South Florida Update: Jimmie's and Amazing!

Ft. Lauderdale: I have been flying to Ft. Lauderdale for 20 years (a cheaper/easier way to get to South Florida than using Miami International and in all of my trips, I never realized that Jimmie´s Chocolates (http://www.jimmieschocolates.com) - Florida´s oldest chocolate company- 1947) was less than 2 miles away. This is a real gem that is easy to miss. You must ask for Ginger, the wonderful woman who helped me sample some of their goodies. The dipped strawberry was as good as it gets, but so were the truffles and chocolate candy. The chocolate covered pretzels were also a big hit! Jimmie´s has a cafè on the main road and the chocolate shop in back (both small cute pink buildings). The manufacturing is done three buildings away.

In Hollywood, Florida, near downtown, you should stop by and visit Amazing Chocolates (http://www.amazingchocolates.com)! Although I wasn´t able to take any home (my fault for running late), my 30-second visit included a Tiramisu chocolate candy that was unbelievable. I can´t wait to return to Hollywood, Fl to sample more!

Miami Update: CoCoWalk in Coconut Grove

CocoWalk Shopping Center has a new store called Fenoglio (http://www.fenoglio.com/). This is the first U.S. unit of a South American chain. I tried several specialties and was happy with them all.

Also, you MUST try the "Chocowalk", chocolate gelato at Coco Gelato (http://cocogelato.com/) . This has been a favorite "ice cream" of mine for years. It is chocolate ice cream with caramel swirls and chocolate chips.

LA: Chocolatt on Wilshire

Chocolatt (http://www.chocolatt.com) is a new chocolate store in LA on Wilshire, just east of Bundy. They carry wonderful chocolates imported from Belgium. Owned and operated by a Belgian chocoholic, Tarcis Verfaillie. I really thought all of the dark, milk and white truffle flavors were fantastic!

I was so excited to find this gem right after it opened- Just driving down Wilshire and my "chocodar" went off. Boy was I excited I found this place. The purpose of this site is to find cool new locations in addition commenting on the old standbys. This store has legs and Tarcis is one to follow.

Good Luck!

Houston: The Chocolate Bar

Houston: On a recent visit for a very sad occasion, my cousin Ellen cheered me up by taking me to a fantastic chocolate and candy retailer in the Montrose area called the Chocolate Bar (next door, the same guys have the Candy Bar). This place has it all. Their handmade assortment is very large and unique. They have great gift ideas as well. The killer for me was the wonderful variety of multi-flavored and concocted chocolate ice creams. This is a mandatory stop for anyone traveling to Houston.