…and then there was Toffee!
Over the years I’ve eaten my share of toffee, though I do enjoy it, toffee has never really been something I’ve craved or sought out. Lately, a group of people on Twitter that I call “The Foodie Faithful,” have been going on and on about Goodytwos Toffee so I thought I’d drop in and have a look/taste.
With trusty pal “Mikey” in tow, I entered the toffee shop and was immediately struck by the intricate simplicity of the toffee shop. Mother/Daughter team Donna Gabrilson and Stacey Barnes have arranged their toffee haven in an open and inviting way allowing guests (I say guests instead of customers because in two seconds, they make you feel welcome), to roam and sample their toffee creations at will.
With toffee left, right and center, you almost don’t know where to start but that’s where Donna (AKA “Traditional”) or Stacy (AKA “Nutty Twist”), come from the secret toffee making lair behind the curtain, greet you warmly and tell you their story (of significant note here, they talk to you rather than at you, engaging while informing), and quite a story it is. The recipes were inherited from their grandmother and from they way the toffee’s taste, these ladies paid attention!
Starting with Grandma’s Traditional toffee and offering up such delights as Nutty-twist (a double nutty lime and tequila infused toffee), Sweet & Salty (Almonds, vanilla, dark chocolate and sea salt) and Creme de la Crunch (fresh pecans and almonds, coffee liquor and white chocolate), there are flavors and textures to make your mouth water.
I can’t remember a time when I was so excited by toffee or so thoroughly engaged by a small business proprietor, Stacy took the time to explain the thoughts and processes behind each flavor, never tiring of questions, not once seeming to grow impatient for me to make my purchase and move on. As each guest entered the shop Stacy greeted them with a warm affection generally reserved for a favorite cousin.
Not only are the flavors wonderful (the toffees are just the right texture, crunchy but never sticking to your teeth), but the duo go out of their way to use the best ingredients available, sourced from local purveyors wherever possible. The two are extremely passionate about their craft and before you realize it, you find yourself drawn into the toffee world (adding to the growing list of toffee that you can’t wait to take home and devour), and having a genuinely good time.
Ever wonder what happens to all of those toffee pieces that aren’t quite big enough to stand on their own? Looking for something unique to put into a gift basket? Got a couple of scoops of ice cream that need livening up? Goodytwos has just the thing for you in the form of “Toppers.” Scoop up a jar of these tasty treats for use as a topping on just about anything!
Did I mention the selection of crunchy peanut-brittle (they’re famous for the 2 alarm with cayenne pepper and chile powder), or scratch-made Traditional toffee topped, chocolate dipped marshmallows? (yes, I did leave with a trio of these melt in your mouth pillows of flavor and texture.)
Those who know me well will tell you that I’m not generally one for gratuitously effusive praise but I can’t stop thinking about how genuine these toffee ladies are. If you’re having an off day, walk into the toffee shop, there’s no way you’ll leave without toffee in your mouth, a smile on your face and little if any memory of whatever it was that you were fretting about to begin with. (each bag of toffee even comes with a “Crunchy Truth” inside, a witty fortune cookie style aphorism).
If you find yourself craving something sweet and are anywhere near Scottsdale (or the Prescott/Flagstaff Farmers markets), find the time to visit Goodytwos toffee, it’ll be worth the trip! One final thought they will leave you with…
Follow Us!
-
