Kidlet and I are on a quest for the perfect chocolatier. Saw Recchiuti chcolates at Whole Foods and bought an assortment. My daughter and I are in agreement — blech, yuck, phlooey! You bite into a third rate taste of... (29 replies, last updated by daantaat December 3, 2004)

Stonehouse Olive oil Recchiuti chocolates (have you tried the chocolate & caramel sauce—watch out!) June Taylor Jams (new fave: mayer lemon and rose geranium marmalade) Scharffenberger’s milk chocolate Lotta... (7 replies, last updated by Frosty Melon (was Chowderhead) November 2, 2004)

Just curious about what everyone is planning to prepare for their holiday feast. I am trying to keep my menu somewhat healthy this year, but may borrow from other people’s ideas—either for this year or next...or for... (75 replies, last updated by garlicbreath December 23, 2006)

Five Star chocolate bars. They have them at Whole Foods: little fat delicious gourmet bars. My favorite is the carmel... Are there other good but unpretentious chocolates I should know about in time for the holidays? Link: http (6 replies, last updated by wally December 1, 2004)

2nd Burdick...their chocolate penguins & mice are particularly charming...good for presents & party favors...(I think they also have turkeys for the holiday) I also suggest Pierre Marcolini...I note they ship to Canada, too...high... (20 replies, last updated by chazzer February 25, 2007)

Just like with restaurants, some chocolate makers excel at some things and not at others. XOX makes the best truffles I’ve ever had, Recchiuti makes the best brownies, Joseph Schmidt the best presentations (but... (21 replies, last updated by Stanley Stephan May 14, 2002)

I’m looking for online sources for chocolate candy that is the opposite of See’s candy. I need ideas for holiday gifts. I’ve looked at Harry and David, and Godiva chocolates, but these strike me as generic. The... (14 replies, last updated by choctastic December 11, 2006)

The holiday season is coming up soon. The yearly xmas cookies and goodies box will need lots of chocolate. Are there any good website sources that you know that sells either Scharfenburger or Valhalla chocolate in bulk? Or other... (11 replies, last updated by peg September 10, 2005)

I’m looking to give a holiday gift of chocolates to a friend of mine and I was wondering what is your favorite chocolate that’s available in San Francisco. I know XOX is mentioned quite fondly here; however, I... (59 replies, last updated by Agent 510 January 9, 2007)

I tried these over the holidays and would have to say, I think they are the best chocolates I have ever tasted. How to rate what I am measuring against? I prefer dark chocolate with fewer than 7 (unless naturally flavored)... (6 replies, last updated by SanseiDesigns February 27, 2007)

, Chuao remains my favorite. However, I liked them a lot more than Recchiuti and Scharffen Berger. My favorites though are the chocolate bars which are also sold in small wrapped pieces. I sampled the chocolates with 36, 65, and... (7 replies, last updated by Bruce January 6, 2006)

, but not in the same league as the aforementioned Marcolini and Wittamer for quality of ingredients and depth of flavor. Until Marcolini and Wittamer come to town, I’m sticking with local faves Recchiuti and XOX for... (17 replies, last updated by Stephanie Wong March 24, 2008)

I watched a holiday baking show this morning and they did a segment on hot chocolate. One of her ideas was to steep a tea bag in a mug of hot chocolate. Also I would have some strong brewed coffee or even instant espresso powder... (51 replies, last updated by iL Divo November 23, 2009)

I’ve never tried them, but keep hearing so much about them...love the salty sweet combo....so I’m looking for the best ones to order for the holidays (maybe chocolate covered, maybe not?). Can anyone suggest some... (23 replies, last updated by rcspott December 10, 2008)

in our state, Rancho Gordo beans, Recchiuti Chocolates, Cowgirl Creamery or Point Reyes Blue cheese. (11 replies, last updated by Janer November 9, 2007)