Richart

Designer Chocolate

By Amy Sherman (Aug 19, 2004 )

In San Francisco, Union Square is where you'll find fashion, quality, luxury and even fine art. It's also the perfect address for Richart, a chocolatier who has redefined chocolate in very similar ways. Just like the major fashion houses, France-based Richart comes out with new "collections" based on the seasons, several times a year. In addition, they feature seven families of chocolate- roasted, fruity, citrus, herbal, spiced and balsamic. Each individual chocolate resembles a mini mosaic tile, decorated with a delicate colored pattern to identify its flavor. If those don't suit your taste, try the unique teas, jams, and cocoa powder that are sure to please the palate.

Unlike other chocolate companies that use blends of different beans, Richart uses over 70% pure Venezuelan Criollo cocoa beans as the basis for their filled and flavored chocolates. Flavors range from the expected- raspberry, coffee and orange to the exotic- kumquat, jasmine tea and curry. Prices range from $6.50 for an individual sachet to over $100 depending on the assortment.

Whether you are looking to make a good impression or are simply wanting to indulge yourself in the finest chocolate blended with flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds, Richart will fit the bill.