Artisan Chocolates - Newport Beach/Costa Mesa
Excellent chocolates from a true independent artisan can be found in a small strip-mall in Newport Beach. I visited Christopher Michael Chocolates last Saturday, and was pleasantly surprised with what I found. My date and I sampled several chocolates and I have to say they are excellent - this despite the fact that our bar has been set extremely high after a recent chocolate tour of Paris and London. His chocolates have a mouth-feel that is luxurious and silky – unlike for example, the over-rated over-priced Godiva chain which has little flavor and feels like you’re eating wax. The flavors, are surprisingly, elegantly understated - though there are a couple of combinations that are a little "out there." In particular, I must tip my proverbial hat to the Peanut Butter and Banana chocolate, the flavors are brilliant and the texture is another great surprise, there appears to be a crunch element and a nice hint of salt in there along with the other flavors that combine to make this one a real winner. Visually, he does a terrific job with presentation as well. But, a nice bonus for foodies is that this is a true independent artisan and when you walk into his place, he is the one who you speak with about his chocolates. And this guy, aside from being a gregarious host, knows his chocolates and knows the culinary world. Check it out, and give your support to a local guy who is bringing artistry to southern CA. More importantly, enjoy the high-end chocolates - and for heaven's sakes, don't waste your money on expensive mediocre garbage like Godiva when there are places like this around!
http://www.chrischocolates.com/
2346 Newport Blvd, Suite A3 (At the corner of Newport Blvd and Wilson on the South East side of the freeway
)Costa Mesa, CA 92627
p.949.566.9810
By OC Mutt
on Mar 9, 2010 07:14 PM
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We have tried his choclates before and last time we tried to go there after fish tacos at Bear flag, the store looked dark and closed. We were surprised. Has he moved from his old location?
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No idea, that was my first time visiting. Check out his hours on the website, I know he's closed a couple days a week.
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Based on your review, we tried these chocolates and also thought they were great. Actually, we didn't like the banana one that much, but we loved a variety of others. Some of our favorites were the spicy ones, like chipotle & honey and spicy pomegranate & lime. A nice find.
So while we apparently disagree on ramen, we agree on chocolate. :) (Seeing your comment on Ramen California reminded me to post here.)
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recently saw some of his chocolates at Laguna Gourmet in Laguna Beach. yummy. Just for fun try the chocolate covered corn flakes.
Laguna Gourmet/Stephen Frank Table & Pantry
424 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.376.1615
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