Local. Check. Sustainable. Check. Small batch. Check. Totally Awesome. Check. High fructose neon brights? Uh, no thanks….Not at Quin, a new candy shop designed for discerning Portland kids and parents.
What You’ll Love
Well, for starters, it’s a candy store, so what’s not to love? From caramels to gumdrops to lollipops, everything is totally amazing. The sweets run the gamut from haute flavors like Smith Tea Smoked Chai, Jacobsen Sea Salt and Smoked Cola to kid faves like popcorn, every kind of fruit under the sun and good ol’ caramel.
You will swoon over the white chocolate/dark chocolate tootsie roll style “Swirly Twizzlie Rolls” and not just because that’s fun to say!
Candy is Dandy
Besides the hand-made candy, Quin stocks a selection of American craft chocolates and candy-themed books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Naturally Sweet
Blackberry puree in our blackberry gumdrops? Yes, please! Whenever possible, Quin sources local, fresh ingredients. The ingredient list for the Dreams Come Chew fruit chews looks something like this: sugar, glucose, butter, citric acid, natural flavors.
Queen of Candy
Owner and Chief Candy Maker Jami Curl knows a thing or two about her sweets. She is the owner of the delish cupcakery Saint Cupcake. After offering caramels and other sweets in Saint Cupcake she decided to expand to her own candy store and we have to admit that we’re happy she did.
And it happened in a sugar rush: from the time she became aware of the lovely, airy space to opening day? Six weeks! How did she do it? Well, she’s a mom, after all. In fact she assures us that every item at Quin is “Theo approved,” referring to her six year old son.
Candy Land
Find Quin at 1022 West Burnside, 97205. They are open Monday through Saturday from noon to 6:00pm, closed on Sundays. Find them online at quincandy.com. Also, Quin uses Square, so leave your cash-ola at home. Again, totally Portland!!
Hot Tip: Quin is located right across the street from Powell’s City of Books which has Kids’ Story Time every Wednesday during the summer at 3:00pm. Now that’s sweet!
Tell us about your favorite candy store in Portland in the comment section below!
Copy and photos by: Cathie Ericson
