
Valentine’s Day is once again upon us, and love is in the air. Or at least, it seems so as shops overflow with pink and red heart-shaped boxes of confectionary delights. You might be thinking, “How is this even a real holiday?” And then, “How can I make this year’s gift stand out?” Lucky for you, we’ve got answers for both.
Valentine’s Day started out as a feast in honor of the martyred 3rd-century St. Valentine. Oddly enough, the celebration didn’t have anything to do with love until 14th-century poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a poem solidifying the day into a celebration of affection. Since then, couples around the world have used February 14th to show loved ones their devotion, often in the form of sweet treats – like chocolate.
And really, what better way to express your love? Chocolate has become a timeless symbol of romance, evoking passion and indulgence. From creamy truffles to decadent cake, chocolate has a special ability to enhance anything from a fresh strawberry to the joy of any occasion. With this sea of choices, we’ve found three local chocolate savants who will truly raise the bar for your future celebrations.
Walking into one of Kate Weiser Chocolate’s DFW shops is a sensorial delight. Known for her eponymous hand-painted chocolates, this California Culinary Academy graduate, who honed her craft as a pastry chef at iconic restaurants like Stephan Pyles and Nobu, knows how to create a show-stopping dessert. The Dallas-based chocolatier even landed a spot on Oprah’s coveted “Favorite Things” list in 2018.
Case in point: her bonbons. They are almost too aesthetically stunning to eat. Note that we said “almost.” That’s because these artfully decorated confections are somehow even more delicious than they are beautiful. While perfect any time of the year, these treats truly shine around Valentine’s Day, nestled inside a heart-shaped box. Nothing says “I love you” better than an assortment of these perfectly crafted parcels in mouth-watering flavors like Cookies N' Cream, Sea Salt Caramel Hazelnut, Red Wine and Berries, and Passion Fruit.
Chocolate Hangover has made a name for itself as one of the must-try locations on Grapevine’s Main Street. There’s a good reason for that. Owner Jennifer Dean pulls out all the stops, offering over 50 flavors of Texas-shaped truffles and more than 100 varieties of fudge. True to the name, the shop also features a selection of chocolates infused with indulgent spirits like single malt scotch, añejo tequila, tawny port and Irish cream. And for a more lighthearted – though 21-and-up – treat, there are boozy push-up pops that are guaranteed to delight.
For Valentine’s Day, a thoughtfully curated assortment from Chocolate Hangover will unquestionably win you brownie points. With Texas Truffle flavors ranging from the classics, like dark chocolate, raspberry and caramel sea salt, to the truly unique, like jalapeño, crème brulée and cabernet, it’s easy to customize the perfect present for that special someone.
Chocolates and roses are undeniably a Valentine’s Day staple. At D’Caramel on East Southlake Boulevard, they’re one and the same in the most stunning fashion. Chef Anna Narinan, who trained under the likes of world-renowned pastry chefs like Cedric Grolet, Stephane Glacier, Daniel Alvarez and Francois Brunet, has already turned the Southlake patisserie into the ultimate destination for anyone craving European-infused pastry goodness. Customers rave about delectable treats like Paris-Brest, eclairs, macarons, croissants, three-dimensional tarts and canelé.
Their signature rose-shaped Raspberry Chocolate is no exception. Take your holiday to the next level as rich chocolate combines with tangy raspberry to satisfy any sweet tooth and leave you craving more. The shop is also featuring an array of fan-favorite heart-shaped treats, as well as a carefully selected “I love you” set, ideal for expressing just how deep your sentiments go.