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February 03, 2006
Valentine's Day is Coming and so are the Chocolates
I can't give much advice to those buying presents for February 14th (even though I did give two people advice today), but I can talk about chocolate all day long. So, whether you're giving it to your sweetie, or simply buying it for yourself (something I would totally do), this is my guide. From me to you, for the days where Hershey's does not cut it.
I haven't neccessarily had all the chocolates I am recommending, but by word of mouth and viewing the mouth-watering pictures, mmm... looks sooo good... In no particular order, I must digress.
Cherry Moon Farms: "An e-commerce marketplace for perishable goods ... direct from the supplier to the customer." Sounds good and looks good too. This chocolate heart filled with creamy chocolates looks amazing, and I could eat about $300 worth of their chocolate covered strawberries.
Ethel M: This place seemed pretty well-liked when I was in Las Vegas. These Satin Cremes have yummy ingredients like "tangy lemons, ripe raspberries and rich vanilla" --and they're a decent price at $20. If you like brittle, check out this page.
Fannie May: The "heart box" is a bit too cheesy for me, but I think it's appropriate for some individuals. Ranging from $19.95 to $36.95, the heart boxed chocolates look like the ones from your local grocery store but they taste much better.
Godiva: Once, in a fit of starvation, I purchased a Godiva bar of chocolate from Meier & Frank (a clothing store, and no, I still don't know why they sell Godiva chocolates there) during a day of intense shopping. I paid $8 for that bar of chocolate, and damnit, it was the best chocolate I had ever had. But, that might have been because I was STARVING. Nonetheless, from my story, you now know that #1 Godiva is good and #2 Godiva is a tad expensive. Now, check out the website and see that #3 Godiva is beautiful.
Jacques Torres: Self-proclaimed "Mr. Chocolate" has a funny accent and a funny chocolate-making tv show. I wouldn't ever say any of those things to him in person for fear that he would whip me in the face with hot melted chocolate (candy burns are the worst burns you can have). He has a chocolate of the month-esque club you can join, and the valentine heart with "kissing game" makes me giggle.
Teuscher: The velvet heart-shaped boxes are fancy-smancy, and I hear that the chocolates are "fantastic." The flower boxes are gorgeous! This is for the person who will appreciate beauty, but not neccessarily for the person who upon seeing it will say "Ugh, there's only TEN IN HERE?! And it cost you HOW MUCH?!"
L.A. Burdick: There is no day more appropriate to pay a little more for handmade chocolate than V-Day (best when eaten within a two-week period). The chocolate mice and penguins are cute/creepy. This "gift for men" is so masculine that your pot-bellied-football-watching mate will LOVE it.
MarieBelle: This place is a bit less traditional, and the price must be paid for quality. I recommend the caramels because I love them, and the chocolates because they are little works of art!
Lake Champlain: The "Be Mine" gift basket is ridiculously expensive; you can make something at home that is relatively similar for much cheaper. Nonetheless, I would like to point out the delicious and cute truffles, heart bags, and yet another chocolate of the month club.
This is the end of my chocolate advice for V-Day 2006. Whether it be for your soulmate, yourself, or a friend (yeah I'd like to see that), chocolate for Valentine's Day is always appropriate.
Posted by Stacy on February 3, 2006 08:52 PM | Filed In: Food
Comments
What -- no Hershey's?!?
Posted by Ian Ashley at February 4, 2006 01:02 AM
Where's the love for Euphoria Chocolate?
Posted by Darrin at February 7, 2006 12:50 AM
I just had to toss another chocolate maker in. Very local (San Francisco)... www.recchiuti.com I mean, you gotta try Lemon Verbena or Tarragon Grapefruit, or how about Pearl Mint Tea or Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn truffles...
Just make sure you have plenty of good red wine and a blazing fire to go with these!
Posted by Jeff at February 15, 2006 08:03 PM
