  Second BiographyTV appearance July 2007
Changing-Lives .."People living deeply have no fear of death!"
|
 Post Magazine October 2008
A Taste of Heaven near The Bridle Path
..23rd anniversary |
 Rose’s Picks: visions of truffles will dance in your head
|
 Daytime Toronto TV Rogers, Feb 2008 |
 Sing Tao Daily Jan 30 2008
|
 Global News - Easter 2008 |
|
 ..above with editor Sybille Forester-Rentmeister SOCCER FEVER ..Echo Germanica Aug 07 Book launch by James McCreath…beautiful people mixed and mingled with friends and industry people. We enjoyed especially running into Ingrid Laederach Steven |
OUR FAVE FOOD ROSE REISMAN PICK
"BEST CHOCOLATE SHOP" 2008
Swiss-Master Chocolatier is my number one chocolate shop for the perfect gift and to cater to our cravings. The "chocolate pizza" is by far the finest indulgence one can experience.
Definitely heavenly! |
|
GlobalTV interviews Ingrid
on chocolate as a healthy-choice food
February 27, 2006
News reported: new research shows consumption
of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, decreases
risk of disease, and can let you live longer …
scientists found men who consume the most cocoa
had 50% lower risk of dying from disease because. .
(People in Switzerland called to say they also
saw this interview on Switzerland TV) |
|
 POST CITY MAGAZINES .. 2007
..the key to the store’s success .. is to making her products "a little bit more special" ..with even pictures on chocolate bars |
 Ingrid on Canada AM TV again, third time, to show how to make her famous Chocolate Mouse. May 2007
|
click to enlargeBiography Channel, June 2007
Entrepreneurs ..some of most successful in Canada.
10 minute life profile of Ingrid |
 MingPao Daily News
Feb 10, 2007 |
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|
|
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Town Crier, November 2005
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“Daytime Toronto” ..repeated during end of November 2005“ Liz is at Swiss-Master gorging on chocolate .. yes I (Myrocia) know Ingrid ..when I did my very first story on ‘Shop Toronto’ and Swiss-Master was Viewer’s-Choice”! |
more.. “Daytime Toronto” November 2005 Ingrid with reporter Liz Stembridge”
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|
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Bayview Post Magazine, October 2005
“Swiss-Master Chocolatier is
celebrating 20 years of sweet success”
|
Our “PICASSO BUNNY”
on
Global News TV
Easter 2005 |
Omni TV . . . Valentines 2005
“Sooo, Ingrid tell us what makes
your boutique so special?”
|
| |
|
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CTV CFTO-News Valentine
2004
"We expect wall-to-wall men
with lineups around the corner
. . .and our staff just loves it" |
“Chocolate Shock” CBC-Newsworld
…repeated for two-weeks
Valentine 2004, across Canada, …in English and French.
“…the difference is that in Switzerland fine chocolate
is not a luxury but is part of our everyday culture…
We have a very big influx of Asians and Russians lately
who love our chocolate…We shouldn’t need a special
day to show
our feelings and love…Let the power of chocolate seduce
you”
+ Also parts of this shown Valentine’s week 2007
|
Swiss-Master: major
sponsor at the
2004 Canadian Entertainment Network Awards |
“…make
your guests feel as if they
are the main attraction by giving
them a chocolate Oscar from Swiss-
Master chocolatier…” Toronto Sun,
March 22, 2003 |
MoneyWise
Global-TV and
Prime Business National TV
Easter April 17 & 18, 2003
"...not all bunnies are created
equal...business is really
hopping at Swiss-Master"
|
Our
Choo-Choo train window display
as seen on Rogers TV network
shown through December 2003
before Christmas Day
|
|
 Tuesday,
April 18th, 2000
Swiss-Master caters to chocolate
lovers
Swiss-Master Chocolatier is a tiny but very successful boutique
that has made a splash in the upscale and demanding area around
Bayview, The Bridle Path, and Post Road. It also offers one of
the nicest shopping experiences in Toronto. . .Proof of success
includes deliveries to the Queen Mother and the Pope's entourage.
And would you believe Swiss-Master even delivered to the space shuttle
Discovery, providing chocolate for the astronauts’ preflight dinner?
. . .Owner Läderach-Steven says she launched the boutique as
a "keep busy" venture with Mel Lastman’s wife, Marilyn Lastman,
but quickly decided to buy Lastman out and make the boutique the
very best. . .That was almost 15 years ago, and since then she has
managed to work on the inner passion most of us have for chocolate.
And she has done it well. . .In fact, last year the tiny boutique’s
success was recognized with a 1999 Retailer of the Year award handed
out by North York Chamber of Commerce. . . |
MoneyWise
Global-TV and
Prime Business National TV
Valentine February 13, 2003
"...only word I can say is it's
bedlam...wall to wall men
inside the store, outside, and
around the corner" |
ShoppingTorontoTV
repeated through December 2002
"...I may have wandered into
the heart of Switzerland...almost
everything here is straight from
Switzerland, including Ingrid"
|
click
to enlarge
Ming
Pao, March 31, 2002 Sunday Supplement. . . editorial on Wedding
Favours (we hope to get a translation soon)
|
|
Sing
Tao, February 13, 2001 |
click
to enlarge
Ming
Pao Saturday Magazine |
In Style Magazine, May 1999 |
|
.
. .Our slogan is “Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People,”
and yes our sales have been driven feverishly by a “ravaging youth
and beauty” clientele hell-bent on action. But we have as well a
sizable quieter clientele that is doing its best to simply enjoy life.
Plus our store and the gift-giving of our chocolates have become part
of a magical healing process for many in their struggles of everyday life,
helping people emerge from bleakness and lifting self-esteems, as well
as an important part in their celebrations of “joys in their lives”
especially “courtships in life” — and truth-be-told we
are probably also an important part of the “devil take my soul”
crowd, like those “messing around,” as we get regular visits
from long-stretched-limos with mysterious passengers behind tinted windows.
.
. . with the “graying of society” retailing requirements are
changing in big ways and those retailers who embrace this with a positive
and creative force will begin to gain the most. That is, sales that have
been driven feverishly by “ravaging youth and beauty” over the
past few generations will now have to slowly start to also focus on an
“aging population with lots of money to spend that is simply doing
its best to stay alive, active, and happy.” And we believe that Swiss-Master
seems to unpretentiously fit this new gentle graying-society focus. .
.
|
SING
TAO, MAY 10, 2000
"...
Swiss-Master has brought to the magical chocolate business ... a genuine
feeling that you can actually buy something magical ..."
|
click
to enlarge
The Toronto Star
(Now we know the secret
to Mono Lisa's smile!)
…see "Recipes" web-page for how
to make Ingrid's "Chocolate Mousse" |
click
to enlarge
|
click
to enlarge |
|
Das Echo November 2005 |
| Bayview residents Ingrid and Tom Steven reached for their sweet goal in 1984 when they opened their chocolate shop in 1984…and later in Hong Kong. In 1998 the Post featured their story…Today Ingrid says that the important thing in any relationship is that both people must have big hearts. He’s a wonderful father and a caring father…He has all the characteristics that you’d want in a partner. He’s just as kind and gentle now as he was then. Bayview City Magazine….February 2004 |
 |
Women & Business April/May 1987
"Launching a Sweet Success" |
Lots of media coverage also in 1980s |
THE TORONTO STAR - March 30,1988 |
|
|
|
"Here's
to love, chocolate,
and the time to enjoy them!" |
|
|
Toronto
Sun
|
|
click
to enlarge
Toronto
Sun
|
click
to enlarge
Sing
Tao Daily
February 12, 2001 |
click
to get full contest page
Win
a Day of Beauty' with Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"...with
Swiss-Master Chocolatier chocolates as one of the prizes...
The Toronto Star contest, May 27, 2001 |
Another
one of our suppliers of fresh-
cream-truffles and pralines
Aeschbach Chocolatier, Zug
|
Chocolatier
Magazine, January 1987
|
click
to enlarge
Canada's
"Sweetheart" figure skater Josée Chouinard tapes a TV
episode on Swiss-Master Chocoaltier, October 2002 |
click
to enlarge
|
click
to enlarge
"The
600 year-
old-legendary. . .
BASLER LECKERLI
cookies Made for
Switzerland's
'Beautiful People'
Now enjoyed the
world over"
|
click
to enlarge
Bayview
Post, December 2002
|
click
to enlarge
Ming
Pao December 07, 2002
|
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Thanks
to customer praises… THE MEDIA HAS HAD A LOT TO SAY ABOUT US
….SOME "MORE" NOTEWORTHY REVIEWS:
Toronto Life
|
Swiss-Master Chocolatier
|
|
As you’d expect from the Swiss, the quality at this 22 year old outlet is extremely high, with tantalizing array of fresh cream truffles from the best of the country’s chocolatier. … In the warmer months the store’s live-culture frozen yogurt is a soothing treat …..
Post Magazine
Valentine’s Day Love-In
|
ROSE’S PICK
|
|
As you’d expect from the Swiss, the quality at this 22 year old outlet is extremely high, with tantalizing array of fresh cream truffles from the best of the country’s chocolatier. … In the warmer months the store’s live-culture frozen yogurt is a soothing treat …..
CBC 99.1 FM
|
Matt Galloway radio show
|
|
.. great shop for truffles is Swiss-Master Chocolatier … when you have a good truffle you think you died and went to heaven!
Bayview Post
|
ROSE’S PICKS: VISIONS OF TRUFFLES WILL DANCE IN YOUR HEAD
|
|
THERE IS ONLY one place in Toronto to get the most decadent, delicious and sensual truffles. Swiss-Master Chocolatier... has the only chocolates worthy splurging on. Inexpensive products that hide tropical oils, hydrogenated fats, excess sugar and unnecessary calories are no match for these chocolates made with only the finest ingredients … Ingrid Läderach Steven has become one of the most influential chocolate forces – dare I say –in Canada. Number one on my list are the "fresh cream" truffles similar to shops in Switzerland. Her truffles are flown in regularly from Switzerland and she ships them all over world. A great Valentine’s Day gift for everyone! … Rose Reisman
Bayview-Mills Town Crier
|
York Mills mall a gourmet shopping experience
|
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I’ve whizzed by the York Mills Shopping Centere before but haven’t had the chance to explore it until an early afternoon, when Ingrid Laederach Steven, owner of Swiss-Master Chocolatier invited me to her tiny shop …wow! ..Watching the well-dressed ladies glide from store to store .. I can tell this is a high-end mall catering to the Bridlepath residents... Ingrid is known not only for the chocolates … brut also for her generosity of spirit... the Late Harvest Champagne truffles are dreamy beyond belief... Kelly Gadzala
Deutsche Presse
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Chocolate Shop Defines Toronto in a "Beautiful People Way"
|
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Just north of The Bridle Path is a boutique that has become famous in Toronto .. deliveries include to the Queen Mother, the Pope, our Prime Minister, President of the United States, and lots of Hollywood celebrities and sports celebrities, even to the Space Shuttle Discovery for a preflight dinner...
Human Rights Watch newsletter
|
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We are also grateful to Ingrid Steven of Swiss-Master Chocolatier for donating Swiss chocolate gold bars for all our guests this evening.
OPMA 2007 Gala newsletter
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In support of Heart & Stroke and Canadian Cancer Society
|
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What treat could be more fitting for our VIP guests than the finest chocolates. Ingrid has been making people feel beautiful ever since she opened her shop in the upscale TheBridlePath are ..one taste of these chocolate masterpieces and you’ll know why …she has shipped her truffles to the Queen Mother, the Pope, Canadian Prime Minister, the US President and Hollywood starlets...
www.swissinfo.org
|
Front page: displayed during 3 months of summer
(one of most popular websites in Switzerland) |
|
Small profile of Ingrid Läderach Steven with comments on Switzerland: One of the top addresses is owned by Ingrid Läderach-Steven, a woman from central Switzerland who has become somewhat of a Toronto institution. She sells "beautiful chocolates for beautiful people" from her shop, Swiss Master Chocolatier, in the upscale Bridle Path neighbourhood ..The Canadian media have published and broadcast numerous reports about the shop, often asking Läderach-Steven for sweet tips at Easter and Christmas .. But even though she has become a minor Canadian celebrity, the woman …remains Swiss at heart .. She moves in Toronto's Swiss circles, sponsoring events organised by the local Swiss club as well as taking part in their activities. However, she draws the line when it comes to exercising her right to vote in Switzerland .. "I love my homeland and as much as I am interested in what goes on there, I don't feel it is fair for me - after having been away for over 30 years - to contribute to what is happening in the country," Läderach-Steven says ..Her train of thought is interrupted time and again by people entering the tiny shop. She aims her seductive smile at the customers, gives advice, lovingly gift wraps small boxes of chocolate and concludes each sale as one would a friendship. It's her secret to success .. "There are some things I feel we should not have the right to anymore once we leave the country, [especially] when it comes to domestic issues," she adds. .. by Dale Bechtel
The Biography Channel
|
To be broadcast thoughout July |
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Another new episode coming out in July ... that will include personal life profile of Ingrid Läderach Steven
The Biography Channel
|
Changing Lives ......Entrepreneurs ..some of most successful in Canada |
|
broadcast thoughout June. A ten minute interview, life profile on Ingrid, about how she came to the U.S. to study voice, and how she ended up in Toronto, got married, had children, started a chocolate shop that is the best in Canada ..and her philosophy of running the shop and what made her such a great success ..and about "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People" theme, etc.
KISS-FM
|
Swiss-Master Chocolatier promotion
|
|
CLICK HERE to hear promotion
Hello! Magazine
|
Mom’s the Word
|
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writer Rebecca Eckler presented her new book .. best-looking group of people I’ve ever seen at a book launch ..included Canadian-Idol judge -- and celebrity favourite Ingrid Läderach Steven
Success Magazine
|
Chocolate Shop Defines Toronto in a "Beautiful People" Way
|
|
Just north of “The Bridle Path and Post Road” is a tiny boutique offering one of the nicest shopping experiences in Toronto. It prides itself on the words "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People." Owner Ingrid Läderach Steven, though, explains her definition of Beautiful People is far deeper than outside beauty, and that she sees her shop as a place of comfort for those who have worked hard, succeeded, and now want to enjoy one of the niceties life has to offer. ..Ingrid also takes pride that her chocolates have become part of a “magical moment” and “healing process” for many, bringing emotional satisfaction – as well as playing an important part in courtships, and endless parties and celebrations .. Proof of success over 21 years includes deliveries to the Queen Mother, the Pope, our Prime Minster, the President of the United States, many Hollywood and world celebrities, sportspeople, and politicians -- even to the Space Shuttle Discovery for a preflight dinner .. And all this celebrity clientele has done much to continue define the shop in a “Beautiful People” way .. Ingrid says she gets lots of invites to celebrity-functions by way of customers, even three invitations to the Academy Awards ceremonies that included meeting stars backstage before the show, and at the famous Governor’s Ball after the show …. Ingrid is proud that her fresh cream truffles and pralines are the very same as in the best chocolate shops in Switzerland, which is not easy given that the product is extremely perishable. The chocolates are not “made special for export” she emphasizes, as is the case with many imports. Plus she prides in telling her customers that, “for a price of locally-made chocolate you can buy at her shop some of the very best the world has to offer!” ..Ingrid has several suppliers in Switzerland, but most of the chocolates come from the family-owned Läderach Chocolatier, that supplies much of Switzerland and some of the best shops around the world. Founder, Rud Läderach, invented the “truffle shell” that revolutionized truffle-making, taking it out of an expensive, very labour intensive process. She points out, though, that most of her truffles and pralines are still hand-finished individually … When you walk into Swiss-Master you feel as if you are in Switzerland. And the impression one gets is that it is a lot more than just a “chocolate business” as it provides emotional uplift and sensual escape. It is decorated in old-continental style that “romanticizes” the products and services. And yes, it does take straight aim at a rich-and-famous-and-fussy clientele, with quiet emphasis on excellence at every turn. Ingrid believes strongly that, “to be good is not enough, if one aspires to be great!” No doubt this is what separates her from competition .. “What keeps sales busy much of the year is the endless parties and gift-giving” .. But she adds that the very busy times start in November when corporations begin ordering. Then the rush does not stop until after Easter. What adds another dimension is the sizable wealthy Jewish, Chinese, Russian, and Muslim clientele who have their own celebrations … The shop carries some 65 different “fresh cream” truffles and pralines flown in from Switzerland. At times the shop is so busy that lines form outside, “all the way around the corner occasionally,” Ingrid laughs. You’ll sometimes even find famous celebrities waiting patiently in line, happily chatting with others. What also adds to the shopping experience is .. especially during the Toronto Film Festival, or when celebrities are in town or when there’s a big sports event. Singer Prince was a regular at the shop when he lived in Toronto. “He was an exceptionally gentle, warm person,” Ingrid says. “At first he would come with his body guard, but then felt comfortable enough to come alone” .. Ingrid also explains her shop is a pleasure for her that’s more than a business, and that over the years she’s watched kids grow up in her store, and gone to their birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, weddings, even funerals. As she puts it, “I’ve helped many celebrate their joys of life and shared in their sadness of life” .. From 1998 to 2003 Ingrid also had a successful Swiss-Master Chocolatier boutique in the heart of the financial district in Hong Kong, with visions of expanding into China. But as the economy there took a dip, followed by SARS, she and her partners closed it down .. One can’t help but notice she’s also a “hugging” person, and people continually come for a hug and words of encouragement, without need to buy. It is things like this that define her as the nice person she is, and that define the store and clientele in a “Beautiful People” way. This alluring warmth has made Ingrid the most popular chocolatier in town, and continues to bless Swiss-Master with endless media attention, including recent TV coverage in Europe. Even when the shop had a robbery, CTV-News sent a crew to report on the event live. And just recently celebrity cookbook writer, Rose Reisman, chose to have her magazine front-cover picture taken at Swiss-Master .. Ingrid explains her need to connect in beautiful ways with people comes from her heart, by way of how her parents ran their tourist shops in the Swiss Alps and San Remo, Italy .. She also explains that she likes to think of her shop as a fairytale boutique that sells “love and happiness” by way of what scientists tell us is a healthy-choice product, unlike many other “chocolates made with hydrogenated fats and a little bit of real chocolate” – what the industry calls “heart stoppers” and even “diarrhea chocolate.” It’s this “healthy-choice customer trust” in her chocolates that’s become very important to her success. Astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar said the chocolate she brought along for the night-before-flight dinner were not even tested, as the name “Swiss-Master Chocolatier” gave automatic trust .. One thing people look forward to is the shop’s pick for its own “Beautiful People of the Year” choice on its website, which gets almost a million “hits” a year. What’s especially heartwarming is the poem that comes with this theme, that reflect the outlook-on-life Ingrid seems to have, and it reads …. In 1999 Ingrid received a “Retailer of the Year” award in a black-tie event before some 600 guests. In her speech she had many women in tears as she thanked her “Swiss Master,” her husband .. The store celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005, and there was a big party with tents and lots of samples and prizes, including a trip to Bermuda and a TagHeuer watch, and lots of people came to share in Ingrid’s celebration .. Ingrid looks to her husband, Tom, for support in the business. They are parents of daughters Jaclyn and Jasmin, and grandchildren Chloe and Connor. The daughters both worked many years at the store from the time they could stretch their necks around the showcase, and this is what has made it a family business. By: Suzanne Sharma
Treasures of Ontario
(hard-cover book)
|
"Swiss-Master Chocolatier"
|
|
Health studies show chocolate can bring on feelings similar to those when falling in love, especially sending females into emotional ecstasy. The very best chocolates can enhance that sensation .. like chocolate at Swiss-Master Chocolatier, located just up the street from Toronto’s ritzy The Bridle Path /Post Road area. Owner … has the chocolates flown in …. These fresh cream truffles and pralines burst in the mouth with exotic tastes and they are the very same as sold in the best boutiques in Switzerland and are not made special for export .. and they have a short shelf life …. The shop operates in the Old-Continental tradition of personalize service and the staff is warm and friendly with special patience for indecisive shoppers. The store’s slogan is “Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People” and refers to more than the “inherent beauty in chocolate-lovers or clientele” that includes many of the wealthiest, most famous and fashionable people in Toronto and throughout North America. Every year the boutique draws special attention to its “Beautiful People of the Year,” people whose beauty comes not from fashion but from humanitarian or life-saving work they perform. Normally the store has a leisurely pace, but holidays are hectic …. the line to buy can extend down the block … BOOK by Morgan Chase Publishing Inc.
TV Guide
|
Star Gazing ..complete guide to spotting celebs
|
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..We attract celebrities when the film festival is on, when a show or performer is in town or when they are making a movie …. Prince used to drive up in a limo with his bodyguard, but now feels comfortable enough to drive up by himself or with his wife. Ingrid stresses she does not get ga-ga when someone important drops in ..and waits for them to start up a conversation. She described Jon Voigt as an exceptionally interesting and friendly person who picked up chocolates for the entire crew when he wrapped his last film. …by Stephanie Earp + Gred David
In The Spotlight
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Historical Highlights
|
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Swiss-Master Chocolatier: A chocolate lover's dream. This award-winning chocolate boutique just celebrated its 20th anniversary and is famous throughout Toronto for its exquisite chocolate and scrumptious truffles. The shop's slogan "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People" reflects its friendly staff and attention to details.
Das Echo
|
Happiness with Quality
|
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(translation) It has been 20 years that Swiss-Master was created at the corner of .. and for it not to be there is unthinkable. The owner .. has every reason to be happy in that on November 5th longstanding customers as well as "nosy" customers gathered to celebrate the anniversary. There were lots of beautiful prizes to be won … games for children, and most of all lots of sinful chocolates for tasting. These luscious delicacies –fresh cream truffles and pralines –are the same you can buy in the finest boutiques in Switzerland in that they come directly from .. the Läderach confiserie in Glarus in the Swiss alps .. by: Eva Wazda.
Town Crier
|
Still sweet after 20 years
|
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About 20 years ago Ingrid Läderach-Steven decided to bring a little bit of Switzerland .. “If you have good quality, it will outweigh quantity ..she said her success is directly linked to what she feels is the most important aspect of running a small business – honesty.
As you’d expect from the Swiss, the quality at this 20-year-old outfit is extremely high ..from the best of that country’s chocolatiers. There are more than 60 truffles ..the dark chocolate truffle is rich and full flavoured, but not bitter or over-sweet. Full-sized chocolate Oscars are popular choice year-round; whimsical bunnies sell well at Easter. In the heat of summer the store’s live-culture frozen yogurt is a treat.
Bayview Post Magazine
|
Swiss-Master Chocolatier celebrating 20 years of sweet success
|
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As the chocoholic’s best friend, owner Ingrid Steven Läderach (with Janine Mohebat and Kathy Hamilton) are extending an invitation to their customers to help celebrate the anniversary …
Bayview Post Magazine
|
“ALL-TIME FAVES!” The people, places and things that have ‘consistently’ made our Best of Bayview List
|
March 2005
|
BEST
TRUFFLES IN T.O. Our choice for the past 14 years. Their truffles are
displayed in a case like jewelry. Try their chocolate party pizza: it’s
full of fruit and nuts, and topped off with their signature truffles.
And it comes in a pizza box, of course.
Global TV News
|
Global Wellness Report . . inside Swiss-Master Chocolatier boutique
|
January 12, 2005
|
A
gift of chocolate on Valentine’s Day may give your sweetheart a
happy and healthy heart. Research shows chocolate contains antioxidants
that prevent cholesterol from sticking to artery walls. Chocolate also
contains flavanoids, the same compounds that give wine and tea their disease-preventing
benefits. The darker the chocolate the more antioxidants and favanoids
. . .by Dr. Ariel Dalfen
In Magazine, Montreal
|
Toronto’s Swiss-Master Chocolatier
|
Winter, 2004
|
Just
up the street from Toronto’s ritzy “The Bridle Path / Post
Road” area is a tiny boutique where Toronto’s “beautiful
people” have come to shop for chocolate for some 19 years. Owner
Ingrid Läderach Steven tells me what keeps her open much of the year
is the endless parties and gift giving. But the “really busy”
times, she says, start in November when corporations come to put in huge
orders. Then the rush does not stop until after Easter. What adds another
dimension is the sizable Jewish, Chinese, Russian, and Muslim clientele
who have all their own holidays and celebrations to also shop for. Ingrid
carries some 65 different “fresh cream” truffles and pralines
that are among the very best the world has to offer. She flies them in
from Switzerland . . At times it is so busy that lines form. For Valentine’s
it can be up to 30 feet outside. Often you’ll find famous celebrities
waiting patiently in line, happily chatting with others . . What really
impressed me was how Ingrid even supplied for the space shuttle SST-42
DISCOVERY “night-before shuttle flight” dinner. What also
adds to the shopping experience is the many Mercedes, BMWs and Hummers
in the parking lot . . .and at times stretched limos with celebrities
from the Canadian Film Institute down the street .. by Simone Cloutier
(French and English)
Toronto
Star
|
‘Twas
the day before Christmas
|
December
24, 2004
|
.
. You’re a fool if you haven’t considered: Box of chocolate.
Just go a little bit more toward the high end . . Swiss-Master . . .by
Garnet Fraser
The
French Side of Toronto
|
Swiss-Master
Chocolatier
|
October
2004
|
Swiss-Master
chocolates are imported directly from the Swiss Alps . . One of the signature
pieces . . available only during the summer months . . these delicate
“white chocolate and fruit truffles” come in orange, strawberry,
lime, lemon, and passion fruits . .and simply must be tasted to be believed.
. . Be sure to try the rum and raisin, the Grand Marnier. . crème
fraise and liqueur. Swiss-Master makes gift-giving simple. Those who traditionally
say it with flowers can now say it with chocolate. . and for children
a delightful selection of chocolaty insect-shaped critters, including
lady bugs and bees.
Bayview
Post. . .and other Post Magazines
|
Couple
Values Children . . and Makes Sweet Treats |
October
2004
|
(This
is a follow up on October 1998 “How They Met” article, see
below, which describes how “singing talent” brought Ingrid
to the U.S. and then Canada) . . . Ingrid and Tom have lived in the Bayview
area for 30 years. They have two daughters, Jasmin, a graduate of University
of Western Ontario, is married and has a two-year-old son named Connor.
Their other daughter, Jaclyn, works as a teacher and has recently gotten
engaged. Jasmin and Jaclyn did follow the showbiz route for a while, as
between them they made 120 TV commercials in Canada and the U.S. Ingrid
and Tom, who worked as a computer consultant, started in the sweets business
some 25 years ago wholesaling throughout North America. Ingrid, who has
a family history of chocolate masters, opened her York Mills Plaza boutique
in 1985 with Marilyn Lastman. She soon bought her out, and hasn’t
looked back. The shop will soon be celebrating its 20th, and there will
be lots of things happening in the months to come. Stay tuned. Ingrid
says that the best thing abut her job is that she gets to meet the nicest
people from all walks of life . . . by Ron Johnson
Bayview
Post Magazine
|
“ALL-TIME
FAVES!” The people, places and things that have ‘consistently’
made our Best of Bayview List
|
March
2004
|
BEST
CHOCOLATE ON THE PLANET: Swiss-Master Chocolatier…Whimsical truffles,
double-dipped strawberries, and even the chocolate pizzas are so diving
you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven. . .
Toronto
Star
|
Rita
on the Oscars
|
February
29, 2004
|
We’ll
be hunkered down at our primary workstation at The Star tonight watching
the Oscars with our best and bitchiest pals. . . That lovely woman from
Swiss-Master Chocolatier has sent us a box of bon bons again this year,
complete with an anatomically correct chocolate Oscar. Can't decide which
part to eat first. . .Rita Zekas.
Bayview City Magazine, The Village Post, The North Toronto Post,
The Thornhill Post, The Rishmond Hill Post, and the North York
Post
|
"Toronto’s
Top Tastes" contest
|
February
2004 |
The
ultimate chocolates for true romance…Master of Chocolate a huge
success…Wow! Swiss-Master had our tasters blushing with pleasure.
Outstanding combination, perfect and fresh…You would be hard pressed
to find a better chocolate anywhere!
Toronto
Life
|
A
guide to Toronto’s Best
|
2004 |
If
you’ve ever been to Basel in Switzerland, you’ve probably
come across leckerli, the intriguingly chewy biscuits that have been made
there for 600 years. Made with nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and honey, they
find a persuasive champion in Swiss-Master’s owner, Ingrid Läderach
Steven, who uses them at home in everything from cheesecake to gravy.
More conventional practice, she tells me, is to break off a little piece
and dissolve it slowly in the mouth, letting all those flavours emerge.
A delicious sideline, but chocolate is the main event—rich, finely
milled Swiss chocolate . . .from Switzerland. Six new truffles are promised
this winter, and if they’re as good as the kirsch-café introduced
last summer I hope I find them in my stocking. Special treats also appear
for Jewish holidays, such as calvados truffles shaped like apples, and
honey ones like honeycombs for Rosh Hashanah. Chocolate “pizzas”
are a year-round pleasure, but one must wait for summer to taste the awesome
frozen yogurt that is the store sideline.
Toronto
Star
|
Star
Gazing
|
December
7, 2003 |
"PRINCE
(singer). . .we do know he has a sweet tooth. He's been seen at Swiss-Master
Chocolatier on Bayview Ave, near his Bridal Path digs. . ." Rita
Zekas
"CLICK"
TO HEAR The New Country 95.3FM Radio . . . talking about Swiss-Master
|
December
2003 |
Toronto
Sun
|
Eat,
drink & be OSCAR…Roll out the red carpet for your guests
|
March
22, 2003
|
“Make
your guests feel as if they are the main attraction by giving them a chocolate
Oscar from Swiss-master Chocolatier. The munchable mini-statuette has
a Florentine base and is sprinkled with a gold glitter confection…I
am seeing more Oscar parties than ever, says Ingrid Läderach Steven…It’s
a bit of escapism during these uncertain times…It’s also reflected
by an increase in sales of our ‘I Love You” truffles since the
Sept 11 tragedy. . .” Vena Eaton, Lifestyle Editor
Toronto
Star
|
And
the chocolate Oscar goes to. . .
|
March
19, 2003
|
For
those of us who have no hope of winning an Oscar, let’s just eat one.
. .Americans are calling, saying they’ve searched everywhere and can
only fined these treats in. . .Oscar parties are more popular than ever.
. .if perhaps this is an escapism from the seriousness of these days. .
.” Jennifer Bain, Food Editor
Bayview
Post Magazine
|
"Holiday
sales on retailer wish lists"
|
December
2002
|
“…local
retailers wonder what December will bring…Ingrid Laederach Steven…said
December is supposed to be one of her busiest times. But…Steven is
reluctant to make that prediction...I hear stories about more stores closing
and more companies closing. It seems to be a global situation…rather
than spending on expensive gifts, they go to something that will satisfy
them…”When things get rough, people turn to chocolate for Instant
gratification. . .Julie Greco
Toronto
Life
|
"Where
to find the best. . ."
|
2003
Edition
|
If
you've ever been to Basel in Switzerland, you've probably come across
"leckerli," the intriguingly chewy biscuits that have been made
there for 600 years. . .Ingrid. . .uses them at home in everything from
cheesecake to gravy. . .special treats also appear for Jewish holidays,
such as calvados truffles shaped like apples, and honey one like honeycombs
for Rosh Hashanah. . .
Bayview
Post Magazine
|
"Best
Truffles in Toronto"
|
July
2002
|
HONOUR
AWARDED 11 YEARS IN A ROW to:
Swiss-Master Chocolatier.... try the champagne. They're the editor's favourite.
Toronto
Star
|
Most
Popular Chocolatier
|
February
13, 2002
|
"...she
is not in the chocolate business, rather she is in the magic moment business,
providing magical moments of delight and sensual escape...the best and
sweetest lady...always feel right at home......It's motto, "Beautiful
Chocolate for Beautiful People" shines through in the service and
packaging they offer, no matter who's buying or how much they're spending..."
Jennifer Bain, Food Editor
yoursourceCandianLifestyle
|
PURE
LUXURY: Dipped in chocolate
|
Holiday
2001
|
...Swiss-Master...has
truffles in every flavour...every shape from telephones to computers and
soccer balls to buzzing bees..The staff customize each order to the client's
specifications..even create gift packages for holidays like Rosh Hashanah,
and Chinese New Year...But the lure of Swiss-Master is as much in the wisdom
and warmth of its owner as the purity and goodness of its chocolate...Making
a difference is key to Laederach-Steven's philosophy "We've got to
interact with our fellow human being much more than ever before,"
she says,..."I want to show that the business has a heart, that we've
got to think with our heart, not just our pocket book."...and many
customers consider Laederach-Steven to be a friend. "I try to give
a little bit of warmth with everything that we do, and hopefully that
will spread." ...Kathy Barthel
TorontoLife
|
Eating
& Drinking Guide...directory of Toronto's best...
|
2002
|
Ingrid
Läderach Steven...flies them to Toronto, where they pause very briefly
in the store before fanatical customers pounce. There are always seasonal
flavours to try (chestnut and maple for fall, passion fruit and lime for
summer) and such amusing shapes as chocolate bees and golf balls, plus
the famous Party Pizzas...exceptional frozen yogurt blended with plums
or pears, and there is a website...to consult above having orders filled
from Swiss-Master's sister store in Hong Kong...
| Deutsche
Presse |
It’s
“to live for” and not “to die for” since 9-11
|
December 26 2001
|
Since
the horrible September 11 terror-attacks the words “to die for”
have taken on a morbid suicidal meaning, robbing us of their silly innocence
in everyday conversation....It’s therefore refreshing to see Ingrid
Läderach Steven of Swiss-Master Chocolatier going all out in promoting
her luscious fresh cream chocolate truffles as being simply “to live
for.” ...
| www.vineSwinger.com |
Wine
& Food // Chocolate”
the Chocolate Adventurer column” |
October
2001 |
If
ever a woman was born into chocolate, it was Ingrid Läderach Steven.
. . Unquestionably, her business is well-suited to her personality. Ingrid
is very much a “people” person, and she loves the fact that
people feel good when they’re in her store. . .While Ingrid herself
tends toward more traditional chocolate items, she knows her customers
demand products that are new and different. One such item is a computer
truffle. . . But looks aren’t everything here, and I am partial to
the pieces with complex natures, which contain several different tastes
and textures, all in harmony with one another. That is a very European
characteristic in a chocolate, and I don’t see enough of it in the
U.S.. . . Ingrid appreciates that chocolate is a comfort food for many
people, and she knows that comfort foods are an acceptable part of one’s
diet if consumed in moderation.
| Bayview
Post Magazine |
"Best
Chocolates this side of Switzerland" |
July 2001
|
HONOUR
AWARDED 10 YEARS IN A ROW to:
Swiss-Master Chocolatier.... owner Ingrid Läderach
Steven produces the best truffles in Toronto, bar none...
www.globalgourmet.com
(U.S.A) |
(Global
Gourmet on AOL)...Mother's Day and Graduation...Chocolate Find of
the Month |
May
2001
|
I
protest! This month's Chocolate Find, Swiss-Master Chocolatier of
Toronto, Canada, has a most unfair website. It isn't enough that the homepage
hits you with a paragraph about their fresh cream truffles; the company
has to go further and include appealing photos of their boutique and some
of their products. Even the descriptions are enough to make me want to
hop a flight northward...Better still, check out their rather glamorous
website at...but don't say I didn't warn you!..."Beautiful Chocolates
for Beautiful People" is the slogan here, and I can at least vouch
for the truthfulness of the first part of that motto!...If you're going
to be in Toronto or Hong Kong, consider stopping by their
boutiques...Stephanie Zonis (see: www.globalgourmet.com/food/ilc)
REVIEW
Business Magazine
|
Cyberwar
survival tips from a “Mom and Pop” retail shop
….by Tom
Steven, Swiss-Master Chocolatier |
March
2001
|
(How
a ... chocolate boutique ... gets 1,000-to-2,000 webpage requests a
day.) . . .With all the hype about e-commerce there is lots of pressure
for small businesses, especially retailers, to join the bandwagon. Yet
selling online is one of the toughest businesses in the world. . . Based
on our retail experience, our message for small businesses is. . . Our
biggest benefit from the web comes from three areas. . . We are currently
analyzing the pros and cons of going to a full-blown e-commerce system.
. . Experimenting with search engines shows. . . Some simple tricks
that improved our hits. . .
| Toronto
Business Times |
Millennium
Achievements |
January
2001
|
"...when
asked for her secret, Läderach-Steven answered: 'There is no overall simple
answer, or magic formula. Just offer great chocolate and great service,
all at a fair price, and watch the magic click in, especially with an
upscale clientele…It’s that simple… and yet it’s that difficult!' "
| Bayview
Post Magazine |
Best
of Gourmet Food... |
August
2000
|
"BEST
CHOCOLATES" 9 YEARS IN A ROW: Swiss-Master
Chocolatier....
| www.starchefs.com
(U.S.A.) |
For
Chocolate Lovers Only. . .with Stephanie Zonis |
June
2000
|
"Chocolate
Recommendation of the Month" .
. . June’s Chocolate Find is Swiss-Master-Chocolatier, with boutiques in
Toronto and Hong Kong. . .
| Deutsche
Presse |
Tiny
boutique delivers to...Toronto's Rich & Famous |
December 20,
2000
|
"...Their
web site...is currently running a $2,000 (in chocolate) 'GUESS THE OSCAR
WINNERS' contest."
| Bayview
Post |
Chocolateur
Values Children the Most |
October
1998
|
What better
way to salute in our 'How They Met' column than to get the story
of the purveyor of Bayview's sweetest treasures . . .Before she was even
a teen, Ingrid was whisked from her home in the Swiss
Alps by Dr. Antonia Brico, a legendary musician, conductor, and philanthropist...This
is the same Dr. Brico that singer Judy Collins documented in the 1974 Oscar-nominated
movie Antonia: A Portrait of a Woman. . Brico was so taken with Ingrid's
singing talents that she convinced her parents that "Ingrid's talents belonged
to the world"...Ingrid moved to reside with Dr. Brico in Denver...But
because of exhaustive two years of training sessions Ingrid fell very ill,
and her vocal chords were severely damaged. Her recuperation led to a visit
to Toronto... where she met Tom (now her husband)...Starting a family wasn't
easy though, a fact Ingrid attributes to stress in her early music life...this
is why she has such a love for life and why children really feel her warm
welcome... opened boutique in 1985 with Marilyn Lastman. She
soon bought her out, and hasn't looked back.
(See "page 3 of Photo Library" webpage for picture of Ingrid
with Dr. Brico)
| Asian
Wall Street Journal |
Sarah
Tilton and Joanne Lee-Young |
| Truffles:
The Latest Addition to This City’s Sophisticated Palette |
October
1998
|
…Now,
though, you can get just about any kind of truffle your little heart desires
– imported from Switzerland – but you may have to line up for it…people
come in and are quite disappointed because…only a small selection left…The
city’s growing affection for truffles…goes hand-in-hand with the burgeoning
demand for vintage wines, gourmet coffee and Cuban cigars…the
moment you swallow a truffle...you can tell if you’ve been gypped…When
I first started eating truffles, I didn’t know how to differentiate between
them, probably didn’t even know I was eating a truffle…Now I know how to
compare them for creaminess, texture, bitterness.
| Honk
Kong Standard |
Chocolates
with a sweet Swiss secret |
October
29,1998
|
…
Ingrid Läderach Steven…her warm optimistic personality is extended to the
slogan of her shop: "Beautiful Chocolates for Beautiful People" Bernice
Chan
| Toronto
Life |
Food
Guide |
November
2000
|
…
There are always seasonal flavours to try (chestnut and maple for fall)
and such amusing shapes as chocolate bees and golf balls, plus the famous
party pizzas … made with nuts and fruit, studded with truffles and other
goodies.. exceptional frozen yogurt blended with plums or pears, etc…orders
(can be) filled from Swiss-Master sister store in Hong Kong…
| Postmagazine |
nosh
nosh nosh |
November
8, 1998
|
This
has been a week of chocolate highs. A new chocolate shop, Swiss-Master Chocolatier,
opened in Central…Supplier
Rud Laederach revolutionised the truffle-making industry in the 1960s when
he injected the filling into an empty chocolate case, then sealed it with
a chocolate cap…"You’re chomping," scolded Ingrid. "Let the chocolate go
all round your mouth and enjoy and think of the pleasurable experience you
had"…I swore I wouldn’t chomp…it’s worth mastering the art. Nell
Nelson
| B
International |
Say
it With Chocolate |
January
1999
|
…
In town for the shop opening was Ingrid Laederach Steven…Our slogan is "Beautiful
Chocolates for Beautiful People." Beautiful people radiate from within and
so do our chocolates…
| Bayview
Post |
No
Trick, Just Treats…Grand Prize Winner |
October
29,1998
|
… if
you’re going to indulge, why not indulge in the best?
| Tatler
Magazine (Hong Kong) |
"Sweet
Secrets Waiting to be Discovered" |
January
2000
|
Right
in the heart of Central…discreetly tucked away, Swiss-Master Chocolatier…offers
a visual feast to everyone who discovers its sweet secret…Specializing in
small, perfectly formed "fresh cream truffles"…the absolute quality of Swiss-Master
is guaranteed.
| Eve
Magazine (Hong Kong) |
"Sweet
Something" |
February
2000
|
If
you’re feeling guilty about going for that chocolate, think again.
Research indicates that chocolate eaten in moderation
can reduce flood clots and apparently lessen the risk of heart disease and
strokes. Chocolate lovers Keith & Angela Law,
the husband-wife duo behind Swiss-Master Chocolatier…Our chocolates tend
to be less sweet, and the fresh cream truffles … For
diabetics who love chocolates, Swiss-Master Chocolatier also sells diabetic
chocolates containing diabetic friendly sweeteners such as lacitol and asartame.
| Beautiful
International |
"The
Wedding Guide Book" (Hong Kong) |
May
2000
|
…
Swiss-Master Chocolatier’s rich mouth-watering chocolates made with a variety
of tantalizing fillings and with its wonderful packaging makes a perfect
wedding table gift…
| Saturday
Night Magazine |
Can
Chocolate-Inspired Slogan Cure Canada’s Tourism Ills? |
August 12, 2000
|
"Wild
and Beautiful"…We
used the slogan for our chocolates…Exotic chocolates…
| Beautiful
International |
"Diabetic
treats" (Hong Kong) |
July
2000
|
…if
you’re a diabetic and have to forgo your favourite foods, despair no longer.
Swiss-Master Chocolatier has a range of diabetic chocolates, so you can
enjoy quality chocolates without risking your health…
| The
Toronto Sun |
Beanie
Baby Blast |
June
1, 1998
|
.
. . were raffled off yesterday at Swiss-Master. . .with
proceeds ($2,019) going to Sheena's Place,
a non-profit centre offering support and services to people with eating
disorders…
| TorontoLife |
Chocolates |
November
1996
|
Ingrid
Läderach Steven has all-chocolate pizza, rich truffles and petits fours,
real kirsch in chocolate shells ... flown in from Switzerland .. and packages
them beautifully.
| Tribune |
Sweets
For The Sweet |
November
28,1996
|
...
"beautiful people do not just happen."
| Bayview
Post |
Best
Chocolate -- Swiss-Master Chocolatier |
August
1996
|
Rose
Reisman, chef and Cookbook Writer: "They prepare the most incredible chocolate
pizza. . ."
| Bayview
Post |
Best
Place to Buy Chocolates Other than Switzerland |
August
1995
|
| Tribune
|
In
Search of the Magic Truffle |
April
1995
|
.
. . built a reputation for satisfying the most demanding Toronto chocoholic
. . . The boutique's
clientele includes some of Toronto's most famous people,
as well as visiting dignitaries and actors (the
shop is near the Canadian Film Centre).
| Toronto
Star |
Nobody
Knows the Truffles We've Seen |
December
15,1993
|
Chocolatiers
dish up their favorite desserts as our tribute to Valentine's Day. . Ingrid's
Chocolate Mousse:
Probably the best chocolate mousse I've eaten,
this is from Ingrid Laederach Steven. . . -Marion Kane, Food Editor
| Party
Directory |
If
Truffles Make You Drool |
September
22, 1994
|
Swiss
Master chocolate truffles are more than just a mere food. ..The
shop offers some of the world's very best truffles while keeping prices
in line with locally made products.
| Toronto
Sun |
For
the Love of Chocolate |
December
15, 1993
|
Dazzle
the chocoholic on your Christmas list with a chocolate pizza from Swiss-Master
Chocolatier. . .
| CFTO
Eye On Toronto (TV) |
December
3, 1993
|
.
. . We have chocolate pizzas courtesy of Swiss-Master Chocolatier at York
Mills and Bayview. I go there all the time.
| Deutsche
Presse |
Swiss
chocolate - always in demand |
August
27, 1997
|
Whoever
is looking for chocolate in Toronto is advised to go to Swiss-Master. .
. because there one gets true Swiss chocolate, as one is used to at home.
| Jewish
Tribune |
"Gold
Mine" Discovered |
September
1, 1994
|
| CFTO
Eye On Toronto (TV) |
September
14, 1993
|
Look
what I have here from Swiss-Master Chocolatier. Speaking of nice! Isn't
it beautiful? A whole tray load of the most spectacular chocolates . . .
.
| B'nai
B'rith Covenant |
If
Truffles Make you Drool Then Look No Further |
May
12, 1994
|
.
. . selling some of the finest truffles the world has to offer -- for the
price you'd pay for locally produced chocolate...
| Toronto
Life |
The
Best Food Shops in the City |
June
1993
|
. . . The
staff are friendlier than any indecisive shopper has a right to expect,
the packaging is imperial...
| Canadian
Jewish News |
Chocoholic
paradise no 'truffling' matter |
May
14, 1992
|
Nestled
amongst the beautiful estates of Bayview Avenue is a tiny boutique that
caters to a unique group of chocolate aficionados. . . Laederach-Steven
has brought a much needed flare to the chocolate business and
her clients include some of Canada's famous business people and actors .
. . noted
for having some of the best chocolate truffles in the world at a very reasonable
price . . . For the price of a good local chocolate . . . a choice of
some of the very best truffles the world has to offer.
| Toronto
Life |
The
Intrepid Gourmet: "Kingly, Nee, Godly, Orbs" |
December
1989
|
.
. . Ingrid Läderach Steven's Swiss-Master Chocolatier has a decadent range
of these bite-sized pieces of heaven . . . - Adele de la Lumiere
| Globe
and Mail |
Pamper
your tastebuds |
December
10, 1987
|
A
tiny chocolate boutique stand at
prestigious York Mills Plaza,
and celebrities…come…in elegant Swiss style…A delectable eggnog truffle
has been created for Christmas…and "Rosenberg of Switzerland" is flying
in Kosher truffles and pralines. This "fashion
food" is packaged like precious jewels… Their Swiss-Master frozen yogurt
is the piece de resistance…a Swiss-Master bonus.
| Small
Business Magazine |
Big-name
clients mean sweet success . . . |
October,
1990
|
How
does an unknown entrepreneur gain entry into the highest circles of the
international chocolate and sweets business? . . .Is this any way to make
a living? Only if you land enough heavyweight chocolate makers and big-name
volume buyers:
cruise lines, five-star hotels across North America,
airlines, country clubs, and department stores (Eatons, Holt Renfrew, Neiman
Markus, Thalheimer's, Wannamaker, Broadway, Bloomingdale's) .
. . Swiss-Master Foods Corp . . . opened Young's eyes to the potential in
the million-dollar chocolate amenities business...
(See "Retailer of Year" webpage for picture of Ingrid,
representing Swiss-Master Foods Corp at a trade show in the 80s)
| Essential
Toronto |
A
Chocolate Safari -David Churchill |
|
1990/1991
|
What
makes a city extraordinary?. . . The search for the ultimate chocolate experience
is an elusive one. . . Owner Ingrid Läderach Steven imports the chocolates
directly from Switzerland...
| CFTO-TV
"Eye on Toronto" |
February
19, 1990
|
Attention
all chocoholics. . . I'll show you a place that will send your taste buds
into a tale spin. Swiss-Master Chocolatier is a store where decadence is
always in vogue. So, chocolate lovers brace yourselves...
| Toronto
Star |
Chocolate
Shop Has Swiss Twist ........-
Mary McGrath |
March
30, 1988
|
One
shop specializing in some of the finest that Switzerland has to offer is
the Swiss-Master Chocolatier
| Country
Estate |
The
Gift of Giving |
Holiday
Issue, 1990
|
The
charitable impulse of those who have, to help those who haven't, has been
at the heart of the Hospital for Sick Children since its inception . . .
truffles by Swiss-Master Chocolatier...
| Canadian
Jewish News |
Shop
boasts crème de la crème of chocolate |
December
10, 1987
|
The
chocolate world was set ablaze in 1968 when Rud Laederach, a young Swiss
chocolatier, together with his wife, revolutionized the fine art of chocolate-making
when they created the first "truffle shell"…Today,
Ingrid Laederach-Steven. . .imports Laederach truffles as well as other
Swiss chocolates, including Rosenberg of Switzerland chocolates, a
kosher line of deluxe truffles and pralines.
These products are under the certification of Rabbi Mordechai Piron of the
Israelitishe Cultusgemeinde Zurich Rabbinat….The showcase is a dream-come-true
for chocolate-lovers and a temptation for even those who don't have a sweet
tooth . . . Ingrid began importing Swiss products and selling them to Department
stores. In 1985 she opened her shop. . . As customized chocolate became
popular with North America's finest hotels, Swiss-Master became a major
supplier to many of them . . . As well, they. . . sold to restaurants and
department stores across Canada and the United States . . . What
makes Swiss-Master special is the ambience that exudes pleasurable experiences.
Their packaging is regal -- it's almost like buying a fine piece of jewelry
or a designer label . . .Consumers have long called chocolate the 'food
of the gods' and Swiss-Master's luscious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates,
presented in the Swiss-style splendor and elegance, explain why they got
this title. - Zahava Kleinert
| Swiss-Canadian
News |
October
1986
|
| Swiss-Master
Chocolatier Brings Back Memories of Switzerland at its Chocolaty Finest
|
The
chocolates were superb and every bit as good as we would expect from the
finest chocolatiers in Switzerland…
| Women
& Business |
Launching
A Sweet Success |
April/May
1987
|
Over
the past few years Läderach-Steven has become prominent and formidable contender
in the specialty food industry. She accomplished this largely by cultivating
an image of a tough-minded entrepreneur who runs her two businesses firmly
… making decisions based on a very optimistic approach to life
... the new shop goes all out in romancing the products
and providing personalized service. . . I love
being at the boutique as I find selling chocolate is like selling pure joy.
In the old days it was called "food of the gods," and today it's still considered
the most alluring food known to mankind… We are well aware that there is
a limit to what people will pay, even in our shopping centre … One important
point about Swiss chocolates is that they are made under what one would
describe as clinical sanitary conditions. In fact, Swiss cleanliness is
legendary. That is one reason Swiss chocolates can have a low sugar content
and more natural flavours - but in turn they require much more delicate
handling when they are air freighted, stored, and sold…The
biggest clients in Canada are the hotel chains, who buy customized chocolates
for their amenity programs by the hundreds of thousands... all in all, she
has the potential of becoming the most influential chocolate force in Canada.
Läderach-Steven has an ability which very few chocolateurs begin to possess...quite
abnormal talent for superbness…and it raises her shop above others… She
also seems to be prepared to take risks based on her own thinking, which
often differs from the norm. . .And, she does not believe someone can be
called successful if he or she becomes rich but loses a family along the
way.
| Swiss-Canadian
News |
Swiss-Master
Chocolatier |
June
1987
|
We
have two companies now, Swiss-Master Foods Corp to handle our imports to
hotel. . . across Canada and U.S. and Swiss-Master Chocolatier. . . When
a customer walks out of the shop we make sure he or she feels like they
just bought a taste of the very best that life has to offer, and that they
were pampered as one would expect to be when shopping in the best of shops
in Europe. It is this philosophy that separates the store from the competition
and gets customers on busy days to actually line up outside the door...
| Toronto
Star |
Shop
Caters To Exclusive Sweet Tooth
- Cindy Kleiman |
August
11, 1987
|
The
store is a chocolate-lover's dream come true. . .There are chocolates in
the shape of gold ingots, chocolate greeting cards, chocolate bars bearing
messages from happy birthday to congratulations to thank you and sweet dreams.
There are even chocolate bugs and chocolate flower plants...
| ChocolatierMagazine
(USA) |
3rd
Annual Gift Guide For Chocolate Lovers |
December
1987
|
...
offers credit-card thin bars of fine Swiss chocolate. Atop each stands a
minuscule sprite or creature, called Smidgen, who will stand guard against
interlopers . . . until you are ready to devour the delicious platform and
keep the figure as a sweet souvenir . . . 2538 Bayview Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada.
| Deutsche
Presse |
Swiss
Master Chocolatier a Fantasyland for Chocoholics |
Dec
6, 1989
|
The
first thought as you enter this fun Chocolate Boutique is overwhelming.
. . To begin to describe this boutique is not an easy task . . . each piece
is a true masterpiece. . . lovingly wrapped - red and gold are the house
colours - you get the feeling that you really are getting something quite
exquisite. . . This store has such a wonderful ambience which truly transfers
to the customer... (translation) - Monika Lang
| Kanada
Kurier |
Swiss-Master
Chocolatier.........(translation) |
June
27, 1991
|
. . . Even
the die-hard Swiss feel at home here. One beautiful
aroma brings forth images of bygone days where
one would stop off in Zurich or Geneva to indulge in this bit of heaven
. . . Ingrid goes all out to make sure that the customer is number one and
that only the very best is good enough.
| CH-Radio
|
-
Paul Schneider |
March
6, 1990
|
It
was quite by accident that I came across this boutique when I read about
it . . . I called and was able to talk to the owner, a charming lady called
Ingrid Läderach Steven, who invited me to come in and see the store. So
I did, and I can tell you that I was really overwhelmed. This is not a store
but a most charming beautiful boutique filled with chocolates - the very
best of chocolates from Switzerland . . . I was impressed by the luscious,
sweet, most beautiful atmosphere...
| Deutsche Presse |
Astronauts Have a Sweet Tooth, Too.....
- Monika Lang |
Feb. 12, 1992
|
The
beautifully decorated shop . . . has a prominent clientele. . . Dr. Roberta
Bondar was the Canadian female astronaut who went into space aboard the
Discovery . . . she and her colleague astronauts enjoyed. . . the truffles
one day before the launch...
Nestled. . . in the Bayview and Post Road area . . . a tiny boutique that caters
to some of Canada's most high profile (and most affluent) clientele. . .
| Town Crier |
Only the Best in Chocolates |
April 1993
|
In
a tiny shopping centre just north of The Bridle Path area . . .
The shop prides itself on offering some of the world's
very best truffles while keeping prices in line with locally made products.
. .
| North York Mirror |
"World Class Truffles" at our Door Steps - Reasonable Prices |
May 17, 1992
|
...Ingrid strongly believes in making sure that customers walking into the shop are
pampered as they would be when shopping in the best shops in Europe...Ingrid
has been selling chocolates since she could barely see over the sales counter.
Her parents owned tourist businesses high up in the Swiss Alps and on the
Italian Riviera... |
| |
