Conscious Choice Seattle: In the Mood for . . . Chocolate

February 2005 | Slice of Life

In the Mood for . . . Chocolate

We obsess over it, we crave it, we love it—and Fran’s delivers the goods

by Nora West

SITUATION: Have needed a number of small gift items, both over the holidays and for upcoming Valentine’s Day.

SOLUTION: Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. (two locations: University Village/next to Zao Noodle Bar; 206-528-9969 and 10036 Main St., Bellevue; 425-453-1698).

Chocolate is a fascinating substance. People are obsessed by it, addicted to it (or so they claim). Its history is ancient and rich.

The creation of high-quality chocolate is complex and highly sensitive. Temperature matters, competing smells matter and, very importantly, the quality of the cocoa beans matters.
Recently, dark chocolate has received good press in the nutrition world due to its potent antioxidant value. Our ancestors could have told us this centuries ago. They imbibed it for everything from metabolic reasons to sexual prowess.

Most people need no reason other than the dreamy, elevated state it leaves us in, combined with its delightful taste. Fran’s makes its chocolate on Capitol Hill and sells it in U Village and Bellevue.

The staff offers terrific service, helping you pick and choose among the many options and packaging your selections beautifully. You can go as big or as small as you wish, with small four- or eight-piece boxes up to stacks of hatboxes filled with every possible truffle, caramel, nut, sauce, etc. for your beloved’s heart’s desire.

I have a good friend who loves the taste sensation of sweet mingled with salty. I sent him a box of the caramels sprinkled with sea salt. This may sound unusual, but they are delicious. I asked my friend how he liked them and he said, “I ate every single piece without sharing one. I was called every name in the English language synonymous with ‘pig’ by those around me.”

My pal said he did not care and he would probably do it again.

The assorted truffles, both dark and milk chocolate, are for those who cannot decide or who want to try them all. Choices include classic dark, milk, orange (made with Grand Marnier), raspberry (made with Chambord), single-malt whiskey and espresso. Fran’s has fresh boxes already packed, or you can create your own box from a counter laden with chocolate riches.

You will find different chocolate-covered nuts (such as almonds). I tasted macadamia nuts dusted with cocoa butter that literally melt in your mouth. They sell hot cocoa mix and even ice cream.

My mom loves macadamia nuts and prefers milk chocolate (not as healthful but her preference). I sent her milk chocolate caramel clusters with toasted macadamia nuts. I have yet to hear if she shared them with my dad.

If you want to maintain the allure of secrecy, have Fran’s ship it for you. They ship all over, and it would maintain your secret admirer status.

I have a friend with whom I traveled in Europe for three months. She would buy chocolate everywhere (France, Switzerland, Austria, Scandinavia) with the intention of giving it to her mom and aunt. She would always eat whatever she had purchased by the next day. Her mother never got the goods. I’m thinking of the tower of hatboxes for her upcoming birthday.

A college roommate of mine who was normally trustworthy and respectful would eat all of anything containing chocolate in our apartment, regardless of who it belonged to. She would just say, “I couldn’t help myself. You should have hidden it.”

Stories of reckless abandon regarding chocolate abound. The diamond people would probably say they are No. 1 on the “love list,” but I have a feeling chocolate is not far behind. Not too many things stoke the flame of passion more.

Whatever the occasion or whomever the chocolate-loving recipient, you’ll find the right gift at Fran’s. It will bring new meaning to “being sweet on” for Valentine’s Day.

Nora West is Evergreen Monthly’s dining critic. She lives and eats with pleasure in the Puget Sound area.

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