Best chocolate shops photo
(By Bill O'Leary for The Post)

Best chocolate shops

Julia Beizer | The Washington Post  |  Updated 05/03/2010

Step away from the Whitman's Sampler. Our area is awash in boutique chocolate shops that will let you select your own assortment for a sweetheart.

 
 
 
 
 

Artfully Chocolate

+ Multiple Locations

Local chocolate stars such as Christopher's Confections and J. Chocolatier are represented in the display case, alongside creations by co-owner Rob Kingsbury. It's hard to go wrong with his celebratory piece infused with champagne or a mature treat made up of brie and dark chocolate. Both the Del Ray and Logan Circle locations are brightened by co-owner Eric Nelson's art. A box of 12 is $24.

 
 
 
 
 

Artisan Confections

Arlington, VA

It's easy to spot Jason Andelman's chocolates. The lifelong local uses transfer sheets made out of cocoa butter to imprint colorful pop-arty designs atop his creations. Bright white daisies overlap on passion fruit, and leopard print scrawls across bourbon. Andelman buys most of his transfers from a Belgian company, but seasonally, he asks four local artists to design toppers. A box of 9 is $17.

 
 
 
 
 

Cocova

Washington, DC

"We're more like curators," explains Biagio Abbatiello from behind the counter of his below-street-level shop near Adams Morgan. Biagio may not make its own bonbons, but it sure knows how to pick 'em. The tiny boutique offers truffles from local Willy Wonkas, as well as from Missouri, California and Pennsylvania candymakers. A box of 10 is $20.

 
 
 
 
 

Chocolate Chocolate

Washington, DC

"We're not chocolate snobs," says Ginger Park, who opened this shop with her sister in 1984. The location has changed, but the approach is the same: In addition to fine Laderach chocolate from Switzerland and Neuhaus treats from Belgium, the gals offer crunchy toffee clusters and peanut-butter bombs. A box of 8 can range from $12.95 to 18.95.

 
 
 
 
 

Co Co. Sala

Washington, DC

The restaurant's Indian roots manifest themselves in the chocolate sold here. Flavors such as coconut curry and mango lassi are available alongside goodies like the playful peanut butter and jelly. Some of the confections are air-brushed with a pearly coating, giving them a polished, mod look. A box of eight is $18.

 
 
 
 
 

Locolat

Washington, DC

Pastry chef Niel Piferoen has worked in some of the finest kitchens in the area, including Michel Richard Citronelle and Restaurant Eve. Nearly two years ago, he and his wife, Ada, opened this small Adams Morgan boutique showcasing their Belgian chocolates and desserts. Top sellers include raspberry, caramel and sea salt, and mojito. A box of 12 is $18 to $20.

 

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