amano: guayas

the pink palace, 1930's.

just outside the lawns of the beverly hills hotel, you take the path that leads to the polo lounge. passing by bungalow number four, you discretely nod to gable and lombard.

you arrive at the watering hole and find it filled with scents of musk, cigar, rye, and celebrity... having just returned from his polo match, you overhear will rogers humoring fairbanks and tracy stating "all i know is just what i read in the papers, and that's an alibi for my ignorance".

the bartender knows your drink and gives a stiff pour. a reserved booth with a shiny black box of chocolate on the table awaits. you sit, sip, then open the box. immediately after your first bite of chocolate, you are overwhelmed with chocolate transcendence that encompasses the feel and aromas of the room.

this bar is luxury, lust, and a must.

charles chocolates: caramelized crisped rice in 41% milk chocolate

i ate the whole thing. normally tastings consist of a small corner. hmpff, maybe it was the steamed vegetables for lunch, maybe it was the boxing class, or maybe the chocolate bar was just completely delicious. nestlé’s crunch has nothing on charles. the rice crispies are coated in a crispy caramel... then those golden nuggets are plunged into the most luscious milk chocolate - - - i will repent to the dark chocolate gods later.

chuck, i must sincerely thank you for this evening's dinner menu of steamed vegetables.

saratoga chocolates: le jardin de chocolat

this is from our contributing snob, nick leventini...

"this thick dark chocolate is appropriately named "le jardin chocolat". this garden is pleasing to the eyes and to the taste buds! the bar is a piece of art with its beautiful array of colors (bits of dried apricots, candied orange peels, almonds, pistachio nuts, and crystallized ginger). the back of the bar is stamped with saratoga's stamp of approval... no visual detail was left undone! flavors of ginger and orange keep me coming back for more! scrumptious!"

fauchon paris: torinese aux noisettes

not only is napoleon known for short man syndrome, but he is also credited with championing the empire style which brought culture and arts to france... the byproduct of napoleon's work is found in this cute little sac rose package... a pink and black purse with a satin handle and a fauchon label. this pricey parisian chocolate, with giant hazelnuts, is absolutely divine and completely delicious.

michel cluizel: carre mangaro noir

i was expecting a savory treat but found it hard and waxy with a pungent nut flavor.

average price given on a 3.5 oz bar