The Art of Tasting Chocolate

Twelve Days of Chocolate: Day Six

For those of you who will be spending this chilly weekend Christmas shopping in Palo Alto, why not treat yourself to a very special ‘Warm Me up’? QUATTRO RESTAURANT AND BAR in the Four Seasons Hotel has just introduced their Chocolate Bliss menu of hot chocolates for the holiday season to be served along with the lunch and dinner dessert menus. You sit back, relax and choose from six different housemade chocolate truffles using an assortment of the world’s finest chocolates. The truffle is served on a looped handled spoon next to an empty hot toddy cup. You place the truffle in the cup and your server pours in hot, rich milk. Stir and sip. With combinations like Amedei Toscano Couverture 29% White Chocolate with a hint of peppermint and crème de menthe you will be ready to face those long shopping lines.
And if you just can't get there this month, the menu will be offered through the end of January.

Crepe o' Chocolat

How could I have missed a café called ‘Crepe o Chocolat’? I didn’t know it existed until I read the interesting article written by David Lazarus in Friday’s San Francisco Chronicle. A summary: The construction of the new Barney’s at the corner of Stockton and O’Farrell streets has hidden the tiny café from site. If you don’t know it is there you would never see it from the Macy’s and Crate & Barrel corners. If you understand anything about foot traffic and business you will realize that these are extremely busy corners loaded with tourists either heading up to Union Square or down to Market Street. Signs were promised but never appeared. Read the entire story here.

I decided to check it out Saturday afternoon. A makeshift sign, created by the contractor, had been posted on the O’ Farrell side of the side of the construction site so finding it was easy. I ordered a cappuccino, a lavender and basil truffle and a chocolate petit four. Thanks to Mr. Lazarus’ article the place was hopping. Every person I overheard talking to the owner, Sylvie Krawec and her helper Judy, said they were there because of the article. Hurrah for the power of the press. Since this is a chocolate website I will concentrate on her chocolate offerings.

The hand dipped chocolates and truffles in the case have a decidedly home-made and rustic look about them. We like this. The lavender and basil infused truffle was well balanced. Although these are both strong flavors they complimented each other when infused in the milk chocolate. The chocolate petit fours are simply dense chocolate cake rectangles that are double dipped in melted chocolate and allowed to harden in the refrigerator. Also good and so satisfying with the cappuccino for a late afternoon pick me up. We didn’t try it but at least three people at the counter said they were back for the lemon marshmallow dipped in chocolate. On my list for next time. Be sure to order the chocolate pudding (pot de creme) which has a layer of green pistachio cream floating on the top. Unbelievable.

Update: I returned this morning. The makeshift sign had been removed. Only a red wall remains. Barney’s, we all hope you are in the process of having something more attractive and permanent designed and installed but please hurry as Madame Krawec needs to pay her rent.

Update: March 21, 2007 The signs are up!  Bright yellow signs!  Hurrah!