i'm putting in the work tonight... this short (international) guide might save you on Vday in 2 weeks... unless your girlfriend likes See's or Whitman - then i can't help you.

Paul Young - (London only)
made from Amadei chocolate (possibly the best in the world), these chocolates are technically perfect. although young, Paul Young is a craftman of the highest order. they last about 3 days in their perfect state if you happen to catch a friend coming back from London.

Jean Paul Hevin - (Paris only)
he's acknowledged as one of the best, but the real treat are his "cheese" chocolates - instead of chocolate ganache, he has 4 varieties that use cheese as a filler. they will last a week in the fridge if a friend smuggles them back for you.

Cacao Sampaka - (Barcelona, Madrid)
range from the ordinary to the highly experimental. i tried the experimental and they weren't that good - but they're a novelty nonetheless. strange flavors? hazelnut and anchovy was the one i remember most.

Kee's Chocolates - (NYC only)
when they're on, the best chocolates in the country. very fresh with pinpoint flavors. they're only made fresh so you'll have to place an order - and they're only available in NYC. you should place an order now (it's a very small operation) and you'll probably have to pick them up on Vday.

Richart - (NYC, SF, Mail order)
they come from France, and while their freshness is my only complaint, the flavors are UNREAL. the citrus, floral, and fruit flavors are very bright and focused - very concentrated flavors. if the chocolate was fresher, they would be my favorites in the world.

Maison du Chocolat - (NYC, Paris, London, Mail order)
not the very best, but always a very solid option - consider it the Pturbo of chocolates.

Fran's Chocolates - (Seattle, Mail order)
surprisingly good, especially the salted caramel.
http://www.franschocolates.com/home....0226b7d3857213

John & Kira's - (Mail order)
some interesting flavors, particularly the mint, bergamot, and lavender.
http://www.johnandkiras.com/

Chocolate Bars
if chocolates aren't their thing, there are some excellent chocolate bars that you can buy through mail order. the bars below are dark chocolate, 70% is usually the best, but if someone isn't used to them, they might find them too strong. (Note: most of the bars below will run you $7-14/bar.)
- Amadei Porcelana or Chuao
- Amano (any bar, the best chocolate maker in America)
- Michael Cluziel (any bar)


there are others that i'm forgetting at the moment, but this list is a good start. there are many local chocolate artisans that are making very good product - so don't buy those crappy mass-market industrial chocolates.

- chuck

 

would love to see pics if you have them...

 

Thank god I dont have to "buy-in" to the v-day thing this year.

but thanks for the informative post.

any recommendations for Toronto or Montreal Chuck?