REVIEW

Where did the Charlie Chaplin log come from? You can find it in just about every chocolate store in Buffalo, yet nobody we spoke with has a clue about where or how it originated. Sold as a candy log about the shape of a loaf of biscotti before it’s been sliced, Charlie Chaplins wrap chocolate, coconut, and cashews around a soft marshmallow filling (like Rocky Road spiked with coconut).

Soft, homemade marshmallow wrapped in dark chocolate, coconut, and cashews – Charlie Chaplin is a Buffalo treat!

At Mike’s in Buffalo, the marshmallow is homemade, with a texture poised between solid and flowing. The spectacular marshmallow filling is key to this Charlie Chaplin, resulting in a much lighter effect in the mouth than the appearance and weight of the loaf would suggest. Make no mistake, this is very sweet (and sticky and messy) candy, but the combination of good ingredients makes this more than just kids’ stuff.

The candy cases are filled with beautiful homemade chocolates. The Chaplins are the wrapped-in-plastic logs.

Sponge candy, another Buffalo favorite, is at its best here. We’ve always had mixed feelings about sponge candy. While the flavors agree with us, the candy often leaves chewy bits stuck to the teeth. At Mike’s, however, the sponge part of the candy truly does melt away on the tongue, leaving only the sweet taste of pure, homemade molasses-touched dark chocolate.

Sponge candy, homemade of course, is another Buffalo favorite. It can be seen here on the lower shelf in both milk and dark chocolate varieties.

Mike’s is a neighborhood chocolate store, located in a Polish section of Buffalo. When you enter, the candy cases are to your right, and you’ll probably see large trays of freshly made chocolates cooling on racks to the left. The chocolate scent is fairly intoxicating.

You’re likely to encounter trays of freshly made chocolates cooling in the shop, like these trays of orange meltaways.

These glossy dark chocolate soon-to-be nonpareils were just made.

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FOOD: 

BEST THING TO EAT: Charlie Chaplin

Mike’s is a small, unassuming neighborhood candy store that happens to make superb traditional chocolate-based candy.