David Rosengarten
The Rosengarten Report
These six chocolate makers aren't cheap, but their sweets
are among the best in the world. Here, listed in order of my
personal preference...
Ortrud Münch Carstens Haute
Chocolature. German-born Carstens produces
possibly the nation's best chocolates. Because she prefers
to work alone in her New York City studio, she turns away
many would-be buyers. She charges $100 per pound for her
"Barks" -- ultrathin sheets of chocolate containing nuts and
fruits -- and as much as $180 per pound for specialty items.
The minimum order is $150, plus $20 or so for overnight
shipping. Phone orders only. 212-751-9591.
Richart Design et Chocolat.
Richart's chocolates have tremendous flavor -- and with
their delicate geometric patterns, they might be the most
beautiful bonbons. This French company ships throughout the
US from its New York City store. The company's most popular
product is the $59 one-pound Petits Richart box of assorted
chocolates. Shipping adds $7 to $12 to the price, though
that climbs to $25 in warm weather, when overnight delivery
and ice packs are required. 7 E. 55 St., New York City
10022. 888-742-4278,
www.richartchocolates.com
La Maison du Chocolat.
Paris-based La Maison makes chocolates with ultrathin
coatings and mousselike fillings. It charges $43 for 0.57
pound of chocolate truffles... $81 for 1.26 pounds. Another
popular offering is the ganache selection at $43 for 0.42
pound or $54 for 0.61 pound. Shipping is $16 to $27. 1018
Madison Ave. or 30 Rockefeller Center at 49 St., New York
City 10021. 800-988-5632,
www.lamaisonduchocolat.com
XOX Truffles. This San
Francisco-area chocolate shop makes irregularly shaped
French-style truffles. The chocolate coatings are delicate,
the fillings dark and sensual. A one-pound box is $70, plus
$20 shipping. Walk-in customers can buy at the wholesale
price of $40 per pound without a fancy gift box. 6126 La
Salle Ave., Oakland, California 94611. 510-339-9969,
www.xoxtruffles.com
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates.
Chocolatier Larry Burdick produces his chocolates in
Walpole, New Hampshire. He often uses distinctive flavors
such as lemon-pepper and cumin in his truffles, and the
results are delicious. He also makes an incredible powdered
hot chocolate mix. One pound of assorted chocolates costs
$46... a 12-ounce bag of hot chocolate mix is $11.50.
Shipping is $10 to $30. 47 Main St., Walpole, New Hampshire
03608. 800-229-2419,
www.burdickchocolate.com
Ricard Chocolat. The
flavors of chocolate and filling are blended to perfection
in these beautiful bonbons. Ricard's flavors change each
season, so what you get depends on when you order. A
half-pound assortment costs $33. Shipping can be as little
as $5, though it might be $15 or $20 during warm weather.
212-673-2779,
www.ricardchocolat.com
Librarian's Note: The above listings are what
David Rosengarten calls the ultimate
chocolates. There are others listed in the report.
See it
here
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