in bacteria growth. We do however have other items that are glucose free! Our Bliss Bars, Chomp Monster, Terrapin Sliders & Lilly Barq are all gluten-free. If you’d like me to make a batch of gluten-free truffles, we can create them for you! There is a minimum order of 50 pieces. Just give me a ring! 216.771.3333 or get in touch here. Back to top

Facebook Twitter Yelp!