BEST OF THE EAST BAY 2007: BEST CHOCOLATES

Best Chocolates: Don't put that box in a landfill — eat it!
Charles Chocolates
6529 Hollis St.
Emeryville, CA 94608
510-654-4412
http://CharlesChocolates.com

Next time you're in the market for a box of chocolate, why not try a box of chocolates ... in a chocolate box? Now you can, because there's an unbelievable connection in your own backyard: Charles Chocolates, which opened in Emeryville this past Valentine's Day. One of the shop's specialties is creative delights in edible boxes, like the Tea Collection (tea-infused chocolates created in collaboration with Berkeley's Teance), the Spring Collection (painted with beautiful sprays of spring flowers), the Heart Collection (raspberry, passionfruit, and mojito chocolates), the Fleur de Sel Caramel Collection (handmade and coated with bittersweet chocolate), or the Fresh Orange and Lemon Marzipan Collection (organic fruit and California almonds). You can get more traditional fare, such as regular boxed chocolates, bars, nuts, and candied fruit — but nothing is boring, since all the products are made with organic cream and butter from Straus Dairy and organic herbs, fruits, and nuts. For the ultimate in convenience and luxury, sign up for the Charles Chocolate All Year Club and get a delectable delight delivered to your door every month. Too much? Nah. In Charles' world, the more chocolate, the better.