The REAL TURKISH DELIGHT CONFECTIONERY SHOP - Auburn

The day wasn't going well. I had an appointment at Auburn and had found myself with five minutes to spare, in Punchbowl with no idea how I'd managed to miss my turn off (not to mention, no idea how to to get back to Auburn from there). I wasn't sure my day was redeemable but was determined to stay cool, finish my appointment unflustered, and finish the week in a blaze of glory, it was Friday afternoon after all. The Friday traffic around Auburn station was very, very slow and I wasted many minutes in the gridlock. Things started looking up when I realised I was stuck in traffic in front of an interesting storefront with burgundy awnings and windows full of chocolate! Now I wasn't in my food persona at all, it was all work, so I filed the location in my mental diary and got on with the job at hand. A very fruitful meeting and a nice cup of tea completed, I was ready to battle the traffic for my return trip home. Unwittingly, I found that I had navigated myself back to the very same position in the trafffic facing the Real Turkish Delight Store. With a smile on my face, I decided then and there to find the closest parking spot and check it out. Was this serendipity? I only had to walk a block and as I stepped inside from the hot bustle of the urban street (and after the day I'd had) it was as if I had entered another world...an oasis of chocolate and sweet delights. Peaceful, cool and full of chocolate, I was immediately greeted by a friendly face. At this stage, I was still in awe of the surroundings so appreciated the patience of the lovely Megan while she explained to me each item, confirmed that "yes, all items are made on the premises" and patiently waited while I made decision after decision, then changed my mind, again and again! I never felt I was being hurried so really appreciated the time to absorb it all. In the meantime, another father and daughter came in and pretty well asked the same questions as me. Megan answering as if it was the first time that she had said "yes all items are made on the premises" once again, she was required to run through the range and explain it all. She did so with exemplary patience and good grace! The authentic turkish delight has been made since 1974 and the packaging is immediately familiar as it is supplied to many restaurants and stores around the country. I had enjoyed it many times and had no idea that it was made here at Auburn along with the original rose flavoured turkish delight, there are other flavours including pistachio and today I thought I would try the vanilla turkish delight with hazelnut and coconut. I do like the original and bought a packet of bite-size individually wrapped rose flavour dipped in chocolate (a hit with the husband) but when I picked up a slightly golden jelly-like piece of this new flavoured dusted lightly in coconut, I found myself really enjoying the subtle flavour. I love the texture and was pleased to find a little nutty crunch inside. It was delicious and even though I'm not a total fan of coconut I really thought it all married well and I would definitely buy this over the original rose flavour any day! So, husband and myself happy, what about the kids? I had been aching to buy the liquer chocolates but didn't think they were right. While looking at all the flavours of hand made chocolates one by one, I still couldn't make a decision so the best solution was to buy a mixed box of them all for $17.00 (600g). RIGHT DECISION. There was definitely something for everyone in this box. Ours had crunchy sugared almonds, chewy toffees of different flavours, flower shaped milk and dark chocolates, assorted creams and truffles, again in milk and dark chocolate varieties, chocolate nuts, the list goes on. At first I thought that it wouldn't go the distance (four very excited tasters at the ready) but even after our frenzied pre-dinner glut, we only managed to eat half the box and no-one was left unsatisfied. I was impressed. The boxing of the chocolates is both elegant and attractive which matches the decor of the store. Everything is beautifully presented instore from the window displays to the walls lined high with shelving of boxed and bowed items. Turkish urns for decoration, shiny scales and not to mention the groaning counters full of sweetness. The store itself is like a plush hotel foyer, high ceilinged, opulent, beautiful and expensive looking with well chosen decorations adding pleasure to the whole experience of buying the goods. Whilst I was instore completing my purchase, another customer came in with purpose and immediately started ordering in Turkish. With a calm smile, Megan simply apologised for not speaking Turkish and called Eddie who, without a moments hesitation, appeared from behind the scenes and began the negotiations in Turkish. Very impressive I had to say. There are many hand made chocolate shops around the city but my experience here was of quality and integrity and I enjoyed it immensely. Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the cakes. I didn't have time to run through the actual varieties (I only had half an ear out when another customer enquired)but they looked delicious and judging by the care that has been put into the flavours and quality of the other items in store I am sure they would be something to come back for! The real Turkish Delight Confectionary shop can be found at 3 - 5 Station Road, Auburn (cnr Rawson Street). Telephone 9649 9787. Make the effort to visit, it is well worth the experience. Hapi Eating! The website is http: http://www.realturkishdelight.com.au/