Our first introduction to the Frango came in Vancouver via Seattle, almost three decades ago. The bite-sized, mint-flavored chocolate was a holiday-time treat, brought up and over the border after its purchase at Frederick and Nelson. But like many childhood tidbits, and like many things that disappear over time, the Frango faded from our grasp in the early 80s. While that constitutes our personal history with the department store confection, the candy's own history reaches back much farther.
In 1918 the midwestern retail giant Marshall Field's began to manufacture the chocolate mint truffle they called Frango when they inherited the candy line with their acquisition of Frederick and Nelson. After almost a century, Marshall Field's has now become the purchasee, and this month Macy's is taking over all their locations (much to Chicagoist's chagrin).
This LAist is a couple of thousand miles away from home this long weekend, and wandered into a Marshall Field's-Macy's in downtown Minneapolis, eagle-eyed for the Frango display. But the question remained: What would become of Frango when Macy's takes over for good? Turns out they're still carrying the chocolates, which are already available online.
So does that mean Frangos will no longer be just something we pick up on trips to the midwest, instead becoming something we can nab at our local Macy's? We're not entirely sure yet, but when we get home we're darn certain we're going to go investigate. With our copy of the Marshall Field's Cookbook we're ready to try our hand at their famous mint chocolate ice cream pie, which is made with--you guessed it--Frango mints.
Has anyone seen Frangos at Macy's yet? We'll be sure to let you know as soon as we find out!
