Looking for a place to buy chocolate to eat, drink, use as a key ingredient in your baking or take home in an elegant gift package this year? Maybe it is time to visit all or one of the Chocolate Artisans or stores below:
Bittersweet, on College Ave in Rockridge sells chocolate bars from around the world as well as its own drink mixes and baked goods. They even have a lab in the back of the café and make small batches of chocolate bars each week.5427 College Ave, Oakland 510-654-7159 www.bittersweetcafe.com
Café Cacao www.cafecacao.biz in Berkeley is located at the Scharffen Berger Factory. Factory tours are available by calling 510-981-4066 or by visiting www.scharffenbergertour.com. The tour takes about an hour and is a great way to sample chocolate and learn about the Cacao bean.
Charles Chocolates in Emeryville allows you to not only smell the chocolate but view the chocolate making process through a long window that looks into the factory. You can even find an edible chocolate box if you visit.
Cosmic Chocolate is located in the Temescal District of Oakland.5002 B Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 877-612-2639 www.cosmicchocolate.com
Katrina Rozelle Bakery at 5931 College Ave in Oakland www.katrinarozelle.com The Obsession Cake has plump raspberries folded into a chocolate mouse between the layers of chocolate cake. There are always great about offering a sample of desert while you decide which desert you will be serving at your next dinner party.
Michael Mischer, located on Grand Ave in Oakland is a Swiss trained pastry chef from Northern Germany. Looking to purchase sculptural chocolate or high quality chocolate from Venezuela and Ecuador? This should be your first stop. A lot of the experimenting with chocolate is done right on the premises, in the back of the shop. 3352 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 510-986-1822 www.michaelmischerchocolates.com
Moonstruck Café offers cinnamon infused Mexican Mocha, hot chocolate and espresso drinks in over seven different varieties. www.moonstruckchocolates.com Located in Walnut Creek.
Trader Joes now open in both the Rockridge and Lakeshore Districts of Oakland! Yummy bars of Belgian chocolate for baking or sharing with friends can be found at www.traderjoes.com
Whole Foods Market www.wholefoodsmarket.com, now open in Downtown Oakland! Whole Foods has one of the Bay Area’s widest selections of chocolates, including a variety of flavors of truffles, cakes, and vegan options. You’ll find yourself staring through the glass of chocolate knowing you have to make a decision on which one to buy because they all look so tasty. Bring a friend. |