Recommend me a brand of "expensive" chocolate?

RandomEvent · #1 09-21-2008, 01:22 AM

I'm looking to get a box of chocolate, because the old lady says she's never had Godiva chocolate. After doing some research online, it seems to me that there are better brands of chocolate, such as Valrhona. The problem is, I can't exactly get some fancy pants chocolate that's from Europe before this Tuesday.

So, does anyone know any good chocolate brands in the US? Preferably one with retail stores, such as Godiva? I can always get stuff there, but I am curious to see if you guys know of a better alternative for me. So long as the taste and presentation are top notch, I'm happy to get them.

ahkiatt · #2 09-21-2008, 01:31 AM

http://www.chocolatmichelcluizel-na.com/

Not sure if the website works, good luck though.

Lobaw · #3 09-21-2008, 01:51 AM

Here's a link to the Scharffen Berger website. Pretty good stuff and you can get it at markets like Whole Foods, if you have that in your area. They have bar chocolates and other things; not really "box of chocolates" sort of stuff. My wife uses it for cooking and says its better than a lot of stuff out there. And it can be expensive. Good luck.

http://www.scharffenberger.com/default_home.asp

bongomania · #4 09-21-2008, 02:25 AM

Definitely go to the health food stores and the gourmet food stores, they will have really nice chocolate such as Valhrona, Dagoba, Blanxart (my favorite), Theo, Fran's, Green & Black, etc.

Godiva is yucky crap, a leftover from the '70s when people thought anything fancier than a Hershey bar was gourmet. Chocolate has improved by huge amounts since then.

**bassybill** · #5 09-21-2008, 02:30 AM

I'm no connoisseur, but I know what I enjoy and this stuff is great.

http://www.lindtusa.com/

I don't think you guys have Thornton's in the US, but if you do, they're another good bet for stuff that's a bit more classy than the run of the mill.

mvw356 · #6 09-21-2008, 05:51 AM

Neuhaus
Corne
Leonidas

JimB52 · #7 09-21-2008, 06:24 AM

Anything made in Belgium. I like it dark. 65% and up.

**Matt Morgan** · #8 09-21-2008, 07:07 AM

Look up J. Dorian chocolatier in Addison, Texas. www.jdorian.com
My wife is a huge chocolate fan/snob and we actually went to the shop when we lived in Dallas. I don't eat the stuff but my wife had a borderline religious experience.

Amazing chocolate (quality, taste, texture) made on site by a really nice guy.

spade2you · #9 09-21-2008, 07:14 AM

Sexual Chocolate!!!!!

**Vorago** · #10 09-21-2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvw356

Neuhaus
Corne
Leonidas

+1

May I add simple Côte d'Or to that?

It's not as exclusive as Neuheus, but it's damn good.

flipper_gv · #11 09-21-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahkiatt

http://www.chocolatmichelcluizel-na.com/

Not sure if the website works, good luck though.

oh yeah Cluizel chocolates are awesome!!! Try to get the first plantation in Madagascar edition, they're just out of this world.

RandomEvent · #12 09-21-2008, 09:43 AM

Thanks for the recommendations. Does anyone know actual places to get this stuff in the US though? I'm looking up gourmet food stores in Jacksonville, FL. But I'd also like to know if the stuff you all are recommending is something readily available to you, or if you've had it like twice in your life. Because like I previously said, I'd really like it before Tuesday. I know it could be impossible, but I'm still asking in hopes that someone can recommend me a brand and store to buy it. In the US.

richnota · #13 09-21-2008, 09:49 AM

jacques torres makes crazy good stuff.

has a couple of stores in NYC....and his factory is on the first floor of my office building. The smell is irresistible!

http://www.jacquestorres.com/

bongomania · #14 09-21-2008, 09:52 AM

These guys are probably worth a try:
http://www.goodearthfoods.com/index.html
http://www.nativesunjax.com/
All of the brands I mentioned are available at health food stores in major cities in the US; Jacksonville I don't know.

Jared Lash · #15 09-21-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spade2you

Sexual Chocolate!!!!!

That boy's good!

I was in a short lived cover band with that name. . .

RandomEvent · #16 09-21-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

These guys are probably worth a try:
http://www.goodearthfoods.com/index.html
http://www.nativesunjax.com/
All of the brands I mentioned are available at health food stores in major cities in the US; Jacksonville I don't know.

Yes, I was going to check the local health/organic stores. Thanks for taking the time to look for those for me though!

gold_member_321 · #17 09-21-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

I'm no connoisseur, but I know what I enjoy and this stuff is great.

http://www.lindtusa.com/

+1, that stuff IS great.

JansenW · #18 09-21-2008, 12:39 PM

FWIW. If she says she's never had Godiva chocolate (which was a hint), you should get her Godiva chocolate. Don't disappoint her.

fenderhutz · #19 09-21-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

I'm no connoisseur, but I know what I enjoy and this stuff is great.

http://www.lindtusa.com/

I don't think you guys have Thornton's in the US, but if you do, they're another good bet for stuff that's a bit more classy than the run of the mill.

+1000

Lindt chocolate is the SX of the chocolate world. Great value for the money. Especially the milk chocolates. The secret is in the Cocoa Butter

RandomEvent · #20 09-21-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JansenW

FWIW. If she says she's never had Godiva chocolate (which was a hint), you should get her Godiva chocolate. Don't disappoint her.

Yeah, that's what I ended up doing. I just got back from looking for other brands. All they had was bars of chocolate. Normally, that would be fine, but Tuesday is our anniversary. These chocolates are just one present for her. So presentation was pretty important. Thus, I ended up paying $42 for a fancy box of Godiva.