What's the best artisanal chocolate maker based out of NYC?

[xerg]

Hi all! I'm going to visit a friend who recently had to leave the city and loves chocolate. I'd love to bring him something great from a local producer. He currently lives in Europe so something that he couldn't get there would be ideal. I'm looking for something a little more avant garde than your standard fussy chocolatier's products.

Any suggestions are most welcome!

[Monica]

Dark chocolate and caramel covered pretzel sticks and dark chocolate covered almond barks from Varsano's chocolate shop. Nothing fancy but so GOOD!!! The choclate is not too sweet, well balanced and price is good too.
I know Sarah jessica parker and Seinfeld personally call the shop during holidays to order from here..

[Pookipichu]

Kee's chocolates in SOHO.