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Amie Gauthier knew her father, Peter, a confirmed chocoholic, had miraculously reached the saturation point.

" 'I don't want to try anymore,' he told me," Gauthier says.

Peter Gauthier had been sampling dozens of gourmet truffles and other treats as Amie and her mother, Betsy Gauthier, researched suppliers in preparation for the opening of Loco for Coco Gourmet Chocolates (1420-D Westover Terrace, Greensboro; 333-0029).

The small shop is a few doors down from Chipotle in the Westover Gallery of Shops across the street from Lucky 32. But the inspiration came from a confectioner's shop in the Gauthiers' former home of Skaneateles, N.Y.

"We've always ordered truffles from that shop and mailed them to our friends," Amie Gauthier says.

When the Gauthiers moved to Greensboro 10 years ago, they continued to order truffles from the shop. That's when they got the idea for a shop of their own in Greensboro.

"We realized that there is nothing like it in Greensboro," Amie Gauthier says. "Greensboro is a small town with big-city luxuries. We figured, 'What a concept.' "

They looked at franchises, but didn't like the products. So, the Gauthiers decided to do it themselves and began shopping for exclusive suppliers of premium chocolates from around the globe, starting with the handmade Belgian truffles they had grown to adore from the little shop in upstate New York.

From Key Lime to Dark Dark Chocolate, Loco for Coco offers 26 flavors of Belgian truffles, including dessert-size truffles. Gift boxes range from $1.25 to $24.

There also is a wide selection of chocolate turtles and chocolate barks, in addition to chocolate-covered candied ginger, orange peel and apricot. Chocolate-covered nuts can be purchased by the half and whole pound. The most popular gift item seems to be the Nibbler, a $25 canister of assorted chocolate-covered turtles and cookies, including a chocolate-covered Oreo.

During the cooler months, the Gauthiers offer European-style sippers -- thick, rich hot chocolate available in 4- and 8-ounce servings. During warmer months, the sippers will be offered iced.

The shop also offers a wide selection of other edible -- and non-edible -- gifts and goodies, including cake mixes, chocolate candles and gourmet chocolate bars with names such as Hormonal Mess PMS Bar, Goji Exotic Candy Bar and Bacon Exotic Candy Bar.

Loco for Coco hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Visit http://www.locofor cocochocolate.com for more information.

Wine Dinner Planned

Seats are going fast for a wine and spirits dinner on Thursday at Muse (3124 Kathleen Ave., Greensboro) at Friendly Center.

Muse has joined with Veuve Clicquot Champagnes, Grand Marnier and the Lapastolle family.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with champagne on the patio followed by a 12-course tasters menu paired with wine. Afterward, return to the patio for cigars and Grand Marnier. Cost is $180. Call 323-1428.

Seasonal Wine Tasting

The Sunday Sippin' Series continues from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Bistro Sofia (616 Dolley Madison Road, Greensboro; http://www.bistrosofia) with "Fall Foods -- Fall Wines."

Enjoy half-price wines by the glass and a taste of seasonal treats. Call 855-1313 for information.

Teachers Serve Patrons

On Tuesday, schoolteachers and staff will serve dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. at some area McDonald's.

McDonald's will partner with area schools to share a percentage of sales during that time for this unique benefit.

For a list of McDonald's locations and the schools they are partnered with, visit http://mcnorthcarolina.com/13334/3265/McTeachers-Night/.

Biscuit Maker Reopens

Biscuitville at 3029 High Point Road (852-7826), one of the busiest locations in Greensboro, has finally reopened after much anticipation.

The franchise demolished the original building that had stood for almost 30 years and rebuilt a new venue based on the chain's newest prototype.

"It's very open and very airy," says Kellie Hicks, marketing and advertising director for the chain. "It's very colorful and very bright."

The franchise on Wendover Avenue, a new location that opened last year, was the first in Greensboro to sport the new look.

But perhaps the most noticeable change to loyal patrons is the view of the biscuit maker. Traditionally, the biscuit maker could be viewed through a window while waiting in line to place an order. Now, the dough maker is in full view with no obstructions and is the first sight to greet customers as they walk through the door.

"This is so that customers can see that when we say we make it fresh, we really do," Hicks says.

Hicks assures patrons that the menu and prices remain the same.

Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Coffee Shop Changes Hours

Coffee and Roses Express (5829 High Point, Greensboro; 297-2288; http://www.coffeeroseexpress.com) is now open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Shop owners Toshi and Mayo Yoshida offer Japanese Mochi Ice Cream -- colorful balls of ice cream coated in steamed, sweetened rice flour. Think of it as ice cream finger food.

The Yoshidas also are stocking Ramune Soda, another Japanese specialty that Toshi remembers from his childhood. Stop by for a demonstration on opening a bottle of this unique beverage.

Have restaurant news for Short Orders? Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or cwilson@news-record.com.