Old Dutch Guys Chocolate crafting edible works of art in Kingsville

In aworldwhere food is conceived by chefs and food scientistswith Instagram in mind, hearing the refrain that something is "too pretty to eat" is common.

As a food journalist, it's not something I usually feel.

But I had a genuine flash of remorse as I took a bite of a chocolate birdfrom Old Dutch Guys Chocolate in Kingsville. Don't get me wrong, the Belgian chocolatedelicious, but destroying a work of art with my teeth, no less was guilt inducing.

"It happens quite often," explainedHenry Noestheden, a sculptor and designerwho owns the shop with his friend, Cor Boon. "It's a legitimate savage moment, but it's very functional. You don't want to save it and put it the curio(cabinet) or hang it on the wall."

Old Dutch Guys Chocolate opened four months ago in the heart of Kingsville, at the corner of Division and Main Streets.

They specialize in producing beautiful chocolate objects based on the wood creations of Boon, an award-winning carver.

The pair met six years ago at a dinner party in Windsor.

The men quickly bonded over the fact they both moved to Canada from the Netherlands at ayoung ageand quickly became fast friends and business partners.

Initially, the two worked on a toy project, but when that didn't pan out, their attention turned to chocolate. After two years of development, Old Dutch Guys Chocolate was born.

In addition to a strong local following, Boon and Noestheden have had customers visit from as far as Toronto, Northern Ontario and Michigan. A few days after opening, even Margaret Atwood who spends time on nearby Pelee Island mentioned the fledging business in a tweet.

Tap on the video to see how these beautiful chocolates are produced.

How Kingsville's Old Dutch Guys make their signature chocolate objects

7 years ago

Duration 1:30

Henry Noestheden and Cor Boon make highly detailed chocolate objects at the Old Dutch Guys chocolate shop in Kingsville, Ont.

Old Dutch Guys Chocolate is located at 2 Main St. W. in Kingsville.

Inside Old Dutch Guys Chocolate