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Dipping into the Hot Chocolate Sparrow at Orleans
It's interesting to know how an organization got its name. In this case, the owner's last name is Sparrow and Chocolate is featured, so it's The Hot Chocolate Sparrow, described as “Cape Cod's Most Popular Espresso Bar.” Proprietor Marjorie Sparrow was a dietitian before fulfilling the dream of developing her own business. Now entering its 20th Anniversary Year, it all started in North Eastham in 1989 with a candy shop. In 1993 The Hot Chocolate Sparrow opened in downtown Orleans where one could get a beverage as well as something sweet. In July 2002 the present establishment was developed on Old Colony Way in Orleans across from the bike trail, and to the rear of the local CVS pharmacy. It's easy to find. The signs are very visible and parking is plentiful. Its Its popularity has been increasing steadily ever since the new location was opened
Describing Orleans, Marj says, “It's like a college town without a college.” Actually, when I first went into the Sparrow in its present location I thought of some of the coffee shops in Cambridge. But the college town feeling described by Marj is more accurate. Not that it's a “kids' hangout.” It attracts all age groups. I always think of the Sparrow as “an oasis” and “an island of civilized delights.” There are 40 seats near the Espresso Bar at small cafe tables and there's a counter facing outdoors. You might see some laptop operators taking advantage of the Wi-Fi availability. Marj's husband Robert designed the interesting and welcoming layout. If it seems very crowded to you, just wait a couple of minutes and you'll find a spot. Many customers are on the move and depart soon after their beverage and snack. During the course of a year, the staff numbers between 40 and 50. It's a busy operation and a three-way deal: Coffee, other beverages, and snacks. Chocolates and other candies. Ice Cream.
Whether you'd like a bagel with your coffee or tea, or some pastry or a Panini Sandwich, they are all available...and much more. The cinnamon raisin bagels keep attracting my attention. Also the croissants and scones. Marj is open to new ideas, and one is in planning right now. It's a latte called Mocha XXtreme for the 20th Anniversary. Also, I was given a sample of a new chocolate creation in the form of “bark.” A woman mentioned the concept to her, and it includes chocolate Oreo chunks. Nice and crunchy. Possibly “addictive.” I'll drop by for more soon. I also sampled a chocolate Sea Turtle with dark chocolate and some caramel to chew on. Delicious. The chocolate and candy display is large and varied. There are two professional chocolatiers on staff because The Hot Chocolate Sparrow makes its own chocolate and fudge, as well as “Penny Candy.” Many shipments find their way from Orleans to far off destinations. Speaking of snacks, there's a “take-out ice cream” side of the building. And the ice cream is not ordinary ice cream. Marje introduced Richardson's Dairy ice cream to Cape Cod. It comes from the North Shore from a family farm that's been there since the 1600s. Oh yes, I should mention the hot fudge. It's beyond description. It's a special melted chocolate mix used on sundaes and for hot chocolate and frappes. It's a good thing I only had a small cup of it. It was hard to stop! The Sparrow is a place of kitchens. The regular kitchen is wide open under a high ceiling and you'll see the staff busily preparing dishes. There is a year-round candy kitchen too, with chocolatiers busy with their recipes and equipment. The chocolates are hand-dipped and there are always seasonal themes. During Holiday periods traditional favorites are offered. In summer fudge is very popular. And there are smoothies and juices. Marj notes that The Sparrow provides real fruit such as blueberries in the mixtures. Before leaving, ask for the Espresso and Coffee Guide pamphlet to take with you. It's educational. If you take a walk, stop by the Whole Food Store with its open porch, drop in at the Snow Library, or maybe take in the view down the street beyond Route 28 at the Window on the Cove Park.
Do you want a longer walk? Go on until you see a large cemetery on the left, with grave markers new and ancient. On a high spot I read about Capt. Nathaniel Gould, Lost at Sea. 1809-1856. Hannah His Wife 1815-1903. There is much to see around Orleans, including many shops and eating spots. You're also a short drive to Nickerson State Park, Fort Hill, the Dennis Playhouse, and the Art Museum. The Hot Chocolate Sparrow is at 5 Old Colony Way, Orleans, MA 02653. The phone number is 508-240-2230 or (800) 9-CANDY-9 which stands for (800) 922-6399. It's open from 6:30 a.m. to late night every day, but during winter there's an earlier closing from Sunday through Thursday. The only days when the Sparrow is not open are Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stop by when you are in the area. As Marjorie Sparrow has always said, “The aroma alone is worth the trip.”
That's it for now from The Cape Cod Rover. Till next time, Copyright 2008. Tom O'Connell. All rights reserved. Note: Tom O'Connell is a Cape Cod Writer and Lecturer.Take a look at his www.sanctuary777.com website where you will find many essays as well as excerpts from his books. His new memoir is Bugging Out: An Army Memoir (1954). He is also the author of The O'Connell Boy:Educating The Wolf Child~An Irish-American Memoir (1932-1950).See chapters www.sanctuary777.com |
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“The Sparrow Sampler is the assortment I am most proud of,” says Marj. The Sampler: Luscious creams, caramels, nuts, truffle, turtle, buttercrunch and more. Ask for her mail order form, which includes sea turtles, varieties of barks, and Chocolate or Penuche fudge.
