BY CAROLE ROSNER
You might not know it when you drive by, but there’s a shop near the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue that’s a magical place. Step through the glass doors at this rather nondescript storefront and you will smell, taste, and experience the wonders of The Candy Factory. This unique neighborhood shop is celebrating 30 years in Valley Village and is one of the West Coast’s largest candy-making suppliers.
Filled to the brim with candy molds, colored chocolate, flavorings and gift boxes, The Candy Factory continues to be the place to go for the professional and amateur candy maker. Frank Sheftel, the owner since 1990 along with his parents Mel and Gloria, can teach you anything you need to know about molding your own chocolates.
The Candy Factory can also create distinctive treats for your special occasion. In addition to specialized molded chocolates (Frank made 1,000 chocolate pieces for Michael Jackson’s and Lisa Marie’s wedding party), The Candy Factory prints photos on kosher, edible rice paper that can be used on cakes, ice cream or candy. They can also print names and dates on satin ribbons and bows.
The Candy Factory offers more than ten colors of melting chocolate-easy-to-use chocolate discs which are ideal for making treats at home, for dipping fruits, or for filling a chocolate fountain. One- to four-pound bags cost $4.75 per pound; the more you buy, the more you save.
A private 90-minute party at The Candy Factory is every aspiring chocolatier’s dream. Before the party, the host selects four molds from the vast array of choices, as well as three colors of chocolate. When the guests arrive, each partygoer learns the tricks of the trade for molding the perfect piece of candy.
A chocolate party is messy but fun for the guests, and super-easy for the host. The guests can eat as much chocolate as they want, and trust me, they do! Each guest makes at least four molded chocolates and takes home whatever hasn’t been eaten in a printed box featuring the host’s name and photo. Cake and punch are included. An average-sized party is 15 guests and costs $22.50 per child plus tax and tip.
The Candy Factory is a gathering place, a teaching place, and a just-stop-by place. Frank Sheftel and his staff will help you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, Quincineras and anything else you can imagine with chocolate. Or just come in for a chat and a free sample of chocolate. Yum!
The Candy Factory, 12508 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91607 (818) 766-8220 Closed Sundays for private parties; closed Mondays www.candyfactoryla.com
Carole Rosner is a native Valley Girl who has lived in Studio City for the past 11 years. She is a strong supporter of her local public schools and an active volunteer in her neighborhood. Some of her favorite things to do in Studio City are to celebrate 4th of July at CBS Radford, walk along Ventura Blvd. and browse through the racks at Crossroads Trading Company.
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