By Ashley Hamann, Tillamook County Pioneer Intern
Nestled into a small shop off of Highway 101 in Garibaldi is a quaint chocolate shop that has much to offer a local sweet lover. WIth an assortment of different chocolate flavors made with exquisite technique, BigShu’s Chocolates is a place that everyone should try out.
When this building that had previously been a coffee house and a sandwich shop became open for the owner Patrick Shuman he knew it was time to revisit a dream he had when he was younger. Shuman went to school in Coos Bay at Oregon Coast Culinary Institute where he spent time learning the art of food. At this school he took many culinary classes, but his main interest was always in chocolate. He spent years in chocolate making, he created sculptures, and other such chocolate creations. Through this education he was able to learn all he needed to in order to start up the business he has today. After a long break from his passion, Shuman has decided to make Garibaldi the place to rediscover this passion and reclaim his love for chocolate work.
With the new building there was a lot to be done. Shuman and his own family hunkered down for quite a while and put in serious elbow grease into making the shop the quaint place it is now. From rebuilding portions of the structure to redoing the painting on the counters and walls, they have really fixed up the place and made it a nice shop that you can enjoy being in.
In the shop you will find an assortment of different flavors offered. Year round he carries the flavors lemon, chocolate, cherry, and peanut butter. Each of these flavors can be coated in a different kind of chocolate whether that be milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate, he has something available for any kind of chocolate lover. To keep people on their toes, Shuman introduces a new flavor every two to three months. The current highlighted flavor is orange buttercream that balances perfectly with the delicately crafted chocolates.
Shuman has many other plans as to how he would like to expand his business. For example he would like to start doing different flavors of moist fudge, delicious haystacks, and crisp peanut brittle. Big Shu’s is offering a special dark chocolate peanut brittle only available at his farmer’s market booth.
Aside from the products being increased, Shuman has already begun his expansion as his summer hours have just been changed to reflect the busy season. Now being open from ten to 10:00 to 5:00 on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. He is also open from 9:00-12:30 on Fridays. This business also participates in all of the farmers markets in and around our county as you can see him at all of the Tillamook, Manzanita, and Seaside farmers markets.
Patrick Shuman is truly a master of this craft and it can be well seen in the detail in his chocolates. At reasonable prices and with the assortment available, it is a great place to swing by if you want to try something new. BigShus also offers to do pick-up or ship them directly to any address. That means that you can send these delicacies to someone or simply send yourself a treat. However you choose to enjoy them, you will without a doubt enjoy BigShu’s Chocolates.
