http://seattle.citysearch.com/roundup/42784 You can deny yourself chocolate, but why would you want to? Considering it's an aphrodisiac that can lower blood pressure, it's hardly a vice worth kicking. The next time you indulge in life's simple gift of the cocoa bean, try one of these fabulous local brands and remember--you've got one less thing to feel guilty about. en Copyright 2008 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/50/6b/42784r1.jpg http://seattle.citysearch.com/roundup/42784 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Owner William Leaman, former head pastry chef at Essential Baking, creates a specialty line of chocolates infused with exotic flavors like passion fruit and candied ginger at his West Seattle bakery. Pull up a stool to the marble counters and people-watch your Sunday morning away. Seattle, WA http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/44673419/seattle_wa/bakery_nouveau.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This heavenly Fremont factory does it all, from roasting the cocoa beans to hand-forging truffle-like confections. The tour, a crash course in chocolate engineering, illustrates how a cocoa bean becomes a chocolate bar--and, naturally, includes plenty of samples. Seattle, WA http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/41899395/seattle_wa/theo_chocolate.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This Ballard boutique is the only place that you can find hand-dipped Cocoa Chai chocolates created by local gal Ivy Chan. She has a tendency to operate far outside the box with flavors: Think peppercorn, lychee and Indian curry. Seattle, WA http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/45403236/seattle_wa/venue.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Although you might not be able to make one of this artisan chocolatier's delightfully weird combinations immediately after you attend a class there (see: habanero chili mango truffle), don't despair--you can still eat their perfectly crafted version. Seattle, WA http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/43925068/seattle_wa/oh_chocolate_madison.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Fiori utilizes many of the old-world techniques in its confection-making, including using organic ingredients and heirloom cacao beans. Flavors tend toward the subtle savory end of the spectrum: the "Balsamico e Fragola" truffle blends strawberries with aged balsamic. Seattle, WA http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/41742184/seattle_wa/fiori_chocolatiers.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles With its inviting caramel and dark brown color palette, this sophisticated chocolate boutique and bistro tempts with everything decadent and sweet. Owner Michel Brotman plays Willy Wonka by featuring exquisitely crafted products from local chocolate purveyors like Fiori Chocolatiers and Chocolat Vitale. Seattle, WA http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/45417031/seattle_wa/chocolate_box.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 http://seattle.citysearch.com/roundup/39598 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 http://seattle.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/dessert Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800 http://seattle.citysearch.com/roundup/39908 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:26:53 -0800