When we entered the store from 92nd Street, we faced an avenue of glass cases brimming with gleaming decorative bonbons. Would you believe there was a perfect replica of bite size baby corn filled with hazelnut praline cream, covered with white chocolate? They named it, what else, Iowa Corn. Each of the 45 different bonbons and other specialties are made with cream fillings, according to Stam’s fussy Dutch standards. Customers should keep them between 54 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain the glossy sheen. Many of the bonbons come enclosed in either milk or dark chocolate — and we all know dark chocolate enhances our good health. Kudos to Jacobus and his 45 varieties.

My friends and I settled into lovely old couches where games and magazines make it easy to fritter away an afternoon drinking hot chocolate, soaked in total relaxation. "It’s ornate yet cozy," said my friend. "An inviting version of my great-grandmother’s parlor, comfort with elegance."

Families come for the gelato, and they don’t scrimp on samples.

Because it’s popular, especially in summertime, Stam makes the gelato often to guarantee a full roster of flavors. Gelato, for the record, holds less air than traditional ice cream and less butterfat, about 5 percent instead of 10 to 20 percent. Yet it’s dense, richly flavored and, like chocolate, addictive.

As we left, we passed a gentleman in full business attire and overheard, "I’ve never been here before and I’m never leaving." I understand the sentiment.

Chocolaterie Stam is at 9125 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa (414) 257-9253.