I had my first XOX "Oh-My-Gosh" Caramel Truffles at this great little chocolate store off of Washington Square in SF. And these are unbelievable...
Chef Jean-Marc Gorce and Casimira Tobilla have created this small oasis for truffles and it is truly inspiring. Well worth a walk- this is an absolute must if you are in the Bay Area.
M&M Store Las Vegas
In my office I have a "wall of respect" to one of the greatest chocolate candies the world has ever known, the "M&M". Although the candy is found everywhere, a pilgrimage to the store in Las Vegas is akin to a trip to the Vatican, the West Wall, or Mecca. I'm sure more outlets will be created (I hear Orlando and New York are planned), but no matter how many are built, this will always be oe of the greatest stores ever conceived and delivered.
Thank you Mr. Mars.
Tip: Go to the 3D movie, it is great.
Fudge House
Pier 39, San Francisco
Fudge is another one of those items that can be hit or miss when you try it. I have always found The Fudge House in San Francisco to be terrific. I think that in order to keep up with the number of people that go through the Wharf, the fudge here can't help but always be fresh.
It's a short walk on a long pier, but well worth the trip.
[Side-note: While at Pier 39, try a Nutella crepe at the Crepe Cafe! Of course, Trish's Mini Donuts and the wide variety of chocolates at Chocolate Heaven make The Pier a place well worth spending a long afternoon.
La Mousse's Chocolate Windmill CakeAbout 20 years ago, I went to a birthday party for a friend in Miami. A cake was served which may have been the first gourmet cake I had ever really taken seriously. White and dark chocolate mousse cake with white and dark chocolate meringue mixed in. When I inquired where it was from, the hosts told me it had been flown in from Los Angeles.
I have rarely left LA without taking one home. Simply one of the best creations ever!
