Cuisine Scene: Chocolate Shops
It makes the perfect gift, it inspires fervent devotion–some might call it addiction–and it can be found in many corners of Long Beach, even cottage kitchens.
Chocolate is the treat some rank above all others, and whether draped over a sweet strawberry or perfectly tempered into a tempting bonbon, its creation is worthy of the highest praise. Read on for more about chocolate shops in Long Beach, where the practice of chocolate-making is an art form.
ALBERT’S PETITE SWEETS
Albert’s Petite Sweets (456 Elm Ave, P5) makes handcrafted confections, specializing in chocolates and bonbons. Chef Albert Daniel–winner of Hulu’s “Bakers Dozen”–draws on his Filipino heritage and chocolate master class training for inspiration. You can find his perfectly shiny and colorful bonbons in the market at Partake Collective, or order a custom designed batch with themed colors, designs, or even shapes of your choosing.
CALIFORNIO CHOCOLATE
Long Beach’s first bean-to-bar chocolatier, Californio Chocolate (3708 E Anaheim St) invites customers to immerse themselves in the 4,000-year-old tradition of enjoying chocolate first practiced by ancient inhabitants of what is now Mexico. Try premium chocolate bars processed the traditional Mexican way and flavored with vanilla or hibiscus, enjoy a hot mocha or latte swirled with Mexican cacao, or dip a freshly made churro into luxurious melted chocolate.
SIN CONFECTIONS
Step into Elizabeth Kuehne’s 123-year-old carriage house behind her home in Bluff Heights and you might think you’ve been transported into the world of Hansel and Gretel. Here, at Sin Confections (2827 E 1st St), Kuehne makes handcrafted chocolates from Halloween to Mother’s Day (the rest of the year is too warm) using antique European molds, meticulously tempering chocolate imported from South America and painting the decoration for each piece layer by layer. The business is a complete expression of Kuehne’s whimsical creativity, with a forest mural decorating the shop’s walls, fillings sourced from organic fruits and herbs in her own backyard, and the chocolates taking the form of playful hedgehogs, brilliantly colored beetles, and quirky robots.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Known for their decadent caramel apples and vast array of chocolate goodies, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (419 Shoreline Village Dr, Ste F) inside Shoreline Village is the perfect place to get a sweet treat during your boardwalk stroll. Plus, just about anything under the sun that can be coated in chocolate can be found here. Pick up perfectly dipped chocolate strawberries or a box of truffles for your sweetheart, chocolate dipped pretzels for the best sweet-salty snack, or even a chocolate covered Twinkie.
SEE’S CANDIES
A must-go stop for many visitors to Southern California, See’s Candies (4270 Long Beach Blvd / 2129 N Bellflower Blvd) is a Los Angeles-area institution, making delicious old-fashioned candies from peanut brittle to Scotchmallow truffles for over 100 years. There are two locations in Long Beach, so if you would be in hot water if you came home without a box of Nuts & Chews, you can easily pick up some chocolatey goodness on your way to the Long Beach Airport.
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