First Posted: 9/5/2013
He’s their chocolate delight.
If Frank and Theresa Colella of West Pittston say they have a minute to talk to you about their grandson, they just might stretch that to an hour.
The Colella’s grandson, Adam Turoni, has taken the chocolate world by storm.
In a very brief time, he’s been featured on national TV shows and has had newspaper and magazine articles written about his chocolate products.
Now he’s a nominee in Martha Stewart’s American Made contest which recognizes ingenuity and excellence in numerous categories. The contest spotlights the maker, supports the local and celebrates the handmade. The winners are celebrated at a signature event in October in New York City.
The chocolatier, now residing in Savannah, Georgia, had his beginnings here in Greater Pittston.
Both of Turoni’s parents, Christine and the late Sam Turoni Jr., grew up in West Pittston. And it was in Frank and Theresa’s kitchen where young Adam fell in love with the art of baking desserts.
Adam worked his way through high school at Isabella on state Route 315 in Plains Township as the head pastry chef. After graduation, he was accepted into the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York.
He later relocated to California where he worked at Chez Panisse. He honed his craft under Chef Peter Greweling, known for his expertise with chocolate.
Eventually Turoni found his way to Savannah, securing a job at Wright Square Café as their chocolatier.
Once established, he broke off to form his own company: Chocolat by Adam Turoni.
He has appeared on the Food Network and in a local Savannah show, “Eat It and Like It.”
Last year, Chocolat by Adam Turoni, was featured in Savannah Magazine’s holiday guide, “Made in Savannah – 20 Artisanal Gifts.”
He sells his chocolate through Whole Foods Market, a large national food chain and through the Ritz Carlton in Savannah.
He also sells and ships his chocolate wares via Etsy, an online retail site. You can go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolatbyAdamTuroni to purchase products.
Also, Chocolat by Adam Turoni can be found at http://www.chocolatat.com.
You can vote for Adam in Martha Stewart’s contest by going to http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/81663. You can vote as many as six-times per day. Voting closes on Friday, Sept. 13.
Adam is also the grandson of Sam Turoni Sr. and the late Shirley Turoni.