Gentle Friends recently I was searching for an artisan Chocolate maker here in SF - and there at quite a few, but they are scattered all over the city and the Bay area. After doing some research on the Internet I found a small (like 10' x35') sized shop in my own neighborhood that specialized in artisan chocolates. I had been by this place many times and not thought a thing about it - well after reading the reviews and perusing their site - I was determined to walk down the hill and make a visit... I also needed to pick up an avocado for last nights dinner, so I had another excuse to walk down the hill.
After picking up the avocado, and stopping off for a cup of coffee, I stopped into "Chocolate Covered San Francisco."
I was just blown away with the selection - hundreds of different chocolate bars, drops, candies and dozens of fudges - all from small batch artisan chocolate makers from the US and around the world. For such a small shop they pack a big punch...... here are a couple of snaps...
I was just blown away with the selection - hundreds of different chocolate bars, drops, candies and dozens of fudges - all from small batch artisan chocolate makers from the US and around the world. For such a small shop they pack a big punch...... here are a couple of snaps...
After explaining to the super sweet woman working there what I like an don't like (my list of dislikes - hazelnuts, almonds, milk chocolate, most super sweet caramels, my list of likes salt, dark leaning towards bitter chocolate, burnt sugar and interesting inclusions) she steered me towards all kinds of things - and let me taste at least 15 or so different kinds of chocolate concoctions... I really liked the Poco Dolce "Aztec Chile" tile, bittersweet chocolate with cinnamon, ground chili pepper, roasted pumpkin seeds and sea salt. I think that the most interesting - and tasty - was a white chocolate with an inclusion of chopped up kalamata olives. I also tried a dark almost black chocolate with an inclusion of truffles and salt.... and one other stand out was a French dark chocolate with lavender infused grey salt and toffee bits. You can try any and all the chocolate you want - I ended up with a couple of bars......
...... both dark chocolate with different salts.. a Michal Mischer and a Vice bar. Both made here in the Bay area over in Oakland. I would HIGHLY recommend this store and if visiting SF make it a destination, they couldn't be nicer and where can you try so many different kinds of chocolates and then take some home with you!! I was in no way compensated for my recommendation, but the great service and tasty treats are enough to bring me back for another visit.
That's about it for today sports fans, thanks for stopping by, do stop again!!
Take care,
edgar
You know that "chocolate" in the title would grab my attention! I have not grown up, and my palate has not gotten any more sophisticated - I still love milk chocolate but I have to admit, the Aztec Chile sounds wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the packaging on the bars with the SF Bay Bridge and the man dancing in the moon!
Ah, I am super de dooperdy jealous. Here in Ireland an artisan chocolate is to shove Taytos Potato Chips (we call them crisps) in chocolate. Taytos are the Irish national snack and are basically cheese and onion crisps which they have shoved in milk chocolate..it seriously, seriously doesnt work! No one should be left with the taste of cheese and onion in their mouths after eating chocolate. I would love to visit your store...sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh what a delightful shop!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there were so many choices out there...you live in such a wonderful city.
Blessings always
OK, so now I am salivating Edgar! That store looks WONDERFUL. I am so envious. I;ve also had a very dark chocolate with nutmeg -- that is wonderful. I'm thinking my salad for lunch will not be enough:)
ReplyDeleteWow yummy :)
ReplyDeleteSuch willpower! I couldn't leave a shop like that with only two bars of chocolate.
ReplyDeleteAnne
I am impressed!We produce Kalamata olives but no one dared to make chocolate with them!AriadnefromGreece!
ReplyDeleteThe Aztec Chile would be my choice for sure. I am a dark chocolate lover also. I actually spotted the Aztec Chiie one n the shelf in the picture and started salivating. I get a German made bar with hot pepper in it but it doesn't have those other additions. Mexican chocolate with chili powder and cinnamon is a treat when I get to Mexico. mmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteIf I were there they would probably tell me "too many samples - you have to leave now!"
I love love love chocolate.... did I tell you I love chocolate? I recently tried Sea Salt dark chocolate...yum. Looking for the Raymond Burr movie.... I know that I did not see it. Thanks for the suggestion.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like chocolate heaven...sigh :)
ReplyDeleteGreat find.
Interesting post Edgar. If I am not mistaken the Murray river salt chocolate is made with the pink salt from the Murray river here in Australia. It's a very nice salt used on savoury dishes also,and is naturally pink coloured , caused by the minerals in the river.
ReplyDeleteKaren
OMG, I would love to visit that store!!! Wow! I loooove chocolate. Dark chocolate, of course. :D Lucky you to have such a place just down the hill from your home!
ReplyDeleteEdgar, I think I gained a pound just reading today's post!!
ReplyDeleteEdgar Edgar Edgar...you actually LEFT the store? Free samples and you LEFT the store. Please tell me they had to kick you out?
ReplyDeleteWow! It must be so hard to pick one. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou are naughty Edgar, fancy showing something like that, my poor saliva glands have gone into overdrive this side of the screen. I'll have to nip into my little cupboard and get myself a little treat now to console myself lol.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your little treat!
Great store, but I am so glad that it is not in my neighborhood! My wallet and waistline would never forgive me.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post earlier?! My goodness, sooooo much chocolate in such a small space. I would have gone crazy just with the smell. Did you just buy the 2 of them?? How could you resist not buying more
ReplyDelete