Romancing with chocolate
Few would argue that chocolate is a sure-hit accompaniment to Valentine’s Day flowers, but before you dash to the corner grocery store, think about this: Do you really want your sweet token of love to come from the mass-produced, cheap variety?
For a more personalized presentation — as well as much better chocolate — head instead to one of the many chocolatiers on the Kitsap Peninsula. Not only do they use fresh ingredients, many prefer the organic kind and make their chocolates fresh almost daily. Plus, they can create a beautiful presentation that says nothing more than “I love you, you’re so special!”
Chocolatiers take their Valentine’s Day seriously so you’re likely to find special items not available during other times of the year. Chocolate roses, heart-shaped boxes are among the choices this time of year and if you’re not sure what to buy, go for truffles. This seductive indulgency never fails to be a hit.
At Bon Bon on Bainbridge Island you’ll find Pink Peony truffles wrapped with white satin bows, all sorts of vintage chocolates and daily made fudge in dozens of flavors that you can have packed in beautiful boxes at no extra charge. Owner Lisa Dunlap says she can make a nice presentation out of any goodies you buy at her store.
Bon Bon Confections is at 123 Bjune Drive, suite 103; (206) 780-0199; http://www.bonboncandies.com/
Port Gamble is home to the Tea Room, where in addition to dainty tea parties, you’ll find hand-crafted, gourmet truffles and fudge in flavors like Coconut Delight and Black Forest. If you want to enjoy the charming ambiance a little longer, stay for a cup of tea and some lunch too!
The Tea Room at Port Gamble is located at 32279 Rainier Street in downtown Port Gamble; (360) 297-4225; http://www.tearoomatportgamble.com/
Downtown Poulsbo is home to Boehm’s Chocolates, where among other goodies you’ll find exquisite European-style truffles, nut clusters, chewy caramels and much more. Boehm’s Candies, located in Issaquah, has been in business since 1942 and was founded by an Austrian chocolatier.
Boehm’s Chocolates is located at 18864 Front Street; (360) 697-3318
Also in Poulsbo, unique, handmade truffles and chocolates can be found at CBC Chocolates, where young entrepreneur Peter Crabtree is always on the lookout for new, unusual flavors. In additional to more traditional flavors, CBC has varieties such as Silver City Fat Scotch Ale Truffles and Eleven Winery Truffles.
CBC Chocolates is at 19880 7th Ave NE, suite 102; (360) 930-0283; http://www.cbcchocolates.com/
Bremerton would not be the same without Amy’s Decadent Chocolates. Owner Amy Jablonski, who likes to use pure ingredients like butter and cream, has adopted some family recipes to make them her own, and continuously experiments with chocolate. And her caramel apples are absolutely the best around — make sure you buy one or three while you’re stocking up on chocolate for your sweetheart.
Amy’s Decadent Chocolates is located at 2806 6th street; (360) 377-2252; http://www.amysdecadentchocolates.com/
Port Orchard is home to two chocolate stores. Downtown, The Candy Shoppe turns the saying “like a child in a candy store” on its head: Visitors of all ages will have a tough time deciding on which treat to take home. In addition to dozens of varieties of fresh fudge and truffles, the shop has old-fashioned candies, chocolates with attitude and, of course, the famous “Seagull Plop.” Valentine’s is a busy season here, and you’ll find many special gifts for the season. The Candy Shoppe is at 833 Bay Street; (360) 874-2576; http://thecandyshoppellc.com/
Carter’s Chocolates has special Valentine’s boxes (in limited quantities) as well as a large variety of organic truffles and other chocolates. Owner Mathew Carter is very discriminating about the ingredients in his product, and he uses an usual look for his truffles — square, with designs on top! If you ever want to experience the world of chocolates, this is the place to come for the monthly tastings.
Carter’s Chocolates is in Town Square (South Kitsap Mall) at 1700 SE Mile Hill Road; (360) 876-4424; http://www.carterschocolates.com/



