Luxury chocolate brands?

[CJ2008]

I want to give a gift to my dermatologist - she is just so nice and honest and she's given me a couple of price breaks - nothing crazy, but still, it adds up - on procedures before, and I just really like her (so does DH) - I asked the receptionist and she said she likes chocolates and plants.

I think I like the idea of chocolates better - but I'd like to hear what you think.

For chocolates, what are some really good chocolate brands (aside from Godiva).

I'm thinking of spending $35 - $50...or is $35 too "cheap" to even think about?

 

[chrono]

I do not find Godiva to be particularly good, more so at the high prices. Neuhaus, Valrhona and zChocolat are much better.

 

[CJ2008]

I do not find Godiva to be particularly good, more so at the high prices. Neuhaus, Valrhona and zChocolat are much better.

Hi Chrono (I feel like I know you a little better after the 24 hour thread and we sound a lot alike) even though I can be a bit touchy feely at times. So just ignore that part when I do it.

I feel the same way about Godiva...that's why I was trying to avoid it...

I'll look into those brands, thanks!

 

[luv2sparkle]

There is nothing like Sees in my opinion, but they are in CA. You can probably order online but since it is summer now, I don't know if they can be shipped without melting.

 

[iLander]

Godiva used to be fantastic. But they've downgraded ingredients after the 2009 recession (like all your food brands, check the labels and net weights!).

Lot of people like Norman Love.

 

[CJ2008]

thanks sparkle and iLander! I'll check out those brands too (and thanks for the extra tips iLander)

 

[Mayk]

There is nothing like Sees in my opinion, but they are in CA. You can probably order online but since it is summer now, I don't know if they can be shipped without melting.

+1 not the most expensive.. but really very good. I order it on line all the time and send it as gifts to clients..

 

[LLJsmom]

Recchuti, my favorite

http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html

 

[jazzoboe]

I love Leonidas. I first had it in Belgium, but they have some international stores, including New York. I've ordered from them a few times and it's always been great. About $40 for a one pound assortment. I think they have the best fillings. Dense smooth praline and fresh creams, none of the sticky, overly sugary stuff you find in Godiva.

 

[PintoBean]

Jacques Torres!

Personally, I prefer local chocolatiers. Any local chocolatiers in the area?

 

[PintoBean]

Maybe a plant might be better - chocolate gets melty in the summer

 

[chemgirl]

charbonnel et walker. Their truffles are amazing.

Plus, at least for me, they are too expensive to buy for yourself so they make a great treat.

 

[CJ2008]

Thanks for all your suggestions, everyone! I'm looking into all the brands you mentioned.

Maybe a plant might be better - chocolate gets melty in the summer

Yes...they all require either 2 day or overnight delivery. I think Leonida's may even pack the chocolates with dry ice - not sure if the others do but I'll take that into consideration when comparing.

Not sure about local...I think I was feeling lazy and wanted it shipped...but, the shipping is expensive, so maybe I should consider it.

 

[distracts]

I love Neuhaus. Currently though I usually get chocolates from local independent chocolate shops - you could google to see if there are any in your area?

Of course, my REAL weakness is for those Guylian hazelnut chocolate shells... I can literally eat through thirty shells in one sitting. For a long time I was saved from this fate by having to trek halfway across the city to the store that I knew carried them, but THEN I discovered that I could order them from Amazon with Prime shipping and oooooh boy. I had to learn some self control.

re: Godiva, I don't really like the truffle things but they have this thing that is stacked bananas and strawberries dipped in chocolate and it is RIDICULOUS and I get one whenever I'm feeling down. Not practical as a gift though.

 

[dk168]

How about making boozy chocolate truffles instead?

It is easy to make, can be a bit messy when rolling them in cocoa powder, however, the end results are much better than shop-bought versions.

DK

 

[baby monster]

http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.us/us/en/ or https://www.mrchocolate.com/

You'll need to pay for overnight shipping because it's so hot everywhere now. Godiva is not my cup of tea.

 

[kenny]

I do not find Godiva to be particularly good, more so at the high prices.

+1 about Godiva ... IMO a total rip off.

Here's my favorite chocolate:

http://shop.scharffenberger.com/Gifts/c/ScharffenBerger@ChocolateGifts

 

[boerumbiddy]

If you have access, Teuscher is excellent and they have the prettiest containers! Li-Lac is also really good, but only in NYC, as far as I know. and Nu Nu here in Brooklyn. And for your own consumption, try a really good and affordable grocery store brand, Guylian. They are the ones who make the pretty swirly shell-shaped pieces.

 

[MissStepcut]

I've tried almost everything mentioned in this thread but these are hands-down my favorite. I have a box of truffles in my desk drawer in event of a gift giving emergency (next to my Vueve Cliquot in event of celebration emergency): http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com

 

[SMC]

Vosges? There is a great Gilt City deal going on as well - you can redeem online.
http://www.giltcity.com/chicago/vosgesnationaljune2015

 

[luv2sparkle]

There is nothing like Sees in my opinion, but they are in CA. You can probably order online but since it is summer now, I don't know if they can be shipped without melting.

+1 not the most expensive.. but really very good. I order it on line all the time and send it as gifts to clients..

LOVE the lemon truffles. I think you can get them in a fancy gold box to make them look more expensive.

 

[AGBF]

Neuhaus. I had never bought them since my husband likes only dark chocolate and they make milk chocolate. However, his aunt and uncle liked milk chocolate so I bought Neuhaus for them. After that, I was sold! The only thing I like more is white chocolate infused with coconut. I used to be able to find that only in France. Now some manufacturer is selling a bar of it in the US.

Deb/AGBF

 

[marcy]

I will have to try Neuhaus. I currently buy Lindt but I don't think it's a luxury chocolate; you can buy it almost anywhere.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Of course, my REAL weakness is for those Guylian hazelnut chocolate shells... I can literally eat through thirty shells in one sitting. For a long time I was saved from this fate by having to trek halfway across the city to the store that I knew carried them, but THEN I discovered that I could order them from Amazon with Prime shipping and oooooh boy. I had to learn some self control.

Oh, man, me too. Those are just ridiculously good.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Recchuti, my favorite

http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html

Wow! Those look amazing!

 

[VRBeauty]

I never turn down a box of See's, but being a Californian, they're not what I'd consider luxury chocolates. Leonidas are yummy and can come in a nice (and re-usable) presentation tin. Some of the other options people have posted look wonderful too!

Are there any good chocolatiers near you? There are at least two in my town that I could go to for a wonderful locally made chocolates (one of which also sells incredible macarons).

 

[ame]

I love Vosges, Jacques Torres, Chauo's funky bars, Compartes

 

[partgypsy]

I've tried almost everything mentioned in this thread but these are hands-down my favorite. I have a box of truffles in my desk drawer in event of a gift giving emergency (next to my Vueve Cliquot in event of celebration emergency): http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com

Miss Stepcut I think I'm having a chocolate and champagne emergency Please come STAT!

 

[MissStepcut]

I've tried almost everything mentioned in this thread but these are hands-down my favorite. I have a box of truffles in my desk drawer in event of a gift giving emergency (next to my Vueve Cliquot in event of celebration emergency): http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com

Miss Stepcut I think I'm having a chocolate and champagne emergency Please come STAT!

 

[CJ2008]

Hi guys

I know a few of you had recommended Leonida's chocolates to me and in my FB feed today I saw an ad that they're having a huge sale.

I'm going to order a box (or two!) to try them.

http://www.leonidas-chocolate.com/

Enjoy!