Archive for the ‘Great Gifts’ Category
Popping into The Country Cheese Coffee Market in Berkeley recently, Iselected a round of exotic chocolate bars as birthday gifts. They are all sublime, as are most things in this underappreciated Berkeley gem, but one is a standout: Black Pearl Exotic Candy Bar.
55% cacao wouldn’t normally do it for me. But with the added notes of ginger, wasabi and the crunchy oiliness of black sesame seeds, this chocolate is imprinted in my memory for eternity. Mellow and developing like a rockstar Cabernet, surprising, knee-wobbling, it’s all there. This little number is made by Vosges, which makes many other fascinating fine chocolate products I hope someone buys me for my next birthday. Hint, hint.
The Bay Area has a long history with chocolate and currently boasts a long list of world renowned chocolate artisans (Sharffen Berger is just the tip of the iceberg). My favorites for gifts are Michael Mischer in Oakland and XOX in Oakland/SF. For cookies, you cannot improve upon the four generations of widsom that go into Guittard’s semisweet chocolate chips.
Lastly, a visit to LuLu Rae confections in Rockridge is the ideal destination for the ultimate “Haut” Chocolate experience. It’s like a dainty French tea party with hot chocolate, whipped lovingly and enjoyed at bistro tables on the sidewalk while passers-by ogle the homemade gelato and turkish delight. C’est Magnifique!
*update* LuLu Rae is now closed. Boo. Hiss.