Christopher Elbow chocolates
I was lucky enough to grow up in a town that smells like chocolate. Lititz, Pennsylvania is the home of Wilbur Chocolate, and I remember the sweet smell that would waft through the air as the neighborhood gang played ball or built forts or terrorized the old lady next door.
Though I’m not a chocolate aficionado, my early exposure to Wilbur Buds made me realize that Hershey and Mars fall short. So needless to say, I was thrilled when my friend J Bubbles (another Lititz native) gave me a box of Christopher Elbow artisnal chocolates. Seriously, have you ever seen such a display? And they taste as good as they look.
Ms. Bubbles helps out at Christopher Elbow headquarters, located in downtown Kansas City. We visited the store last week, and I am now the proud owner of “drinking chocolate infused with chilies, cinnamon, and vanilla bean.” It’s THE BEST–the chocolate is quality, and the chili is warming.
In the spirit of the season, I shared the chocolates with my family and some New Year’s Eve guests, so I didn’t taste each flavor. Starting in the upper left-hand corner and going across:
- Top: Venezuelan dark, fresh mint, Vietnamese cinnamon, rosemary caramel, Morello cherry, maple spice, sterling champagne
- Middle: Grand Marnier, black currant, caramel with fleur de sel, honey vanilla, Jamaican rum, Spanish saffron, citrus caramel
- Bottom: espresso with lemon, raspberry, bourbon pecan, Earl Grey tea, lemon verbena, passion fruit, Venezuelan dark.
I was lucky enough to grow up in a town that smells like chocolate.
Good Grief!
Mmm.. my mouth is watering. It’s too bad my Mom’s cutting out sugar this year, otherwise I would send her some of these for her birthday. (But now, maybe I will send them to myself.)
you are SO nicer than me
i do NOT share my chocolate–EVER
feel free to ask my address and you can send me some as i recover! LOL
(totally kidding–the new year’s diet does not allow for such decadence–sigh)
I also should mention that these chocolates ain’t cheap. But hey, you’re worth it!
I’m glad you mentioned the price because I’m a cheap ass.
Man, that sounds good! Much better than the lame chocolate chip cookies downstairs that I’m trying not to eat while I work from home today.
I just priced them $1.67 a piece–and that doesn’t include shipping. But they are beautiful–I think I will get them for my sister’s birthday–she’s worth it.
Jen, aren’t you soon to be Jen, esq. or whatever you guys call yourselves? I’ll send you a box for graduation!
When J Bubbles and I went to store, it was closed, but Mr. Elbow was very gracious and let us in anyway. I could tell that a lot of care and attention to detail goes into the chocolates.
I like the idea of buying something crafted instead of mass produced, even if I can’t afford to do it regularly.
You’ve given me an idea! I should post an Amazon Graduation wish list.. but I’ll do it closer to May.
Mmmm artisanal chocolate.
Before I became Good Grief aware I had no idea that there were such things such as artisanal cheeses… and now I know about artisanal chocolates!
Where does the madness end?
I had the pleasure to work with Chris at the American Rest. and he is unbelivable! He’s such a perfectionist and takes pride in his work. Actually today I was at his shop visiting him and he let me taste test a few new flavors that he’s experimenting with… TOOO DIE FOR! I have to admit he is one of the best I have ever seen/tasted!! He has a new 16 pieces collection in a cute pink box for Valentines. I can’t wait to see Chris prosper because he totally deserves it! BTW- I found your page when I was searching for his webpage. Have a good one and I will mention to him that I read this. He will love it!
I recently ordered a box of chocolates, some chocolate with almonds (which I had not sampled) and a package of hot chocolate mix to a friend in Florida. She was so impressed with the fabulous chocolates….the hot chocolate….also she said the packaging and presentation was wonderful. I need to order some to be sent to me here in KC so I know and can agree.
What is the shop’s name? Is there one in downtown kansas city?
Chris’ only shop is located near the corner of 20th St.and Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City. His retail counter is in the back of High Cotton (Furniture Store). Just look for the dk. sage green brick building. He’s open for business 10-5 Tuesday through Saturday and until 9:00 on First Fridays. He has a new flavor that is to DIE for: Bananas Foster. YUM!!! Becky, you need to come back for this one!