Fall 2025 | Edible Notables

DIY Bonbons

Dive into chocolate workshops, tastings, and hands-on fun.

Whether milk, dark, white, or bittersweet, chocolate is a universal delight. Setting aside the secret recipes and passionate chocolatiers, there’s nothing like the silky earthiness of a bonbon and snapping off a bite from a bar that melts in your mouth. It’s the epitome of indulgence.

Inspired by a desire to blend community with creativity, Phyllis McDonough Robinson, owner/chocolatier at Tandem Chocolates in Reno, expanded her offerings in 2023 by providing tantalizing chocolate workshops, tastings, and pairings. Robinson completed the redesign of her chocolate shop in June of this year to include an artistic studio space for classes. The response has been enthusiastic.

Robinson, who calls herself an “accidental chocolatier,” discovered her passion for the “food of the gods” early, growing up assisting her mother, who created and taught confectionery. Robinson later trained at École Chocolat, learning from internationally respected chocolatiers and earning multiple awards.

Tastings, Pairings, and Sustainability
From chocolate and brown spirits to coffee pairings and tastings, Robinson takes class participants on a flavorful journey through regions such as Central and South America. And she explains the roots of her chocolate producers.

“We use ethically sourced chocolate grown by farmers paid living wages,” Robinson says. “We know the producers behind our chocolate.” 

Flex Your Imagination
Workshops are suitable for a broad demographic — from girls’ nights to date nights, family gatherings, and clusters of chocolate devotees. Classes last 90 minutes to three hours, and reservations are required.

“Tandem Chocolates Studio is a first-of-its-kind community space that brings people together through learning, storytelling, and plenty of chocolate!” Robinson says.

Topics Include:
Build a Bar: Decorate, fill, and mold three full-sized chocolate bars using a variety of toppings and fillings.

Express Yourself: Utilize a range of techniques to create your own hand-painted bonbons.

Temper Temper: Learn the science behind tempering chocolate. Leave with hand-dipped goodies and confidence in perfecting this technique.

Private Group Classes: Perfect for businesses or groups to team build in a noncompetitive environment.

Upcoming Classes
Add seasonal fun with workshops on Halloween confections, edible holiday tree ornaments, and gift making. Or create your own hot cocoa mix to take home and savor all winter long.

Beyond classes, Tandem Chocolates offers in-house artisanal sauces such as Vanilla + Salt Caramel and Hot Fudge, as well as build-a-box chocolates you can mix and match for gifts or a little self-care therapy.

“Tandem Chocolates was born from a mother/daughter bond,” Robinson reflects. “We’re thrilled to offer hands-on experiences that connect community and chocolate, one sweet nibble at a time.”

Tandem Chocolates
7111 S. Virginia St., Ste. A15, Reno
775-227-8735 · Tandemchocolates.com