A little bit of Ireland in the form of tantalizing chocolate has hit the streets of New York, just in time for the holidays.

Famous Irish chocolatiers Lily O'Briens is introducing their rich and luxurious selection of fine Belgian chocolates to sweet-toothed New Yorkers at Bryant Park now through December 28.

Located under the Christmas tree in Bryant Park on 42nd Street, the Lily O'Briens chocolate boutique is abuzz, on a daily basis, with tourists from all corners of the world sampling and subsequently purchasing a box of O'Briens chocolates for a loved one back home, or possibly for themselves.

"I would really love for the public, especially the Irish public, to visit us at our kiosk booth in Bryant Park just so they can get introduced to the chocolate because it's so popular in Ireland," said Marisa Davis, general manager of Lily O'Briens chocolates in the U.S.

The mouthwatering chocolate had a romantic beginning. Mary Ann O'Brien started making bits of chocolate in the kitchen of her modest countryside home in Co. Kildare in 1992 with just two pans and a trusty wooden spoon. The only help she received was from her baby daughter, Lily, chief chocolate taster.

Realizing her potential, the Queally family from Wexford believed in Mary Ann's dream of producing masses of high-quality chocolate and sharing her edible creation with rest of the world.

Now, 16 years on, Lily O'Briens has made a name for itself across Europe and is now crossing the Atlantic to give New Yorkers and more importantly Irish immigrants full access to the lavish chocolates.

While the chocolate boutique in Bryant Park has everything from sticky toffee bars to luxurious boxes of nicely presented chocolates, Lily O'Briens fans will be delighted to know that January will be an exciting month for both the company and their loyal customers. A Lily O'Briens flagship store is set to open its doors to the public in January.

Facing Bryant Park on 41st Street, the new cafe will feature all of the company's delicious chocolates as well as their to-die-for delectable hot chocolate.

"The concept with the cafZ here in New York will be the tangible form of what they are doing in Ireland. Customers will be able to enjoy the chocolates and have a beautiful ambiance to go with it," Davis said.

The store, still in construction stages, will offer customers a few hours of escapism from reality where they can relax with a book, a Lily O'Briens hot chocolate or espresso and a croissant dipped in warm Belgium chocolate.

Davis describes the large display counter that will greet chocolate lovers as they enter the cafZ as lavish. On exhibit will be Lily O'Briens many selections of chocolates, including cookies 'n' cream, honeycomb and crme brulee flavors. A melting pot of hot chocolate will please customers, and a stunning array of baked goods is sure to comfort anyone's sweet palate.

"Our melting dollops of chocolates and the real true Lily O'Briens hot chocolate will set us apart from other companies like Godiva and from the other chocolatiers here in the city and of course we are also here to support our fellow Irish business member," Davis added.

Davis and Cathal Queally from Ireland will be responsible for the day to day management of the business, but Davis said it is very important for the company to have friendly Irish born staff behind the counter at the cafZ, adding to the authenticity and integrity of the store.

It's now just a waiting game, but in the meantime, go sample the Irish chocolates at Bryant Park before they're all sold out!

To join the Lily O'Briens family email [email protected]. Applicants must have a visa to work legally in the U.S.