Not Just Food of the Gods

It’s not your typical Hershey’s bar. With a genus name of ‘Theobroma’ (food of the gods), the cacao bean is also good enough for us mere mortals. Despite the Hallmark hysteria on Valentine’s Day, this aphrodisiac is still a tasty excuse to show loved ones how you really feel, in the sweetest way.

To guide you to the right chocolate for your love, the following chocolatiers are chosen for their unique flavors, FRESH ingredients, dramatic presentation and their passionate commitment to quality. Just my humble picks – but your sweetheart will thank you for it!

LoveMore Gourmet Twilight Truffles
Founders Trish Nee and Caitlin Naramore have taken vegan chocolate arts to soaring heights. It’s some of the smoothest truffles I’ve tasted in all my years trying alternative non-dairy ingredients. Using Scharffen Berger’s pure dark unsweetened chocolate, they’re flavored with organic agave nectar and organic maple syrup. The 18 main flavors (such as Tangerine Cayenne and Neroli Muscat) are infused with herbs and floral essences.

Hand-made in small batches, there is a new collection each week. Lovers will rejoice in the Romance Collection: Rosa Vanilla, Cassis Liqueur, Sin-a-Love & Honey Lavender. For added karma points, they are brightly packaged in environmentally-friendly boxes made from Nepal.

4-piece bag for $11, 12-piece box for $30.
Available online at: www.lovemoregourmet.com or call 415-298-9736

Valerie Confections
Retro and elegant ““ a box of Valerie Confections’ chocolate-covered toffees is like holding an exclusive invite to the chic dinner party. The artisanal creations are handmade with Plugra butter, Valrhona chocolate and organic almonds.

Photo by Kimberly Grisco

LA gourmands will be delighted to find their latest Valentine’s offerings; Each buttery-smooth almond toffee will have an imprinted heart design. Boxes will be wrapped in adorable pink grosgrain ribbons and – best of all – will contain an old-fashioned letterpress valentine by Jonathan Wright and Co.!

Photo by Stapley-Hildebrand

12-pieces for $44, 24-pieces for $82
Available at www.valerieconfections.com, Soolip, Susina, Joan’s On Third and Cheese Store of Beverly Hills

Richart
A sensory ecstasy – French powerhouse Richart outdid itself again with its exclusive 2006 Zenitude Collection. A piece of art in itself, the “˜Zenitude’ heart is created from 20 calming plant/herb infusions. As if that isn’t enough, it’s surrounded by petit hearts (dark chocolate, milk w/ almond praliné and white w/ caramel). An edible chocolate card is placed on top.

Traditionalists can opt for the Petit Zenitude. A signature experience from the 7-flavor families (Balsamic, Roasted, Fruity, Citrus, Herbal, Floral, and Spiced), it includes the Zenitude heart. Still want other choices? Try the Sweet Love & Je t’aime Bonbons permanent collections.

Zenitude: $62.50 – 25 pieces/$143.40 – 74 pieces

Petit Zenitude: $55.60 – 41 pieces
Shop at www.richart-chocolates.com or call 1.888.RICHART

Jin Patisserie
Dainty bites, big flavors! Award-winning pastry chef Kristy Choo achieves palate perfection in her exquisite chocolates. All handmade by Choo herself, they feature a wide range of favorites, from traditional Earl Grey Feuilletine to exotic Pandan.

For taste adventurers, try the delicate yet intense Chrysanthemum, Fruit du Nepal or Lychee. Along with Passion Fruit and Mango Kalamansi, they capture the true essence of Asia. It certainly brings back memories of my Asian food travels”¦

All Valentine’s orders will arrive in a special green silk drawstring bag.
6-piece box for $15, 12-piece for $25

Shop at www.jinpatisserie.com or call 310-399-8801