San Francisco: CocoaBella Chocolates

What a nice find on Union Street in San Francisco. (http://www.cocoabellachocolates.com ) This store has looked the world over and found gems from places like Tuscany, Wavre, Bale, and Kansas City.

Pierrick's "Praline Noisettes"- Dark Chocolate with Hazelnut Praline
Corne' Port•Royal's "Rocher"- Crunchy Praline in Milk Chocolate
Charles Chocolates "Lavender Honey Truffle"- Cream w/ Lavender and Honey
Charles Chocolates "Poire Williams Circle"- Caramel and Poire William Liqueur
Amedei's "Vin Santo"- Vin Santo infused Ganache in Dark Chocolate

Ask for Michael Freeman, the proprietor. I can't wait to get back to SF to experience his next "find"!

Bay Area: Scharffen Berger

Scharffen Berger- Took a tour of the factory in Berkeley. What a terrific opportunity to see how chocolate if made. Go on-line and book your tour in advance. They give samples and really discuss the whole process from cacao to the stores. Also, make time to eat at the Cafe', there are some great treats made with "fresh" chocolate.

I bought several items at the Company Store. I particularly like the Chocolate Sauce and the wooden sample box with plenty of sample size mini bars to last awhile.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I LOVE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! I have my favorite places to go, but today I got to participate in a restaurant food sampling. My day job has me in contact with a lot of restaurants and on occasion I get be a part of the team that tries out new offerings before they "hit the streets".  I occasionally get to also help dream up ideas. In the future as the new blog/website is finished, I'll add a recipe section.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

RMCF- I can't say anymore that I have been to all of their locations- They are growing to fast and I would explode if I ate that much; but I certainly remember my 1st experience in the early 80s. I remember ordering my 1st "avalanche" and the chocolate covered marshmallows on a stick, chocolate covered pretzels and, of course, seafoam! Through the years, no matter whether I'm in Colorado or California or anywhere else their 275+ stores are located, I love stopping by and trying something. Dipped fruit & goodies to fudge to regular chocolate candy, this is Paradise.

Sharon Morris-Zaidins has opened a new franchised location near my office at the Dallas Galleria; and I can experience great travel memories any day.

Today, I needed to take some snacks to a meeting, so I sauntered over and bought the place out! For a quick fix of fun chocolates, find a location near you (like I have) and take a moment to close your eyes and go skiing.

eatmorechocolate,

JoeH