The Best Places to Get Your Sugar Fix This Holiday
Move over Russell Stover!
Is there anything better than chocolate? Milk, dark, almond, caramel-filled…however you might like it, chocolate is the answer to most of life’s problems, at least in my humble opinion. As the annual holiday of St. Valentine’s comes creeping ever closer, you may find yourself scrambling to find a suitable incarnation of the quintessential V-Day gift. As quick and convenient as the seasonal aisle at your local Walgreens may be, sometimes the familiar mass-produced, heart boxed, and foil-wrapped candies seem to be a little lacking. You may find yourself wondering if there’s a better option. Fret not, dear reader, for the team at C&W is here to save the day. Whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else, we’ve got the best places across the US to up the ante on the Valentine’s chocolate game. And the best part? They deliver!
Photo: Jamestown
Since its founding by Italian immigrant Domenico Ghirardelli in 1852, Ghirardelli Chocolate has become one of the most popular and influential chocolate manufacturers in the world, and their headquarters has been a San Francisco landmark for over 150 years. A Ghirardelli employee even discovered the patented Broma process for making chocolate in 1865 that is still widely used today. They are also one of very few American manufacturers that still make chocolate starting from the cocoa bean through to finished products instead of sending it to an outside company for completion. The Limited Edition 2021 Valentine’s Day collection is available now and looks absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a classic Ghirardelli dark chocolate square, crème brulee-filled hearts or a huge box of incredible truffles, look no farther than this San Fran classic!
Photo: Candy Industry
Veruca Chocolates was founded by Chicago-native pastry chef, Meghan Ryan, in 2017 and became an overnight success. Veruca Chocolates are handmade for chocolate lovers wanting to try something uniquely delicious that is a work of art. Each piece is created from the finest ingredients and beautifully hand-finished. All products are made by hand at their chocolate workshop in Chicago, Illinois and, as an added incentive, are certified Kosher by the Chicago Rabbinical Council. According to Chef Ryan herself, “I love the craftsmanship and detail that go into every piece of chocolate that we make. I feel that each piece we make is like a piece of art, hand-crafted with love.” Veruca’s Valentine's Day collection is filled to the brim with luxury chocolates that embrace the romantic spirit of the holiday, including their signature “Kiss Me Caramels” and “Sealed with a Kiss Bonbons” filled with luscious bourbon and dark chocolate ganache. Definitely a great way to treat that special someone!
Photo: TripAdvisor
Lore’s signature and incredibly delicious confections are made by hand in small batches and sold at their historic location, nestled in Old City Philadelphia, near the Liberty Bell. The store was opened in 1967 by Tony Walter, Sr., whose years of working in candy factories gave him the necessary skills to create a chocolate shop of his very own. Tony and his son, Tony Jr., live “la vie chocolat” on a daily basis and are undoubtedly the most knowledgeable retail manufacturers still working in the Philadelphia candy industry, which is one that has an illustrious past. Both father and son are hands-on owners and have a practical, passionate and authentic approach to chocolate manufacturing, which shows in everything they do. Lore’s Chocolates are known for their creative takes on traditional Valentine’s Day heart boxes and the famous Philadelphia “Love” sculpture, among many other delicious delights. As a long-time lover of the City of Brotherly Love, this is personally one of my favorites!
Photo: Dessert Correspondents
New York’s famous MarieBelle chocolate shop and Cacao Bar was opened in its SoHo district by chocolatier and innovator Maribel Lieberman in 2001. The store’s wide array of pastries, chocolates, macarons and signature Aztec Hot Chocolate (made famous in 2002 after being featured as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things'') are made both in-house and in their exclusive Brooklyn factory. Known for blending art and painting with traditional confectionery processes, MarieBelle has released a gorgeous collection of artisanal chocolates just in time for Valentine’s Day. Each chocolate in their signature 36-piece Blue Ganache Box features an edible painting that wouldn’t look out of place hanging on the walls of the beloved MoMA. Looking for something unusual? Try their incredible matcha truffles!
I hope this list of exceptional chocolatiers inspired you to get out of the dimly fluorescent-lit world of mass-produced chocolates and try something new this holiday! Variety is the spice of life after all. Wishing you a safe and happy Valentine’s Day surrounded by those you love!
Xoxo,
Matea