Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier

F.A.Q.

Flavors and Ingredients

Why can’t I find my favorite truffle on the website?

One of the best things about enjoying Gail’s truffles is that many flavors are inspired by what’s in season, a whim, or a flash of inspiration. That means that some flavors are seasonal or sporadic in their availability. For example, the fresh mint is only available during the summer when it’s growing in Gail’s garden. The coconut is usually available when Gail is going to see her dad (it’s his favorite). Because of these daily changes, seasonal flavors are not posted online.

Where is a list of your seasonal flavors?

You can check out Gail’s blog and her Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter to learn about the latest flavors. If you have questions, please call us at (608) 249-3500. Better yet, drop by the shop to see our full daily assortment.

Can I choose the flavors I want in my Chocolatier’s Choice box?

We will choose the flavors for you. If you want certain truffle flavors included, please make a note in the special instructions box during checkout.

Are there descriptions of the truffle flavors in the boxes?

Yes! Each box contains a menu that helps you match up the truffle topping with the flavor.

Are any of your products gluten-free or vegan? Do any contain alcohol?

All of Gail’s chocolates are gluten-free. With the exception of truffles and other ganache-filled products, most of our chocolates (excluding sauce) are vegan. All of our solid chocolates are vegan. Our Cointreau, Raspberry and Cognac truffles contain alcohol in trace amounts.

Do you really make everything by hand?

Absolutely! We make fresh chocolates five days a week at Gail’s shop on Atwood Avenue. Visit us to see for yourself.

Why isn’t your chocolate certified organic and fair trade?

Certification costs farmers and small-scale manufacturers a great deal of money, making it out of reach for many even though they would qualify. And, unfortunately, organic and fair-trade certifications are no guarantee of quality. Gail makes a concerted effort to ensure that the practices used by her cacao sources are organic and the wages are of fair-trade level or above. For Gail, seeing is believing. She has traveled to Costa Rica, Colombia and Ecuador, living and working with the farmers. She chooses farmers, manufacturers and importers who value biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices and producing the finest quality ingredients.

Freshness and Storage

What is the shelf life of your truffles and solid chocolates?

The best chocolate is fresh chocolate. Gail doesn’t add preservatives, which change the flavor and texture of chocolate. For the best experience, enjoy her truffles much like you would bakery items – within a few days is best and definitely within two weeks of purchase. If kept out of heat, humidity and sunlight, our solid chocolates can be enjoyed up to a year after purchase.

How should I store my chocolates?

Store your chocolates in a cool, dry place between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should be within 45-55%. If your truffles can’t be eaten within two weeks, then seal in a reclosable bag and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to enjoy, slowly return them to room temperature to bring out the full flavor before you eat them.

Ordering and Shipping

How do I place an order for my wedding or business?

Please contact Sandy Mouras at sandy@gailambrosius.com or call her at (608) 249-3500 for a detailed quote.

If I order online, when will my package ship?

If we receive your order before noon on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, it will usually ship the same day. Orders placed after 3 p.m. on Wednesday (to destinations outside of Wisconsin and the Chicago area) will be shipped the following Monday. We don’t ship outside of the Wisconsin/Chicago area at the end of the week because we don’t want your chocolates waiting somewhere over the weekend. Because it is too costly, we don’t provide Saturday delivery. Regardless of the day, if we don’t think your chocolate will be delivered by the weekend, we will hold it until Monday rather than risk a damaged product.

Do you ship internationally?

While we would love to ship around the world and to our neighbors, both north and south, our business license only allows us to ship within the United States.

Why did you upgrade my shipping?

We cannot be held responsible for melted chocolate, although it’s our utmost priority to ensure your delivery is successful. To that end, we reserve the right to upgrade to 2nd Day Air or Overnight shipping if the delivery location is projected to have a temperature above 72 degrees. Go to weather.com to check the forecasted temperature of your destination.

What do I do if my chocolates arrive melted?

First of all, we’re so sorry that your chocolates arrived melted! Fortunately, they will still taste just as good. We do our best to ensure our chocolates don’t melt in transit. We package them on ice or expedite the shipping when necessary. Unfortunately, though, Mother Nature can get the best of us and chocolate does melt when the temperature rises over 73 degrees. We can’t be held responsible for melted chocolates.

Madison Matters: Class Registration, Locations, Charities

How do I redeem my ticket for a chocolate tasting?

Please call the shop at (608) 249-3500 to register. Tastings are typically the third Thursday of every month, except in December. Space is limited, so please call soon! Tickets are valid for any of the tastings Gail hosts in her shop on Atwood Avenue. And, not to brag (well, maybe a little), but you are in for some fun!

Where can I find your truffles?

We love visitors! Please stop in our shop on Atwood Avenue on Madison’s East Side. You can also find Gail’s chocolates at a number of locations (link to Where to Buy page) in the Madison area. You can also order online.

Why did you choose the Goodman Community Center as your charity?

As a longtime resident and business owner in the Atwood Avenue area, Gail has come to know the wonderful services that the Goodman Community Center provides for the neighborhood and much of Madison’s East Side. Many of Gail’s employees and customers also live in the area, so its continued diversity and vibrance is important to her. The Center moved into a new building in 2008 and has been able to expand its programming even further. In addition to classes and resources for residents of all ages, it provides a gym and fitness center, food pantry and free lunches for hungry kids in the summer. Gail is proud to support this important community resource.

This is a beautiful website! Who created such a thing?

Gail could not agree with you more, and would like to acknowledge the skill and hard work of the following people:

Lisa Schell, designer: www.premiumdesignshop.com
Joan Neeno, copy writer: www.mojoan.com
Tim Chatman and Chris Coyier, web developers: chatmandesign.com
Steve Salt, photographer: www.stevesalt.us

They were invaluable to the process: level headed, bright, and talented all around. Thank you to the Gail Ambrosius staff for their frank and wonderful contributions as well.