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The Orange County Register Michael Antonorsi of Chuao Chocolatier |
hether a gift for a friend or a treat for yourself, chocolate’s never a bad idea. You can’t go wrong with some of our favorite local artisan chocolates.
Spice of LifeChuao Chocolatier
Goat cheese, crushed peppercorns, balsamic vinegar — unusual flavor combinations spice up this Irvine Spectrum purveyor of Venezuelan chocolates. Favorites like the Picante bite, a raisin fondue in cabernet caramel with spices covered in dark chocolate, or the Le Citron bon-bon, a Meyer lemon pulp infused with caramel and milk chocolate, are sure to make this a unique gift. 95 Fortune Dr., Ste. 603, (949) 453-8813; www.chuaochocolatier.com
MouthwateringDowney’s Chocolates
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Sam Gangwer/the Orange County Register Tracey Downey-Racen with pods of cocoa beans from Belize, the type of fresh ingredients used in the sweets at Downey’s Chocolates in Laguna Niguel |
Watch through the observation windows inside this upscale boutique and café as owner Tracey Downey-Racen prepares her award-winning sweets from scratch. The signature collection includes artisan pieces like espresso almond caramels and jazz-inspired dark chocolate pianos filled with creamy peppermint mousse. A sentimental favorite is the BigMouth — marshmallow, crisp rice, creamy caramel, and peanut butter covered in rich Belgian chocolate — dedicated to the owner’s late father, television personality Morton Downey Jr. For a final sweet touch, present treats in one of Downey’s jewelry-box-inspired packages. 23902 Aliso Creek Rd., Laguna Niguel, (877) 815-0814; www.mychocolatefix.com
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Ygnacio Nanetti/The Orange County Register Sweet hearts from Bodega |
Star PowerBodega Chocolates
Founders Martucci Angiano and her sister Jene Paz continue the chocolatiering tradition passed down from their great grandmother at this world-famous shop. With a spectacular selection of truffles, toffee, barks, and brittles, its no wonder this homegrown shop has provided sweets for the Oscars, the Grammys, the Golden Globes, and a host of charity events. 17290 Newhope St., Ste. A, Fountain Valley, (714) 432-0708; www.bodegachocolates.com
Private StockMontage Resort & Spa
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Chef Richard Ruskell’s all-natural exotic chocolates |
Once offered only to resort guests, the Montage Resort & Spa’s exclusive line of artisan chocolates is now available to others craving the confectionary craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Richard Ruskell. You’ll appreciate all-natural, exotic flavors like bitter raw clover honey and organic Madagascar vanilla, oven-roasted banana caramel, sea salted chewy caramel — and any other treats Chef Ruskell dreams up. For more information, or to place an order, call (949) 715-6603.
