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Category: Chocolatiers and Shops [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hayes ValleyTue-Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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A visit to Christopher Elbow is always a pleasure. The staff is friendly and the confections are positively delicious. Today I had a dark chocolate tutrle with sea salt. It was the perfect balance of salty and sweet and it's generously sized too. My favorite chocolate is the lavender caramel. I also like the strawbwerry balsamic caramel, single malt scotch and the fig and port flavors.
If you have time (and the weathher coopoerates unlike today) stay for a cup of hot chocolate. They have about ten different flavor combinations to choose from and the lounge area is a relaxing place to sit and watch the people go by.
The first time I came here, the samples were half pieces of the Earl Grey. Shamelessly I helped myself to several precious pieces as I contemplated what other ones to buy for a 4-pack. Earl Grey and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
The second time, there were no samples. WHY WHY WHY?!
I tried the drinking chocolate though. Just the dark chocolate with water, or Euro-style one. I wanted to try the cool ones with spices but thought I'd go for the standard on my first go. It was good... but it was sweeter than I thought it would be for dark chocolate, and also kind of on the thin side. For 4.50 I expected it to blow my mind! I'm on the fence about whether to try a more interesting drink.. or to put my money into two pieces of amazing chocolate.
Go for the consistently amazing chocolates in seasonal and savory flavors. Carmel with rosemary is a consistent favorite.
Stay for the spiced hot chocolates in the 'lounge'.
But I must ask...If this is such a high end chocolate place why do all the employees dress so shabby?
Next time, reason may dictate skiping brunch (safe for caffeination) and beeline to this chocolate spot for sunday pleasure. One requires belt bandwidth to experience THE experience which is Christopher Elbow chocolate.
Luckily, I seemed to be wearing a dress, so going beyond the beltline was available. We went for a sampling; agreed Chai was the weakest of our selections (something too much like Nann and Curry to be dessert), found the darkest choc to be simply devine (if i fell to the floor in convulsive rhapsody, he might eat the remainder expeditiously before calling 911..) The Earl Grey was very nice, though more suited to a winter rainstorm in faraway cabin than sunshine lightness which was Nov 1, 09. I regret that I don't recall the fourth flavor he'd chosen as I was busy dreaming forward--Yuzu! Salted Carmel! Raspberry! As this spot is dangerously few blocks from home of chez lui, a moment of logical regroup will be needed to offset weakness (parameters like--" have you at least been to the gym since last visit?" and other assorted hoops), though I sheepishly predict I may become a holiday season regular... Since Who doesn't re-invite the wide-eyed lass toting artisan chocolate and wearing a potato sack which tucks away her season of grandeur?
The best Hot Chocolate in the city. I tried the the Venezuelan spice and it was perfect!
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Being a chocoholic since birth and between family, friends, co-workers over the years I must first point out that every chocolate lover will have a personal favorite and according to taste buds, that will be different from person to person. It comes down to personal preference. Ok, enough babble about that, lets go on to rating the chocolate!
Ever watch Spongebob Squarepants? Ok, indulge me here just for a minute or skip over if you have no idea who Spongebob is.
In one episode Spongebob and Patrick want to be entrepreneurs. In their quest for this high living they decide to sell.....yes you guessed it (or saw the episode) chocolate! One of the first customers they try to entice with a velvety smooth chocolate bar gets a glazed looked in his eyes (not hard for a fish) and gets to screaming "CHOCOLATE!" While trying to catch Spongebob and Patrick.
Well the point of that is, Christopher Elbow Chocolates put me in the same state of mind!
With over 50+ years of sampling chocolate for me, CB chocolate is simply heaven and dare I say it, orgasmic? Might as well, Spongebob sure can't say that :)
Some don't care for the exotic flavors or think that a Rosemary flavor center is not suitable for a chocolate. Personal preference once again comes into play here. Personally I adored every flavor with the exception being Marzipan however I always preferred Marzipan without chocolate.
The chocolates (in case you don't know) are not made with any preservatives or additives (another plus)! So these are best consumed within a two week period. I can't see these lasting anyone a week let alone two :)
The dark and milk chocolate is just exceptional! A thin chocolate shell with the right amount of snap to it. A lot of the centers are liquid which is just phenomenal to my taste buds! I love liquid centers. The favorites so far are: (not in order of preference)
Champagne
Vanilla Bean
Venezuelan Spiced Caramel (I could eat an entire box of these alone)
Caramel with Fleur de Sel (Can I just order a full pound of one flavor?)
Cabernet Caramel
Lavender Caramel
Rosemary Caramel
Bananas Foster (again lets order a full pound of this)!
Grand Marnier
Citrus Caramel
Yuzu
I order these three to four times a year online in the 21 piece collection (glad there isn't a CE locally, really I could not control myself if there was). When I order them I always get a box of them for Mom. Mom has been a chocoholic for 88 years so I know where I inherited that trait :)
Mom and I sit and open the leaflet and decide which flavors to try first and marvel at the artistry of each piece. Mom confesses, they are without a doubt the best she has ever had and won't even give in to buying her old time favorite, Helen Grace (no comparison of course, it would be like comparing apples to oranges).
So Mom waits ever so patiently for the times during the year that I order her a box, Christmas is coming soon Mom :)
Price, ok.... yes very expensive! Worth it? To me yes they are worth it and my Mom also agrees. Course she says I should not be spending my money on her but sure won't refuse that box of Christopher Elbow chocolates. Every time I hand her a box her eyes light up and she asks...."Is this that Chocolate you bought me before?"
Yes Mom, there is a Santa Claus!
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I don't have too much opinion about their chocolate. But the interior makes you feel like u r in Milan or Stockholm....
I donno why....
Wow. This place is like no other. Yes, San Francisco is now known for great chocolates, but with the laziness of many chocolate makers and the closing of many shops, i'm forced to find new favorites.
Luckily my friend told me about this cute artsy place a block away from her house that had "to die for chocolates". I had to find out my self and they did not disappoint! First off, the problem many of these chocolate stores have is the whole "high end quality", suit and tie bs. no one wants to buy chocolate in a jewelry store... yes, the setting is a bit chique, but the vibe you get from the employees is most comparable to how it is at home. Super friendly, polite and not forcing their product down your throat. Don't be fooled by their age. by talking to them, it seems as if they made the candy themselves.
enough about the vibe. CHOCOLATE TIME!
the chocolates look pretty, but the the taste is UNBELIEVABLE! the nice young man behind the counter recommended a hot chocolate, but they had too many flavors! (not a bad thing). so i just ask him to make me his favorite. he then told me he likes to mix things up. so he made me a hazelnut Venezuelan spice. if you ever get the chance, PLEASE ask for that. i'm so addicted. i pass by at least once a week to get that specific drink
...and maybe a sea salt turtle. :)
In terms of flavor Chocolatier Blue of Berkeley still reigns supreme, and while the chocolates at Christopher Elbow Chocolates in San Francisco are attractive and beautiful to look at the flavored centers and the chocolate shells just didn't have the explosive taste or the fine texture of my favorite chocolates in the East Bay.
As I'm certain is the case with most chocolatiers which offer a vast selection there will always be hits and misses, and I definitely had some favorites among the Christopher Elbow candies I tried, but in the end I kept wishing the outer layers of their candies were smoother and creamier.
Of the 16 piece collection (http://static4.px.yelp...) that I purchased I was able to sample 12 of the candies. Following is a piece by piece account of what I tried and my opinion of each.
Dark Milk (http://static4.px.yelp...) - Thin dark chocolate shell. Firm, creamy and smooth dark milk chocolate center. Delightful!
Fresh Lime (http://static2.px.yelp...) - It's a tasty piece of chocolate, but the lime flavoring just isn't there. Flavored with fresh lime juice the thick, creamy ganache is wonderfully chocolatey, but offered nothing to please the lime lover in me.
Hazelnut (http://static2.px.yelp...) - The milk chocolate shell was creamy but what I like most was the gritty, slightly crunchy filling of crushed hazelnuts.
Jamaican Rum (http://static4.px.yelp...) - White chocolate shell with a thick dark chocolate ganache flavored with Jamaican rum. I didn't taste the rum.
Mint (http://static4.px.yelp...) - I consider mint to be one of the most basic flavorings for chocolate, and I was really excited about this one until I bit into it. This was a huge disappointment with not even enough mint flavoring to leave a cool taste in my mouth.
Passion Fruit (http://static4.px.yelp...) - The white chocolate shell was somewhat gritty, but the passion fruit laced caramel had good passion fruit flavor to it.
Raspberry (http://static3.px.yelp...) - Thin dark chocolate shell with a dual layered filling of smooth dark chocolate ganache on top and what seemed to be a thin raspberry gelle on the bottom. The raspberry flavoring wasn't as defined as I would have liked.
Spiced Caramel (http://static2.px.yelp...) - Outstanding center combines a bit of salted caramel mixed with chile and spice. It's quite unique and very tasty. The thick dark chocolate shell actually ruined the overall presentation.
Strawberry (http://static1.px.yelp...) - Similar to the Raspberry with a thin dark chocolate shell and a dual layered filling of smooth dark chocolate ganache on top and a strawberry gelle on the bottom.
Strawberry-Balsamic Caramel (http://static2.px.yelp...) - The liquid center had a very good balsamic vinegar taste to it, but the strawberry flavoring was too subtle. The outer shell is dark chocolate.
Vanilla Bean (http://static4.px.yelp...) - Dark milk chocolate outer shell with a liquid caramel center. The vanilla flavor was there but very lightly.
Yuzu (http://static3.px.yelp...) - The thick, creamy ganache had a nice citrus flavoring that is comparable to the preserved citrus rinds often used in Asian cooking. I liked this one which paired well with the thin dark chocolate shell.
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heLLLoo FATTY!!! i love how i've come to terms with my fattiness and embraced GLUTTONY! we were strolling around Hays when we discovered ((((CHOCOLATE)))) ...i put that in ((( ))) cuz you can't exactly do sound fx on yelp and i want to make it a point that it was like a HEAVENLY finding....with the angel choir singing and shit.
so as far as chocolate choices, they have rosemary, CHAMPAGNE, Tahitian vanilla, sea salt, guava? or..some tropical fruit, espresso, etc etc. and it was SOOOO GOOOOD!! they charge like $2.50 per piece..and Mr. Christopher Elbow is actually from Kansas City, MS and he decided to open a shop in SF cuz most of his orders were coming from SF~ anyways...they also have a cute little seating area where you can sit down relax and people watch while you enjoy your creamy decadent chocolate~
we also got a hot chocolate with spices...but get ready to gulp down some water!! it was SUPER DUPER sweet. i thought it would be more chocolate-y and spicy than just plain SWEEET...wouldn't order it again.....but hell f*cking yeah i'll be back to try the rest of the flavors!
fyi...supposedly they give out samples...but the guy said there's a LONG ASS line for just the samples even before they open =( so if you're one of those people who are SUCKERS for free samples (hellloooo costco!) go early!
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Walking back to my car after brunch, I found myself walking straight into this place without even thinking about it. The person I was with thought I had been there before, but really it was just instinct.
We each limited ourselves to 3 chocolates each. Russian Tea, Grand Marnier, Banana Curry were mine. I remember each distinctively, but the Banana Curry was my favorite.
A week later I returned with an additional person. I tried the Passion Fruit, Persian and once again - Banana Curry.
Something about the sweet rich chocolate combined with the curry spice triggered something wonderful in me.
The Persian was on par with the Banana Curry. A complexed array of spices all working together to balance the sweetness of the chocolate really made my day.
The strong sweet fruity flavors are nice, but definitely try the curry and other spices. Next time, I'm getting the Rosemary one.
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I picked up a few pieces of chocolate when I stopped by here yesterday. The chocolate is absolutely, stunningly gorgeous. Honestly! They are amazing to look at.
As far as taste goes, I was seriously underwhelmed. The fillings were thin and watery and not exactly flavorful.
The space itself is pretty sexy, and there is some nice seating there too, should you choose to eat and drink your chocolate rather than taking it away.
The service was friendly and knowledgeable. I couldn't believe that these stunning chocolates didn't pack a more amazing taste :-(. Each piece is $2.
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I think it is safe to say that if you do not like the chocolates here you are a chocolate hater.
This clean chocolatier is a wonderful example of chocolate and the flavors a skilled candy maker can bring together along with wonderful and imaginative shells. Each piece of chocolate is a precious gem of sweetness and delight. The box I gave to my wife for the Valentines day went over like a dream! The time I got her some chocolates when I accidentally stained her dress she mentioned to get upset with me more often. oh no!
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I wish it was my birthday and my gifts were boxes from CEC...
Curry Spiced Drinking Chocolate - AMAZING....not even close to being overpowered by curry...a cup of any of their drinking chocolates with homemade marshmallows.....sounds pretty amazing right now
Mango Passion Fruit - not on the site, but possibly similar to [Passion Fruit: Caramel made with the tropical taste of passion fruit]
Vanilla Bean - Caramel infused with Tahitian vanilla beans
Venezuelan Dark - Ganache of 70% cacao from Venezuela
Persian - Almond marzipan with a Persian spiced ganache....saffron, clove, cardamom, cinnamon and orange blossom
Hazelnut - Not on the site either...but it was gooood.
PS. I want to work here...
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Wow! I feel special writing about a SF-based establishment with "only" 110 reviews!
Needing some gifts for friends, we stopped in on a stroll through Hayes Valley. Michael, the guy behind the counter, was extremely knowledgeable about the process and each different chocolate.
The "artisinal" chocolates they claim in their name ain't just whistlin' Dixie; each piece is handmade and takes from 2 to 5 DAYS to make. They use airbrushes and silk screening to make finishes on some of the pieces. These are not terms you usually hear thrown around when talking about chocolate, kids.
I bought two pre-made gift boxes of 9 pieces ($20), which are assembled from their best sellers, or you can custom pick them yourself. But with flavors like Rosemary caramel (colored deep green and amazing-- rosemary knows how to play well sweet), lavender, Russian teacake, and strawberry balsamic, I knew I was in way over my head, so I picked up a few premade boxes.
They also sell cocoa powder and gift sets that range from 'Yugo" to "Escalade", and have an espresso machine if you like to sit a spell in a quiet cafe setting.
I can't recommend this place enough, when you're buying gifts for someone, even if it's yourself!
Also, when you go in, be SURE to visit the bathroom. You'll know why when you see it.
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Melty, creamy, beautiful, and tasty.
My favorites:
- Hazelnut patty (it's huge, crispy and light, tastes like a healthy Ferrero Rocher but in patty form - seriously)
- Macadamia Praline (yum)
- A dark chocolate that I can't remember the name and can't find it online, but it's the 60% dark (smooth and rich)
Interesting
- Caramel passionfruit (fruity caramel, not cloyingly sweet)
- Banana curry (chocolate with a hint of Indian spice)
Oh dear god why are overpriced chocolates so awesome?!
I TOLD the man I wanted fancy chocolates for Valentine's Day - because I have learned that hinting DOES NOT work. So once we realized the price point we were dealing with I got to choose 9 pieces (for $20).
As a tip - get anything with caramel in it - Fleur de Sal, milk caramel, whatever -- they are by far the BEST ones. Their caramel must have crack in it!
The spicy Venezuelan is good, the passion fruit unique, the Bourbon pecan tasty, they are ALL dee-lish. BOYFRIEND, WHEN CAN I HAVE MORE?
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I have one word for Christopher Elbow - rich!
My drinking chocolate was the peanut butter/dark chocolate flavor - think of the most fantastic Hershey's Peanut Butter cup melted down and topped with homemade whipped cream. Still thinking? It's better than you can imagine. But man was it rich! It took everything I had to get through the small cup.
The other thing rich about Christopher Elbow - the prices. Each small piece of chocolate costs $2.50, definitely not cheap but they have flavors you'll never find at See's! Our drinking chocolates were $4.50 each which isn't really that bad considering the amount of love* that went into each cup.
I'm not a choc-o-holic but I can definitely see myself coming back to Christopher Elbow from time to time to enjoy a cup of chocolatey goodness.
*No, not that kind of love...perv.
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The Hayes Valley is a super eclectic neighborhood that boasts a wide range of great dining stops and specialty shops. After a lovely brunch at Absinthe, I stumbled upon Christopher Elbow's which was kiddie corner from the restaurant. This shop has been on my bookmark list for at least a year and even though it was 90 degrees out in SF and the lifespan of my chocolate would be at risk, I decided to check it out anyway.
Chocolates are a crazy world of their own these days and it never ceases to amaze me to see what exotic flavors chocolatiers come up with next. This shop was no exception and carried an unimaginable collection of flavored caramels that included Passion Fruit, Rosemary, and Strawberry Balsamic. In addition to the above, I tried the Banana Curry chocolate. Overall, the texture of the chocolate is its strongest trait. All the pieces, as well as the bars are super smooth and have quite a luxurious texture that all chocolate should strive to have. They are the true definition of melt in your mouth. Flavor wise, I thought the variety was good, but I think I might have appreciated less of a caramel selection in the case. The caramel was delicious, but seemed to mask over the fruit/herb/spirit flavors that I wish would have come through more.
Melt in your mouth delicious, but expensive chocolates. but wow wow wow - so tasty.
Caramel Rosemary - sounds like a wacky combination, but it's excellent. Might be my favorite flavor I've tried. Super friendly and helpful staff make this an enjoyable chocolate buying experience.
so while 9 small pieces of chocolate will cost you a little over $20 - suck it up - it's well worth it!
I need to get back here to get more chocolate ASAP!
Though we only tried two (the Jamaican Rum and the Russian Tea) I feel comfortable saying that these are perhaps the finest handmade chocolates I have ever tasted - and I used to sell at the chocolate counter at Neiman Marcus, back in the 90's.
The shop is pristine and elegant, and the staff friendly and justifiably proud of their product. Kansas City, MO. Who'd-a thunk it?
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My only experience with Christopher Elbow Chocolates involved a holiday gift of Fleur de Sel Caramel received by a coworker who decided to share. Turns out there was something seriously wrong with the woman that played out shortly thereafter. Sharing chocolates THAT good should have been our first clue.
I believe if I dedicated a bit more effort towards getting to know the collection of confections offered by Christopher Elbow, he might give Recchiuti's a run for it. But I'm rarely anywhere near this shop, so my affair of convenience with Recchiuti Chocolates continues.
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I've learned about Christopher Elbow chocolates at my very favorite chocolate shop -http://www.cocoabella.com . Christopher Elbow chocolate shop is now my 2nd favorite.
After a lovely day BBQ'n at the park. Friends and I visited the Chris Elbow store for some tasty chocolates and espresso. All of my friends were truly impressed and a few of them never had quality chocolate before--so their eyes lit up and they had huge grins on:
My personal favorites here:
--Vanilla Caramel - delish
--Macadamia praline - delicious, gritty goodness with nuts
--Champagne -- does it get any better than this? Amazingly good
Love love love the seating area!!! If you haven't been here yet check it out.
We had friendly service too.. Thanks :)
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If you find yourself in this gorgeous chocolate shop ( which looks & feels more like a jewelery store)
go ahead and get me a 9 piece box of the following 3:
Lavender Caramel
Rosemary Caramel
Strawberry Balsamic Caramel.
Thanks in advance.
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Usually I like my chocolate simple-- good, dark chocolate. Spicy too. Filled chocolates usually aren't my top choice.
BUT, i got a box here as a gift and ate the entire box in less than 12 hours. Everything was so good. The lavender filled chocolate, the caramel fleur de sel, all i can say is WOW. There was even a banana rum something or other which was DELICIOUS. and the strawberry balsamic was sooo good. i wanted ice cream in all those flavors. i savored every single bite of goodness. I was in a nice chocolate stupor for the evening. (And in the morning..., heh heh)
These chocolates are pricey, but worth the splurge every now and then. They are also beautifully crafted, almost didn't want to eat it. But I got over it in a about 30 seconds.
The only chocolate I wasn't a fan of was some marzipan ganache.
A friend of mine, who happens to be super hip, gave me some these chocolates for my birthday. When I opened the box, I was worried that I couldn't actually eat them because they were so beautiful. They looked like little pieces of art, that was coated in a light glossy coating. I decided to just do it and have no fear. The tastes were fantastic, lavender, bananas, heaven! If i ever need to get anyone chocolates from now on, it's from this place!
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If you are into chocolate - this place is heaven! The quality is reflected in the price, and you will not be disappointed.
They also make great gifts!
The staff is very nice and helpful and the parking was not an issue.
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I received the 9 piece 'collection' as a Christmas gift. Thank you Sera A! It was a very thoughtful gift as I do love chocolate.
Aesthetically, the chocolate is beautiful. The pieces are impossibly smooth and shiny and decorated with intricate patterns. You can tell a lot of thought goes into each type and I was very impressed.
And then I tasted a piece.....SOUR. The chocolate was sour. I hate hate hate sour chocolate. I tried other pieces and 6 of the 9 had a distinct sour taste in the chocolate. It was very disappointing.
With the fillings, Christopher Elbow will definitely give you flavors you have never experienced in chocolate before. Rosemary, bananas foster, cabernet, are just some of the flavors encapsulated in these chocolates. I will give them credit; the flavors did accurately match their descriptions (i.e. the bananas foster flavor really did taste like bananas foster.) So while flavor fidelity is nice, it can be distracting. Frankly, many of these flavors just do not play well with chocolate and should stay in their own neighborhoods. As I tasted them all, I found that several of the combinations just had no reason to exist. Just because you can make chocolate taste like locally grown rosemary does not mean you should.
Christopher Elbow likens itself as a chocolate artist. Unfortunately, like many artists, they get enamored with their materials and talents and forget their audience. So, rather than creating universally revered masterpieces, their work is rather masturbatory.
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Was here over the weekend. My sister an bro in law surprised me with a box of chocolates from here for my bDay because they know chocolate is my weakness!! I have only tried one so far because I like to savor each piece. I'll allow myself to only have one piece a day since I'm not in the city often and I know I'll go crazy once I run out!
Not only are the chocolates delicious, they're just as beautiful which makes it harder for me to eat them =P
I can't wait to go back. Also, the bathroom is very cute!
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Date & Time: Saturday November 15, 2008 @ 3pm
Company: Michael
Crowd: Trendy 20-Something Couple in Prada Shades, Rock n' Republic Jeans & Flip-Flops
Decor: Sleek. Counter Filled w/ Work of Art Chocolates w/ Samples on Top. Lounge Area w/ L-Shaped Sofa & Low Cubes
Service: It Took the Asian Hipster a Few Minutes to Get Off the Phone Before He Helped Us
Imbibe: Specialty Chocolate Drinks- European Cocoa(A Bit Too Rich)
Devour: Lavender Caramel & Fleur de Sel Caramel, Balsamic, Rosemary Caramel
Total: $12.50
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The Chinese Five Spice drinking chocolate is oh, la, la delicious.
I think I'm going to have to work my way down their drinking chocolate menu and then start over again once I'm finished. Good thing they're close to my office!
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I passed by the storefront a few weeks back and thought to myself that I would have to come back and… Read more »
No Mama See's here. Chocolates are great, but fetishistic service with respect to the lengthy transfer process from counter (to tray to other tray to scale to box) to bag is enough to drive the Jonesing types to hysterics.
No mistake, this is so expensive you do *NOT* want to gorge on these. But then again I think Mr. Elbow does the world a favor by slowing it down and easing us back into a leisurely MO. There is some fine craftmanship here and the subtle inflections of flavor and texture on the palette deserve no less than reflective consumption.
Now when you walk in if you are nervous and end up being intimidated by what you see or just have sticker shock, then buy a $4-5 pre-made Pop Rocks chocolate bar, head round the corner to Blue Bottle Coffee for an espresso, then hit the Octavia park and bask in the sun with your li'l treasures. You'll understand.
Stopped by for a little treat on our way to the Museum of Production and Design.
The chocolates are absolutely flawless, physically. They are absolutely beautiful. I only wish I could try each one to see how they taste! I tried the passionfruit caramel, and it was delicious, with a real passionfruit tang.
Though delicious, the chocolate didn't blow me away, so four stars instead of five.
::CHOCOLATES::
These are the type that try to be all fancy looking... and that's the big deal. At least that is how I see it. Didn't taste particularly exciting and I certainly tried a fair number of offerings. I'll pass.
::HOT COCOA::
Another place that tries to administer so much chocolate power that it becomes more about the power of the chocolate than having a proper balance with the milk. Not a fan of this method. Still, lots of interesting flavors to try.
Had a few of the funky ones (not the 5 spice, need to try that) and they were okay. Again, not a great balance with the milk, and flavors are interesting, but more "interesting" than tasty.
PEPPERMINT
It's a regular one with about 5 sprinkles of peppermint on the top. Hence, two sips later, it's just a regular hot cocoa. Uhhh... hello? What are they thinking?
WHIP
They use real whip in the cocoa! Meaning, they whip it in the shop (no can action). Doesn't look like top quality creme... maybe it is, but it didn't appear to be. Still, beats canned by a mile.
TAKE HOME COCOA
This allows you to do a proper milk to cocoa ratio. Still, wasn't terribly excited about this cocoa. Haven't wanted to go back to buy more.
::BARS::
Had a funky bar (can't recall) that was pretty good. Again, wasn't feeling like I wanted to go back for more. There are a few I might pick up in the future... ?
::STAFF::
Same guy at the counter the last two times I went. He seems like he thinks he is in morgue.
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My man was on the verge of a low-blood-sugar-induced breakdown. We had walked all over the city and back again only to try to get seated for dinner at 5:15pm on a Saturday and get turned away. "Come back in 40 minutes" - we were told. ARG.
Must act quickly before the hunger finally overwhelms him. Walking around the corner, I see chocolate. Just the sort of pick-me-up he needs to tie him over until we can get dinner. WHEW.
We walk in and are greeted by two friendly guys who clearly know their nibs. My man orders two pieces of the 70% (one tanzanie and the other something pretty with blue swirls on it). I get a piece of the vanilla caramel. For here or to go? For here. Oh, and a glass of water please. No liquid chocolate today. THANKS.
We sit down in the uberchic lounge area, savor our chocolate, watch crowds of people roll by outside. I look over at my man. He's smiling and enjoying the very tasty, well crafted chocolates and he says "I no longer think I'm going to die from hunger. Of course I still need to eat dinner but I'm good for about 30 minutes." YAY!
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Coconut Curry Hot Cocoa? Spicy Hot Cocoa? Chocolate and comfy seating? Immaculate bathroom with interesting sink?
Where has this place been. A great place to relax and have a sober conversation with your friends - and when was the last time you did that?
Have your married friends ever set you up with a guy that by all conventional measures everyone thinks is a catch? He's clean, above average looking and you're told he has good taste. You agree to go on a date with him and he suggests Houston's. Over glasses of oaky, buttery chardonnay you learn that he majored in business at a small midwestern college, the last concert he attended was Rascal Flatts, and he thinks Picasso was an amazing artist. Oh, and he hasn't decided between McCain and Obama yet, because they both have pros and cons.
Yeah, Christopher Elbow Chocolates is that guy.
If you want great examples of chocolatiers, try Michael Recchiuti and Richart. They know how to construct chocolates whose shells won't collapse upon biting. The Christopher Elbow shells are too mushy and don't have that satisfying snap to contrast properly against the filling.
Okay, the fillings. [sigh] Just as suburban Whole Foods everywhere have decided to sell "sushi," Christopher Elbow has decided that he is a serious confectioner and will offer fashion-forward flavors such as strawberry-balsamic and absinthe. The thing is, he can't pull it off. To be successful, you need to know what absinthe tastes like, or at least what it *doesn't* taste like (uh, pulverized black licorice ropes, anyone?) The strawberry-balsamic chocolate was like swallowing a spoonful of $5 "balsamic" from Trader Joe's: thin and tart. For an example of infused chocolates that capture the essence of flavor, try XOX in North Beach.
What staved off a 1-star rating were the phenomenal turtles with fleur de sel. Pecan-meets-caramel. Uncomplicated. Like our Picasso-loving guy.
So it didn't work out with him. But your cousin Amanda who lives in Walnut Creek will luuuuurve Christopher Elbow Chocolates. She'll make you a bride's maid at the wedding.
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So when I walked into this chocolatier's shop, I was feeling distinctly cynical and cheap. So over the $7 single origin bars with a hint of secret Venezuelan spice. Not feeling the "drinking chocolate." Skeptical of the undeniably gorgeous truffles and caramels artfully arranged in the pristine glass case in front of me. "Yet another artisan chocolatier charging $2 for a one-inch square of rosemary infused caramel?" I wanted to say.
But despite my worst instincts (and clearly I was unusually crankypants to be unmoved by chocolate) I was won over. First of all, the two guys -- bearded, hip, and a little earnest -- were not only friendly and eager to make suggestions, they really knew their chocolate. Second, the chocolate was really, really good. By the time I left, I'd tried a venezuelan chocolate truffle (lightly spiced, with a lingering slight smoky burn), some insanely delicate and subtly moving tea infused thing, and an absolutely amazing chocolate turtle dusted with salt. Amazing. I went from being a hater to being a winner. I bought the $32 assortment and was scarcely deterred by the fact that I couldn't select my own chocolate for the box. "We select the chocolates and assemble these each morning," said my bearded NBF. "You picked out the chocolates?" I asked. "I totally trust you. I'll take it."
The one slight (slight!) disappointment was the drinking chocolate. Having just returned from Paris where I had savored the absinthe of hot chocolates, this was a little bit thin and forgettable. But still delicious. I will be back, this time for the $7 chocolate bar.
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Good things come out of Kansas City. Who would have thought? I traveled there for business and it was like an emerging Emeryville. Anyhows, I was happy when I found out that Christopher Elbow was from KC. I think the Midwest gets a bad rap sometimes.
A visit to Christopher Elbow Chocolates is like going to the jewelry store. The chocolates are glossy and enticing, laid out like gold. I sampled the Venezuelan Spice and not only was it delicious, it was beautiful! I bought my friend some chocolate. She only wanted one piece but one chocolate is sad, so I bought her two. I'm a big spender. I also treated to a round of liquid chocolate. To my surprise, the hot chocolate wasn't as thick as i thought it was going to be. It was drinkable.
I chose the coconut curry hot chocolate. It was amazing like a trip to the Far East. It definitely smells like curry and is even sprinkled with curry powder on the top. I was a little afraid of my first sip but the smell and taste actually worked itself out. The smell is pungent and the taste is earthy and divine. I think the coconut milk has something to do with it. It's richer than whole milk. Anyhows, it was a five star drink. My only complaint was that it could have been served in a nicer cup. The paper cup cheapened the drink. In any case, whatever variation of hot chocolate you order, it is made with more care than any world class cup of java.
The seating area is amazing. This is a true chocolate bar with box lighted tables and dark wood. The lounge and shop is never crowded so pretty much whether you are shopping or sipping, you will have peace, quiet, full customer service and privacy.
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Chocolate lovers UNITE! This place amazes me every time I step foot inside. As soon as you walk in the door, you're greeted with a friendly smile and happy-go-lucky attitude by ANY of the crew here. They are VERY helpful in giving you a suggestion if you're not quite sure what to place in your 16-piece tasting. Ask for their favorites and you might be surprised to find that it soon becomes yours too!
FYI: The chocolates you find here as "tasters" are bitter, so be forewarned. If you have a definite sweet tooth, be sure to take a gander at their chocolate bars (my favorite is the pop-rock version) or drink a hot cup of coco. :P
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
Category: Desserts
Neighborhood: Union Square
Category: Chocolatiers and Shops
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
Category: Chocolatiers and Shops
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Candy Stores
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
Category: Chocolatiers and Shops
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