February 5, 2020
Where to buy your Valentine’s Day chocolates
Ditch the cellophane-wrapped box this year
Twenty Degrees Chocolates recently opened a shop in the Design Center. Kristen Wile/UP
When I was a little kid, I adored the heart-shaped boxes of truffles Whitman’s sold at convenience stores. The best ones, in my eyes, were the ones with Peanuts characters on the box. They were mostly cardboard, with a few chocolates inside, and I cared less about the chocolate than I did the sweet scene printed on the heart. Nowadays, however, I like to spend my Valentine’s Day calories on decadent, well-sourced chocolates, no matter what kind of container they’re in. Here are our picks for the best spots to get your Valentine a treat this year. —Kristen Wile
Twenty Degrees Chocolates
When Twenty Degrees Chocolates expanded from a small display inside of Petit Philippe into a brick-and-mortar storefront in the Design Center, owner Casey Hickey said she wanted the shop to feel like a jewelry box. The luxurious jewel tones reflect the beauty of the hand-crafted truffles, with flavors that range from salted caramel to cocktail-inspired. They also sell bars and glass jars of chocolate-coated goodies.
The Secret Chocolatier
This Cotswold chocolate shop has been a Charlotte favorite for years. Order a dozen chocolate roses, traditional box of caramels and truffles, or sign your sweetie up for a chocolate-of-the-month club.
The Underground Truffle
All of The Underground Truffle’s bean-to-bar chocolates and truffles are made with organic cacao. Purchase their products at Reid’s Fine Foods, or sign up for a chocolate workshop in the Plaza Midwood event space. The next one takes place on March 7.
Potts Chocolate
Currently popping up in 7th Street Public Market, Potts Chocolate serves a bourbon-filled truffle that’s a boozy delight for a whiskey-drinking date. Find the headquarters on Cedar Street, where the chocolatier hosts tastings and classes. Looking for an interactive Valentine’s Day? Potts is hosting a beer and chocolate pairing at Pilot Brewing the night of Feb. 14.
Chocolatier Barrucand
Owned by husband-and-wife team Jean-Luc and Ann Marie Barrucand, this Concord shop goes beyond artisan confections. Grab some chocolates, then browse their traditional French pastries, breads, cheeses, and wines. What’s more romantic than all things French?
