Chocolate Crazy: Inside Secrets to the Best Brands

Chocolate is like fine wine, it simply gets better with age. Whether it’s a truffle, praline, or another delicious confectionery delight, you won’t regret throwing your willpower out the window and indulging in a treat prepared by one of the following chocolatiers.

Socola
Driven by their love of chocolate, the Lieu sisters started selling chocolate outside the front of their parents’ nail salon. Given the overwhelming response they received, these dynamic sisters went from passionate hobbyists, to residing among the most successful chocolatiers in the USA. Their decadent chocolates include unique flavors such as Duchess of Earl, an elegant combination of dark chocolate, vanilla and black Ceylon tea. 

Flying Noir
These hand-painted chocolates are as exquisite as pieces of art (think swirls of psychedelic color with a fine dusting of mica powder). Each truffle is a delicate balance of creamy chocolate and infusion of flavors. Wrapped in a beautiful black box and colorful hand-painted paper, owner Karen Urbanek’s signature chocolates involves using natural colors for sparkle and glitter without being overly sweet. Recently given a six-star rating by the International Chocolate Salon Awards, The Flying Noir has also been officially recognized as one of the Top Chocolatiers in America.

Xocolatti Truffles
These handmade truffles encompass texture, art, and design. A culinary delight for the senses, each truffle is truly unique. Using ingredients from around the world, a tiny piece of luxury can be found in each bite. The silky texture of creamy chocolate ganache infused with pineapple from Costa Rica is only one example of the handcrafted work of Xocolatti.

Norman Love Collection
Dark chocolate lovers will embrace the tasting box designed by Love featuring chocolate from Peru, Venezuela, Tanzania, and Ghana. Hand-painted truffles made of pure ganache are perfect the idealist who wants to enjoy the flavor of chocolate with contrasting flavors. 

Mast Brothers
With the heavenly aroma drifting through the air, hints of vanilla blended with maple will draw you into Mast Brothers. Who would have thought that two brothers in their Brooklyn kitchen could take a simple recipe of sugar and cocoa beans and transform it a very successful company whose focus is on the highest level of quality while maintaining simplicity. From chocolate to beverages, the Mast Brothers have three locations in New York, Los Angeles and London.

Abdallah Candies and Gifts
From couture chocolate sprinkled with 24-karat gold, or a delicious piece of an Abdallah butter almond toffee, one thing is for certain: this brand has a lot going on. Started in 1909 in Minneapolis, this family of candy and chocolate makers has tons of boxes and collections to try.

There is no shortage of decadent choices when it comes to confections. The world is yours for the sampling.