Although my Valentine's Day picks for 2009 remain perennial favorites, my roster of preferred chocolatiers is expanding (in sympathy with my waistline).
The 2010 edition of the Comestiblog Valentine's Day cacao recommendations begins with MarieBelle, one of New York's most attractive artisanal chocolates. Founder Maribel Lieberman uses the aid of computers to craft the intricate designs that adorn her sweets. Several new ones have been added for Valentine's Day—each a work of art.
MarieBelle's 100-piece Cien Box
MarieBelle's prices may not seem quite so attractive, however. Ranging from $10 for a two-piece Red Tote Box to $260 for a 100-piece Cien Box (pictured above), these are among the most expensive chocolates in New York.
For something fun, but slightly less extravagant, head over to Essex Street Market and look for Shoppe Roni~Sue. Namesake Rhonda Kave offers samples of a variety of innovative sweets such as pickle truffles, bacon buttercrunch, and pig candy. Though they may sound somewhat bizarre, they're rather good—and quite reasonable.
Ronnie-Sue's Cocktail truffles
Standard assortments range from $10 for a 6-piece box to $25 for a 15-piece box. Special collections are also available.
Has Ronnie-Sue captured the true spirit of Valentine's Day?
L. A. Burdick makes world-class chocolates in the quaint New England town of Walpole, New Hampshire. Using cocoa from the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, Larry Burdick handcrafts his exquisite wares into a variety of inventive shapes, sizes, and flavors. His mice, penguins, and cigars are as delicious as they are fun.
Should the Granite State be too far afield, however, the new Burdick Café & Chocolate Shop is now open in Manhattan's Flatiron district.
The quality and price of Burdick's Valentine's Day assortments represent a bargain and make for an ideal treat on the day of love. To help celebrate the 14th with an eastern twist, Burdick is also offering special Lunar New Year's collections in honor of the coincidental arrival of the Year of the Tiger. What a marvelous idea! Whether for 2010 or 4708, L. A. Burdick is the Comestiblog chocolate choice of the year.
MarieBelle
484 Broome Street (between Wooster St & West Broadway), SoHo, Manhattan
(212) 884-9707
Shoppe Roni~Sue
Essex Street Market
120 Essex Street (NE corner Delancey St), Lower East Side, Manhattan
(212) 260-0421
L. A. Burdick
5 East 20th Street (between Fifth Av & Broadway), Flatiron District, Manhattan
(212) 796-0143
One of my fantasies, too! Thanks for your comment, TNS.
Posted by: Comestiblog | 08 March 2010 at 09:30 AM
Would love to fall in choc :) awesome pix!!
Posted by: TNS | 08 March 2010 at 09:19 AM