chocolate

<a href="http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&#38;Product_Code=ECBREDFIRE&#38;Category_Code=CB">
  <img class="shadow" src="redfirebar.jpg"></a>
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  <img class="shadow" src="recchiuti_bar.jpg"></a>
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  <img class="shadow" src="lindt_gold_bar.jpg"></a>

I like chocolate. This page has notes on chocolate I've [tried](#tried) and
[want to try](#to_try).

Naturally, this isn't comprehensive - I've tried chocolates that aren't listed
here - and it's biased toward my taste. If I mark a chocolate
<nobr>![bad](/bad.png),</nobr> I may still think it's good overall, but just
doesn't match my own personal taste, and vice versa.

Also see [wine](wine), [beer](beer), and
[other lists](lists).

Historically, the best chocolate has come from overseas, and for good reason.
Artisan makers like
[Domori](http://www.domori.com/),
[Amedei](http://www.amedei.it/), and
[Pralus](http://chocolats-pralus.com/)
have all been putting out top quality chocolate for decades.

Recently, more and more solid domestic US makers have popped up, and many are
even full fledged bean to bar operations. Some are established and well
regarded, like
[Amano](http://www.amanochocolate.com/),
[Michel Cluizel](http://www.cluizel.com/), and
[Recchuiti](http://www.recchiuticonfections.com/),
while others like
[Rogue](http://www.roguechocolatier.com/),
[Original Beans](http://originalbeans.com/blog/), and
[Dandelion](http://www.dandelionchocolate.com/)
are younger but surprisingly polished.

It's hard to call out just a few makers individually, though. There are so many
great ones!

<a name="to_try"></a>
**To try**: 

[Miette](https://www.miette.com/) (store)

[Hotel Chocolat](http://www.hotelchocolat.com/)

[Red Star](http://redstarchocolate.co.uk/)

[Friis Holm](http://www.friis-holm.dk/)

[Willie's](http://www.williescacao.com/)

[Soma](http://www.somachocolate.com/pdf_files/SOMA%20product%20list.pdf)

[Zotter](http://www.zotter.at/)
<span title="30th birthday party">
Labooko:
[Nicaragua 60%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2010/10/zotter-nicaragua-60/),
[Peru 40%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2010/10/zotter-peru-40/),
[Brazil Amazonia 70%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2010/10/zotter-brazil-70-amazonia/),
[Brazil Medicilândia 60%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2010/10/zotter-brazil-60-medicilandia-2/)


<a name="tried"></a>
**Tried**: 

<span title="bought at ferry building 2/8/2011">
[Mast Brothers](http://mastbrothers.com/)
[Madagascar 72%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2011/01/mast-brothers-madagascar-72/),
![ok](/ok.png),
Vanilla and Smoke
![bad](/bad.png),
</span>
<span title="new york, bought at culture espresso, ate in paths team mtg 4/27/2012">
Conacado 73%
![good](/good.png)
</span>

<span title="30th birthday party">
[Madre](http://madrechocolate.com/)
Dominican 70%
![bad](/bad.png)
</span>

<span title="30th birthday party">
[Moonstruck](http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com/)
[Fortunato 68%](http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com/p-468-peruvian-fortunato-dark-chocolate-bar.aspx)
![ok](/ok.png)
</span>

[Zotter](http://www.zotter.at/)
<span title="30th birthday party">
Labooko:
Peru 80%
![good](/good.png),
Peru 60%
![bad](/bad.png),
Panama 70%
![good](/good.png),
Nicaragua 70%
</span>

<span title="30th birthday party">
[Dandelion](http://www.dandelionchocolate.com/)
[Madagascar 70%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2011/09/dandelion-madagascar-2/)
![good](/good.png),
[Costa Rica 70%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2011/09/dandelion-costa-rica/)
![good](/good.png)
</span>

<span title="30th birthday party">
[Cocanú](http://www.cocanu.com/)
[Fauno 69%](http://www.cocanu.com/chocolate/fauno)
![ok](/ok.png)
</span>

<span title="30th birthday party">
[Potomac](http://potomacchocolate.com/)
[Upala 70%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2011/06/potomac-upala-70/)
![good](/good.png)
</span>

[Chocolat Bonnat](http://www.bonnat-chocolatier.com/)
[Puerto Cabello 75%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2002/02/bonnat-puerto-cabello/)
![bad](/bad.png),
[Porcelana 75%](http://www.seventypercent.com/2008/01/bonnat-porcelana/)
![bad](/bad.png),
<span title="home 10/31/2011">
[Cacao real del Xoconuzco 75%](http://www.choqoa.com/blog/2009/09/battle-of-bonnat-manufaktum-madagascar-100-vs-cacao-real-del-xoconuzco/)
![good](/good.png)
</span>


[Antica Dolceria Bonajuto](http://www.bonajuto.it/en/)
Salinae 80%
![bad](/bad.png)

[Charles](http://www.charleschocolates.com/)
65%
![bad](/bad.png)

<span title="from dan's ny trip for christmas 2011">
[L.A. Burdick](http://www.burdickchocolate.com/)
[Bolivia 68%, Dominican 72%, Grenada 75%, Madagascar 65%, Venezuela 70%, Ecuador 73%](http://www.burdickchocolate.com/item-details.asp?I2036=)
![good](/good.png)
</span>

Russky Shokolad
Poristiy Bitter Taste 66%
![good](/good.png),
Poristiy Dark
![ok](/ok.png)

<span title="at gina's, 12/4/2010">
[Fearless](http://www.fearlesschocolate.com/)
[Sweet And Hot](http://www.fearlesschocolate.com/Shop/)
![bad](/bad.png)
</span>

<span title="at work, from alain ayoub, 9/29/2010">
[Kilwin's](http://kilwins.com/)
[Tanzanian 70%](https://www.kilwins.com/retail_shop/display_product.phtml?cust_status=guest&prod_id=583)
![ok](/ok.png),
[Hispaniola 65%](https://www.kilwins.com/retail_shop/display_product.phtml?cust_status=guest&prod_id=575)
![bad](/bad.png),
[Peruvian 80%](https://www.kilwins.com/retail_shop/display_product.phtml?cust_status=guest&prod_id=580)
![bad](/bad.png)
</span>

<span title="at work 12/22/2010">
[Stone Ground](http://www.tazachocolate.com/store/chocolate)
[70%](http://www.tazachocolate.com/store/Products/70darkbar)
![bad](/bad.png),
</span>
<span title="sf apt 9/14/2010">
[80%](http://www.tazachocolate.com/store/Products/80darkbar)
![bad](/bad.png)
</span>

<span title="at work, 7/27/2010">
[Andrea Stainer](http://www.stainerchocolate.it/)
Ecuador 70%
![ok](/ok.png),
</span>
<span title="at work, 2/3/2010">
Papua New Guinea 64%
![bad](/bad.png)
</span>

<span title="at work during the energy workshop, 7/15/2010">
[TCHO](http://www.tcho.com/)
[Nutty 2.0 65%](http://www.tcho.com/chocolate/nutty)
![good](/good.png),
[Chocolatey 70%](http://www.tcho.com/chocolate/chocolatey)
![ok](/ok.png)
</span>

<span title="w/gina while watching toy story 3 in the theater, 7/3/2010">
[Patric](http://www.patric-chocolate.com/)
[Rio Del Caribe 70%](http://www.patric-chocolate.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=89)
![good](/good.png),
</span>
[Madagascar Sambirano 75%](http://www.patric-chocolate.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=59)
![good](/good.png)

<span title="sf apt, 7/5/2010">
[Madécasse](http://madecasse.com/)
[Bold 75%](http://store.madecasse.com/75-dark-chocola75.html)
![ok](/ok.png),
</span>
<span title="at work 8/13/2010">
[Smooth 67%](http://store.madecasse.com/new-67-chocolate.html)
![ok](/ok.png)
</span>

<span title="from sf chocolate salon 3/20/2010, ate 4/15/2010">
[Saratoga Chocolates](http://saratogachocolates.com/)
Chocolatier's Blend 71%
![bad](/bad.png)
</span>

<span title="from sf chocolate salon 3/20/2010, ate with dan 3/29/2010">
[Alter Eco](http://www.altereco-usa.com/)
[Dark Blackout](http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=688899&prrfnbr=1203229) 85%
![bad](/bad.png)
</span>

<span title="from sf chocolate salon 3/20/2010, ate with gina 3/29/2010">
[Snake and Butterfly](http://www.snakeandbutterfly.com/) - 
[Dominican Republic](http://snakeandbutterfly.com/item_66/Single-Origin-Dominican-Republic-75.htm) 75%
![ok](/ok.png),
[Madagascar](http://snakeandbutterfly.com/item_52/Single-Origin-Madagascar-68-Trinitario.htm) 68%
![ok](/ok.png),
[Venezuela](http://snakeandbutterfly.com/item_67/Single-Origin-Venezuela-70-Criollo.htm) 70%
![ok](/ok.png)
</span>

[Pralus](http://chocolats-pralus.com/)  
<span title="kinda harsh and confusing">
Republique Dominicaine Trinitario 75%
![ok](/ok.png),
</span>
<span title="mild, creamy, vanilla">
[Equateur](http://seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=275) 75%
![ok](/ok.png),
</span>
<span title="dark, complex but balanced">
[São Tomé](http://seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=286) 75%
![ok](/ok.png)
</span>
<span title="sf apt 12/21/2010">
[Chuao](http://www.seventypercent.com/2010/09/pralus-chuao-2/)
![good](/good.png),
</span>
<span title="mild, creamy, vanilla">
[Mélissa](http://old.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=328) 45%
![ok](/ok.png),
</span>
<span title="30th birthday party">
[Madagascar](http://www.seventypercent.com/2006/05/pralus-madagascar/)
![good](/good.png)
</span>

[Askinosie](http://askinosie.com/)
Davao, Phillipines Trinitario 77%

denis daubos (no web site)
guinea 70%

[Amma]()
[75%]()
![good](/good.png)

[Pierre Marcolini](http://www.marcolini.be/#/en/collections/tablettes/)
Ghana 75%

[Mälarchocolaterie](http://mcl.se/)

[Christopher Elbow](http://www.elbowchocolates.com/)  
[No. 1](http://www.elbowchocolates.com/shop_online/chocolate_bars#no_1_dark_70) 70%
![ok](/ok.png),
[No. 14](http://www.elbowchocolates.com/shop_online/chocolate_bars#no_14_dark_85) 85%
![ok](/ok.png)

<span title="at work in the sf office">
[Domori](http://www.domori.com/)  
[Carenero Superior](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=288) 70%
![good](/good.png) ![good](/good.png),
[Puertofino](http://www.domori.com/it/product.php?id=11) 70% (Criollo)
![good](/good.png) ![good](/good.png),
[Porcelana](http://www.domori.com/it/product.php?id=11) 70% (Criollo)
![good](/good.png) ![good](/good.png),
[Apurimac](http://www.domori.com/it/product.php?idProductLine=2&id=6) 70%
![good](/good.png),
[Sur Del Lago](http://www.domori.com/it/product.php?idProductLine=2&id=6) 70%
![good](/good.png) ![good](/good.png),
[Puro](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=155) 100%
![ok](/ok.png),
[Sambirano](http://www.domori.com/it/product.php?idProductLine=2&id=6)
![good](/good.png),
</span>
<span title="at gina's, 7/8/2010">
[Rio Caribe](http://www.domori.com/it/product.php?idProductLine=2&id=6)
![good](/good.png)
</span>

[Rausch](http://www.rausch-schokolade.com/)  
[Arriba](http://www.rausch-schokolade.com/plantagenschokolade/el-cuador.html) 70%

[Blanxart](http://www.blanxart.com/)  
[Chocolate Negro](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=253) 62%,
Chocolate Ecologico Leche 34%

[Maglio](http://www.cioccolatomaglio.it/)  
[Santo Domingo](http://www.worldwidechocolate.com/shop_maglio103.html) 70%
[Equador](http://www.worldwidechocolate.com/shop_maglio101.html) 70%

[Pacari](http://www.pacarichocolate.com/)  
[Raw](http://www.pacarichocolate.com/index.php?op=products#raws) 70%
![bad](/bad.png),
Organic 72%
![bad](/bad.png)

[Neuhaus](http://www.neuhaus.be/150/)  
West Africa 73%

[Pralus](http://chocolats-pralus.com/)  
[Ghana Forastero](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=296) 75%

[Coppeneur](http://www.coppeneurchocolate.com/)  
[Venezuela Ocumare 72%](http://www.coppeneurchocolate.com/product;cat,18;item,25;Ocumare,-Venezuela-OCUMARE-Venezuela-72-percent-\(Rated-9.20-on-C-Spot\))
![good](/good.png),
<span title="sf apt 10/6/2010">
[Chuao 70%](http://www.coppeneurchocolate.com/product;cat,2;item,143;Single-Origin-Bars-Chuao-70-percent)
![good](/good.png)
</span>

J.D. Gross  
[Ecuador Edelcacao](http://www.chocablog.com/reviews/j-d-gross-plain-chocolate/) 70%

[Original Beans](http://originalbeans.com/blog/)  
[Cru Virunga](http://originalbeans.com/blog/?p=352) 70%,
[Beni Wild Harvest](http://originalbeans.com/blog/?p=347) 68%,
[Piura Porcelana](http://www.originalbeans.com/chocolate/piura-porcelana/)

[Valrhona](http://www.valrhona.com/)  
[Le Noir Amer](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=158) 71%,
![good](/good.png),
[Guanaja](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=13) 70%,
![ok](/ok.png),
[Ampamakta 2005](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=294) 64%,
[Caraibe](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=14) 66%,
[Gran Couva 2002](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=182) 64%,
![good](/good.png),
Jivara 40%
![good](/good.png),
[Tanariva](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=337) 33%,
[Abinao](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=338) 85%,
Alpaco 66%
![good](/good.png),
<span title="home w/orkut and derek for dinner, 2/12/2012">
[El Pedregal](http://www.seventypercent.com/2012/01/valrhona-el-pedregal/)
64%
![good](/good.png),
</span>
<span title="home 2/16/2012">
[Ampamakia 2011](http://www.seventypercent.com/2011/01/valrhona-ampamakia-2010-review-martin-christy/)
![good](/good.png)
</span>

[Rogue](http://www.roguechocolatier.com/)  
[Hispaniola](http://www.roguechocolatier.com/products-page/) 70%
![good](/good.png),
[Rio Caribe](http://www.roguechocolatier.com/products-page/) 70%,
![good](/good.png),
<span title="interesting, very citrus-y">
[Sambirano](http://www.roguechocolatier.com/products-page/) 70%
![good](/good.png),
</span>
<span title="at gina's, 12/4/2010">
[Piura](http://www.roguechocolatier.com/products-page/)
![good](/good.png),
</span>
<span title="home w/orkut and derek for dinner, 2/12/2012">
[Silvestre](http://www.roguechocolatier.com/products-page/bars/silvestre/)
75% ![ok](/ok.png)
</span>

[Green & Black's](http://www.greenandblacks.com/)  
70%
![good](/good.png)

[Teuscher](http://www.teuscher.com/)  
Praline,
66%,
88%

[Venchi](http://venchi.it/)  
[Cuor Di Cacao](http://www.venchi.it/it/catalogue/product.php?product_id=1574) 75%,
Mister O'Brown 56%

[Lake Champlain](http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/)  
[Tanzania](http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/Chocolate/Chocolate-Candy-Bars/Fine-Chocolates.aspx) 75%

[Frango](http://www1.macys.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=45859&PageID=196966146119525&kw=Frango%20Chocolate)  
62%

[Cote D'Or](http://www.cotedorus.com/cotedor/page)  
Fondant Puur 48%,
[Noir De Noir](http://www.cotedorus.com/cotedor/page?siteid=cotedor-prd&locale=usen1&PagecRef=642) 54%

[Claudio Corallo](http://claudiocorallo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2&lang=en)  
[75%](http://www.claudiocorallo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=)


[Bernard Castelain](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/maker_detail.asp?ID=41)  
[Macaibo](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=196) 70%,
[Tradition](http://www.seventypercent.com/chocop/bar_detail.asp?ID=126) 71%

[Santander](http://www.chocolatesantander.com/)  
[36%](http://www.chocolatesantander.com/english/retailBars_36Cacao.html)

[Amano](http://www.amanochocolate.com/)  
[Madagascar](http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/bars/madagascar/) 70%,
[Ocumare](http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/bars/ocumare/) 70%,
[Montanya](http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/bars/montanya/) 70%,
<span title="found at sf chocolate salon 3/20/2010, ate with gina 3/29/2010">
[Dos Rios](http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/bars/dosrios/) 70%,
[Guayas](http://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/bars/guayas/) 70%
</span>
![good](/good.png),
<span title="party at krista's w/gina, 1/8/2011">
[Chuao](https://www.amanochocolate.com/retail/bars/chuao/) 70%
![good](/good.png),
</span>
<span title="10/19/2011; bought at fog city">
[Morobe](http://www.seventypercent.com/2011/07/amano-morobe/) 70%
![good](/good.png)
</span> 

[Xocoa](http://www.xocoa-bcn.com/Eng/index_eng.html)
Negro 90%,

Plantations  
Arriba (Ecuador) 75%

Veritas  
[True Flats](http://chocolatequest.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/veritas-true-flats-milk-with-cacao-nibs/) 54%

[Michel Cluizel](http://www.cluizel.com/)  
[Maralumi](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/single-plantation-chocolates/maralumi-papua-guinea/5/20.html) 47%
![good](/good.png),
[Maralumi](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/single-plantation-chocolates/maralumi-papua-guinea/5/20.html) 64%,
[Los Ancones](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/single-plantation-chocolates/ancones-saint-domingue/5/18.html) 67%,
[Concepcion](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/single-plantation-chocolates/concepcion-venezuela/5/25.html) 66%,
[Mangaro](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/single-plantation-chocolates/mangaro-madagascar/5/19.html) 65%,
[Vila Gracinda](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/single-plantation-chocolates/vila-gracinda-tome/5/21.html) 67%,
[Los Ancones](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/single-plantation-chocolates/ancones-saint-domingue/5/18.html) 67%,
Tamarina 70%,
Amer Brut 72%,
[Noir Infini](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/hight-cocoa-contents/noir-infini-/5/33.html) 99%,
[Noir De Cacao](http://uk.cluizel.com/fr/hight-cocoa-contents/noir-cacao-/5/31.html) 72%,
Chocolat Grand Amer 85%

[Dolfin](http://www.chocosphere.com/Html/Products/dolfin.html)  
88%
![good](/good.png) ![good](/good.png),
Chocolat au Lait au Thé Vert Sencha du Japon
![bad](/bad.png)

[Malagasy](http://www.malagasy.co.uk/)  
[Sambirano](http://www.malagasy.co.uk/our_product_details.php?prod_id=20) 75% 

[Baratti & Milano](http://www.agferrari.com/index.php/barattimilano.html)  
[Cioccolato Extra Fondente](http://www.agferrari.com/index.php/item/department/Chocolate%20Bars/item/6182.html?sid=dRyeTOTHXTI3Aw7W) 70%

Giandujotti  
Cioccolato Fondente 60%

[Droste](http://www.droste.nl/)  
Barettini Extra Dark 72%

[Lindt](http://www.lindt.com/)  
[Excellence](http://www.lindtusa.com/shop-product-detail.cfm?PID=48&RowStart=9&PgNum=2) 85%,
[Surfin](http://www.worldwidechocolate.com/shop_lindt_surfin.html)

[Galler](http://galler.com/en/)  
[Noir](http://galler.com/en/indexn.aspx) 85%
![good](/good.png)

[Moonstruck](http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com/)  
[68%](http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com/p-120-dark-chocolate-bar.aspx)

[Slava](http://redoct.msk.ru/)  
75%

[A. Korkunov](http://www.korkunov.ru/mode.1147-l.en)  
[50%](http://www.korkunov.ru/mode.1148-id.1233-l.en#any)

Konditevskaya Fabrika  
Loristi 65%

<span title="at work in the sf office, 2/5/2010">
[Amedei](http://www.amedei.com/jspamedei/index.jsp?lang=en)  
[9](http://www.amedei.com/jspamedei/collezioni_amedei.jsp) 75%,
![good](/good.png),
70%,
![good](/good.png),
[Toscano Black](http://www.amedei.com/jspamedei/toscano_black.jsp) 70%,
![good](/good.png),
[Chuao](http://www.seventypercent.com/2005/10/amedei-chuao/) 70%,
![good](/good.png),
[Grenada](http://www.seventypercent.com/2005/10/amedei-grenada/) 70%
![good](/good.png),
[Jamaica](http://www.seventypercent.com/2005/10/amedei-jamaica/) 70%
![good](/good.png),
</span>
<span title="sf apt, 2/17/2011">
[Trinidad](http://www.seventypercent.com/2005/10/amedei-trinidad/)
![ok](/ok.png)
</span>

[El Rey](http://www.chocolates-elrey.com/)  
[Apamate](http://www.chocolates-elrey.com/popUp_cs/cs_apamate.html) 73.5%
[Gran Saman](http://www.chocolates-elrey.com/popUp_cs/cs_gransaman.html) 70%

[Dagoba](http://dagobachocolate.com/)  
[New Moon](http://dagobachocolate.com/organic_chocolate_products.htm) 74%,
Dark 59%

Sprungli  
Lait
Dunkle

Fauchon  
Intense 77%

Cafe-Tasse  
Extra Noir 77%

Pernigotti  
Black

E. Guittard
Quetalcoatl 72%

Scharffen Berger
Kumasi Sambirano 68%
Extra Dark 82%
Finisterra 10th Anniversary 72%

Moser Roth
Edel Bitter 70%

Recchuiti  
Bittersweet 85%
![good](/good.png)

Chocovic  
Ocumare 71%
Guaranda 71%

Chocolove  
Rich Dark 65%
![good](/good.png)

Mischer  

Hachez  
Cocoa De Maracaibo 55.5%
Cocoa D'Arriba 77%

Newtree  
Pleasure 73%
![bad](/bad.png)

Dove  
Rich Dark
![bad](/bad.png)

Hershey's  
Cacao Reserve 65%
Pure Dark 60%


<hr />
*White*: 

[Baratti & Milano](http://www.agferrari.com/index.php/barattimilano.html)
[Cioccolato Bianco](http://www.agferrari.com/index.php/item/department/Chocolate%20Bars/item/3456.html)

Lindt  
White

El Rey
Icoa

Green & Black'S
Vanilla

Vintage Plantations
75%

Galler  
Blanc Absolu

Moonstruck  
Ivory

ile de re
![ok](/ok.png)


<hr />
*Flavored*:


Xocoa  
Tiramisu
Te Verde (Green Tea) 52%

Chuao  
Chinita Nibs (With Nutmeg) 58%

Green & Black'S
Maya Gold (Orange, Spices) 55%

Newtree  
Renew (Blackcurrant) 73%
Vigor (Coffee) 73%
Tranquility (Lavender) Milk

Lake Champlain
Dark Chocolate With Almonds

Calcagno Tornio
Cioccolato Fondente Extra Con Peperoncino 56%

Vosges  
Goji (Goji Berries, Pink Salt) 41%
Barcelona (Almonds, Grey Sea Salt) 41%
Gianduja (Almond And Hazelnut Praline) 41%
Oaxaca (Guajillo And Pasilla Chiles) 75%
Red Fire (Ancho And Chipotle Chiles, Ceylon Cinnamon) 55%
Creole (Espresso, Nibs, Chicory) 70%
Woolloomooloo (Macadamia Nuts, Coconut, Hemp Seeds) 41%

Zotter  
Sunflower Seeds + Reishi Mushrooms 50%
Kurbistruffel (Pumpkinseed Cream) 45%
Graumohn-Kirsch (Poppy Seed, Cherry) 70%
Cracknel-Quintet (Cracknel) 50%
Candied Cranberries 70%
BitterClassic (65% Filling) 70%

Dolfin  
Earl Grey 52%
Ceylan Cinnamon 52%
Hot Masala 32%

Recchuiti  
Hazelnut Praline 70%

Hershey's  
Extra Dark With Cranberries, Blueberries, And Almonds 60%

Eclipse  
Lavender Grey Sea Salt And Nibs 50%

Chocolove  
Cherries And Almonds 55%

Dagoba  
Xocolatl (Chile, Nibs) 74%
Chai (With Ginger) 37%

Fauchon  
Dark With Spanish Almonds 62%

Moonstruck  
Dark With Ancho Chiles 68

Neuhaus  
Coffee White Chocolate


<a name="buy"></a>

Here are a few places in San Francisco, the greater Bay Area, and online that
have good chocolate selections:

  * [Fog City News](http://fogcitynews.com/) specializes in newspapers,
magazines, and chocolate from all over the world...and nothing else. Their
chocolate selection is phenomenal. They carry all of the makers on this page,
with the notable exception of [Recchiuti](http://recchiuticonfections.com). The
staff is also very knowledgeable and always has great recommendations.

  * [Chocolate Covered](http://www.sfstation.com/business.php?blId=746) has a
storefront in the charming, chic 24th Street business district in Noe Valley.
It's small and understated, but inside you'll find one of the most comprehensive
chocolate selections in the area. It specializes in European and South American
chocolates, and the owner is on a first-name basis with many of the makers on
this page. He's extremely knowledgeable, and his recommendations are impeccable.
As an unexpected treat, he's also a lunchbox and tin afficionado, and offers
custom-made tins packed with chocolate assortments.

  * [Cocoa Bella](http://www.cocoabellachocolates.com/), on Union in SF, sounds
promising. It looks like they focus more on truffles than solid chocolate bars,
but they still have a decent selection, including an Italian maker I've never
tried, [Maglio](http://www.cocoabellachocolates.com/main/desc.asp?pid=22). If
you're reading this, nag me to go check it out!

  * [Oakville Grocery](http://oakvillegrocery.com) is actually a full-featured
gourmet grocery, but I've only really used them for their chocolates, and a few
other fun things to splurge on like pesto, chilis, and olive oil. They have a
big selection, but consisting mostly of domestics and big-name importeds. The
staff doesn't really specialize in chocolate, but they're _extremely_ friendly
and helpful.

  * [Recchiuti
Confections](http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/html/specialty_grocery___gifts.html#recchiuti)
in the [Ferry Building Marketplace](http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/) is
lots of fun, not to mention the only place near me where I can get Recchiuti
chocolate. (The others in San Francisco are Nieman Marcus and Bi-Rite Market.
Huh?) The Ferry Building marketplace is open on Saturdays and occasionally other
weekdays, and it's a lot of fun.

  * [Confetti Le Chocolatier](http://www.sfstation.com/cafes/confetti/) is
ostensibly a cafe, but they have a great selection of imported chocolates too.
It's a little eclipsed by their other chocolate confections, but the staff is
very cool, and they'll hand-pack boxes with whatever combination of Godiva,
Neuhaus, Dolfin, etc. you can dream up.

  * [Rococoa Faerie
Queen](http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/898849?cslink=search_name_noncust)
pays just as much attention to the experience as to the chocolate. It's located
in the Castro, which is definitely visible in the outside environment and the
storefront. However, the actual chocolate selection leaves something to be
desired. They have great truffles, including more than a few homemade ones, but
almost no straight bar chocolate. Furthermore, most of the truffles are
Leonidas, with few other kinds. Finally, the interior of the store is stiflingly
small. Maybe five people can fit inside total. The Castro is fun, but don't go
on Rococoa's account.

  * [Coupa Café](http://coupacafe.com/ourstores.html) is one of my regular
hangouts. They're a five minute walk from my apartment, and they offer
spectacular spicy hot chocolate and free wireless. They also have good food and
_great_ desserts, including a line of hand-made truffles. More importantly,
though, they're the area's only [Chuao](http://www.chuaochocolatier.com/)
importer, and they also carry makers like [El Rey](http://chocolates-elrey.com/)
and [Michel Cluizel](http://www.cluizel.com/). Having all this within walking
distance is very, very dangerous. :P

  * [AG Ferrari
Foods](http://www.agferrari.com/index.php/department/department/Chocolate%20Bars.html)
is an upmarket, boutique Italian grocery store chain. Their chocolate selection
is far from comprehensive, but so far, AG Ferrari is the only place I've found
that carries a few specific Italian makers - [Barrati &
Milano](http://www.agferrari.com/index.php/item/department/Chocolate%20Bars/item/3456.html),
[Guido Gobino](http://www.guidogobino.it/e_index.htm), and [Laboratorio
Artigianale del
Giandujotto](http://www.agferrari.com/index.php/laboratorioartigianale.html).
True, you can buy them on the internet, but for something as sensual and
personal as chocolate, unless you've tried them before, that doesn't really
work. Still...

  * [Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_fe_c_2_0_3370831_2/103-9522346-8767839?node=3586301&no=3370831)
is rapidly becoming the Wal-Mart of the Internet. I was pleasantly surprised
when I won an Amazon gift certificate recently...but I couldn't think of
anything I wanted, so I ended up browsing their [chocolate
selection](http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_fe_c_2_0_3370831_2/103-9522346-8767839?node=3586301&no=3370831).
They provide a single storefront for a number of smaller sellers across the
world. The selection varies by season, and favors truffles, but you can still
find a number of the chocolates listed here. I've only found a few stores in the
entire Bay Area that have decent selections - [Fog
City](http://fogcitynews.com/), [Oakville](http://oakvillegrocery.com), and 
[Chocolate Covered](http://www.sfstation.com/business.php?blId=746) - so Amazon
is a welcome addition. Gotta love [teh
intarweb](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=intarweb)!