Top Chocolate Shops In Philadelphia
CBS Philly brought you a list of top chocolate shops in 2012, but we have even more spots for you this year. If you're one of the many people that plan to gift some candy treats to your special someone (or just pick some up for yourself!), visit one of these Philadelphia shops. With plenty of unique and house-made chocolate delicacies, you'll know you're getting the best.
John & Kira's Gourmet Chocolate Gifts
(800) 747-4808
www.johnandkiras.com
Since opening in 2000, Philadelphia-based socially conscious chocolate company John & Kira's has appeared on the cover of Gourmet Magazine, in The New York Times, Oprah Magazine and Real Simple and on "Martha Stewart." John Doyle and Kira Baker-Doyle, co-founders of the business, use ingredients sourced from family-owned, sustainable farms. Specialties include gourmet ganaches, such as chocolate-covered whiskey ganache figs that can be paired with wine for a decadent gift, or the hand-painted caramel bee chocolates. Available in a "Bee My Lovebug" gift box, these unique chocolates have a honey caramel liquid center and are painted with thin layers of black and yellow cocoa butter. John & Kira's artisanal chocolates are available by phone or online order and in select farmers' markets such as Rittenhouse Square and retail stores in the Philadelphia area like DiBruno Brothers.
Sazon
941 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 763-2500
www.sazonphilly.com
Judith Suzarra-Campbell and Robert F. Cambell Jr. are the culinary duo behind Sazon, a Venezuelan BYOB and chocolate shop in Northern Liberties. While Judith is busy serving up gluten-free dishes made with family recipes, Robert is in the front of the restaurant in his chocolate shop by the bar. Known as the Chocolate Alchemist, Robert uses only the finest ingredients in his gourmet house-made truffles and hot chocolate. Free of any gluten, wax, refined sugar, artificial colors, soy or preservatives and made with ingredients such as free-range local dairy and fresh, fair-trade cacao beans, these delicious treats practically seem like health food compared to candy you'd typically find on the market. Choose from 12 different gourmet truffle varieties, including vegan options, and don't forget to try one on the many unique hot chocolate drinks while you're there.
Related: Top Spots To Warm Up With Hot Chocolate
Shane Confectionery
110 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1048
www.shaneconfectionery.com
Take a step back in time at Shane Confectionery, the country's longest running confectionery. The Berley Brothers (of Franklin Fountain fame) took over the favorite Philly spot in 2010, after 90 years under the Shane family. While the ownership is a bit new, the same dedication to locally sourced ingredients and old-fashioned quality is still there. During this time of year, you can find a wonderful selection of house-made butter creams, truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries and cherries as well as bulk candies such as molded chocolates and candy hearts. For a truly unique treat, choose Shane Confectionery's famous clear toy candies in festive Valentine's Day-themed shapes. These colorful hard candies are made in the German tradition, using Philadelphia-made molds that are 100 years old.
Related: Top Spots For Holiday Treats
Skip's Candy Corner
27 Peddler's Village
Lahaska, PA 18931
(215) 794-8087
www.skipscandycorner.com
Just a short drive from Center City in Bucks County, Skip's Candy Corner is one of over 70 specialty shops in Peddler's Village. This old-fashioned candy shop offers nostalgic candies as well as handmade fudge, candies and other treats. In fact, visitors can even watch the candy-making process from the second floor. Custom heart boxes filled with your choice of chocolates, fresh chocolate-covered strawberries and fudge are always favorites at Valentine's Day. Or you can opt for one of Skip's two specialties: chocolate-covered Oreo cookies and the "Peddler's Trash." Perfect for those with a love for sweet and crunchy snacks, the latter is a treat made from a mixture of cereals, pretzels and M&M candies that are coated with your choice of melted chocolate. With the addition of Skip's Sugar Shack, the peanut/tree nut-free facility across the street, candy fans with allergies can also enjoy Skip's candy without worry.
Warner's Candies
3518 Bristol Pike
Bensalem, PA 19020
(215) 788-1000
www.facebook.com/warners.candies
You'll find Warner's Candies just outside Philadelphia in Bensalem, where it's been offering top-quality chocolates and other candy since 1949. The chocolate is made onsite, producing some of the best chocolate-covered fruits, creams and nuts around. From the classic heart-shaped box to decorative tins portraying your favorite type of cat, you'll find Valentine's Day packages in every variety and size you could want. The homemade fudge and chocolate-covered strawberries are always favorites. And for those with dietary restrictions, Warner's also offers a selection of sugar- and salt-free candies.
Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer fiance would love to open.
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