Every once in a while I have to make a pirgrimage to a candy store/ice cream parlor here in Chicago on Western Avenue named Margie’s. Best hot fudge sundae I ever had.
I also have a thing for Mackinac Island Fudge. But I try to limit my consumption of it to those times I’m actually on Mackinac Island.
You all make me feel like a big ole chocolate bumpkin, but here are my picks, chosen from my (apparently limited) experiences with the food of the Gods:
Dove chocolate is better than Hershey’s
See’s is better than Dove
Godiva is better than See’s
Ghirardelli’s is better than Godiva (except the liquor!)
Lindt is especially good, and especially good with champagne (and strawberries, if you need an occasional break from the chocolate).
And that’s about as chic as I’ve gotten with chocolate. I have a co-worker who ordered about $50 worth of Bernard Callebaut chocolates, hearing it was the best chocolate in the world, and as it turned out, he was disappointed. I guess when you spend that much anything is likely to fall short of your expectations. But, I wish he had let me try just one . . .
picmr, this is the second time today we have agreed upon what is num-num. Valrona is chocolate orgasm in a bar. Valrona is what other chocolate hopes to be when it grows up. Not only is the bittersweet an eating chocolate paradigm shift, the stuff they make for baking and cooking is fantastic, too. I’ve always meant to look and see if they make a milk chocolate with hazelnuts – a flavor combination made in heaven.
Lindt Dark Chocolate Truffles ($1.75). Oooohhh…
The thing that is so great about Lindt, besides being absolutely fantastic chocolate, is that it’s not hard to find, and isn’t ridiculously expensive. $1.75 is more than a Hershey’s bar, of course, but a stupid Scharffen Berger chocolate bar costs $7, and IMO, just isn’t worth it. (I tried one once, I have no idea what the fuss is about.) Coldfire, I believe you about the Belgian chocolate, but I clicked on the link, and the closest place those chocolates are available is 50 miles away (although if I happen to be in Walnut Creek some time, I’ll check it out!). There’s Lindt just a couple blocks away.
This is a quick note of thanks to Smartass, Treycal, aenea, Gaudere, Arnold Winkelried, JillGat, Fillet, Beadalin, psycat90, Smeghead, vanilla, Danielinthewolvesden, tatertot, Coldfire, slythe, elbows, RealityChuck, Golfwidow, Ellen, Geenius, saucy potato, Brachyrhynochos, Jenbo, Kricket, JavaMaven1, Narile, Girlbysea, Suo Na, purplebear, Silo, Home Slice, 2nd law, Edwardina, pugluvr and Kyla: I’m on a sugar high and cocoa buzz after reading about all these wonderful chocolates. I was in the library with the kids this afternoon and came across the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert.
So… clear off that coffee table or make space on your computer desk. Here, I’ll light the candles and let me pour you some champagne with strawberries or would you prefer some hot mocha java with cream? Spago Restaurant has sent over their classic chocolate truffle cake just for you. It’s the size of a large muffin, rich in chocolate and moist to the touch. Inside is your absolute favorite truffle be it from See’s, Lindt’s, Valrona, Godiva, Scharfen-Berger, Leonidas, Perugina, Bernard Callebaut, Milka and, of course, Hershey’s for those who insist. It’s been lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar and topped with heavenly light whipped cream. Your choise of topping to match your truffle: chopped hazelnuts, curled chocolate, fresh raspberries… I’ll leave you now to enjoy.
Looks like I might be weighing in a bit late, but I like Trader Joe’s dark chocolate…the ones that come in bars about the size of a small European sports car. Quantity AND quality, at an affordable price!
They are from England. I think of Crunchy Frog when I eat them.
Too late Ricepad and Lee, but I can send ya the recipe.
Thought I’d let you know that my mailbag article about chocolate has now been posted on the site: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmchocblood.html
I used to live near Hershey, PA, and my husband and I would spend Saturdays at Chocolate World, being good little consumers and buying lots of chocolate.
Sadly, we now live in Minnesota, away from Mecca, and are forced to buy the stuff at the store like normal people.
I think the BEST chocolate is English, as it is nice and creamy and sweet. I like darker chocolate, too, but I prefer mine on the sweet side.
The sad truth, however, is this: I am for the most part uncritical about chocolate, cuz I never met chocolate I didn’t like. 
Robin
Definately maybe possibly Thorntons.
My E-mail is in my profile, nows your chance - I mean it too!!! Free!!!
Peaches, Lynn,Purplebear especially.
That’s if your customs guys allow it.
(erm ,I might end up regretting the offer but what the hell!)
Or maybe I could send one large parcel full of smaller ones with addresses on to someone who would be kind enough to send them on ? Someone who doesn’t like choccy preferably.
What did I miss here? You are sending chocolate? Ooohh!
Well sir, I happen to do all the shipping and receiving for my company, so I have re-ship for you if you want to send just one package.
The price you ask? Well send me some of that chocolate too! It has been pretty hot here the last few weeks though, so insulation is a consideration.
And I’m gonna have a limit to the takers - first 50 replies get the choccy.
The best reply gets the the special, humour please no begging.
I have very *important, extremely important * reasearch that must be done on English chocolates… it’s for school, really.
Casdave, Please add my name, Kiffa aka Peaches, to your list of folks to taste Brit chocolate. I started the original posting, I “e-shared” Spago’s chocolate truffle cake to those who replied, I want to see if the Brits really DON’T put blood into their chocolate. By the way, can you send some Belgian chocolates too?
Right then its last orders please time.
Kiffa
I need somewhere to send to, e-mail me if you are still interested.
I’m a little surprised there are not more takers but all the more for the rest eh?
Can I get into this, Dave, or is it too late?
Well I’m swiss casdave so you’ll have to work hard to convince me! I’ll e-mail my address.
I will await your verdict with bated breath Arnie