Recently, we gave Philly Homegrown intern Domenica Newell a most delicious assignment. Track down some of the city’s most delicious chocolates and chocolate-based confections. She lived up to the task and is now reporting in from her cacao-laced adventures.
Discover the joys of Valentine gift-giving (and receiving) in a few of the city’s cocoa sweet-spots. Locally inspired chocolates and baked goods are treasures for every love-struck Philadelphian this February.
At Betty’s Speakeasy, a family recipe for fudge reigns. Savor handcrafted treats like white chocolate fudge with pomegranate or dark chocolate fudge with lavender and mint leaves. Pick them up at 2241 Grey’s Ferry Ave.
John and Kira’s Ladybugs and Bees are the perfect Valentine sweets for every love bug. Each treat supports organic and cooperative establishments, as well as our local Philadelphia farmers. Their chocolates can be purchased at area farmers’ markets, or ordered online.
At the Flying Monkey Patisserie decadent double chocolate brownies and fluffy whoopie pies are baked fresh from scratch. Head over to their location in Reading Terminal Market and let yourself be tempted by the many options.
Marcie Blaine’s dreamy, delicate bonbons are always too beautiful to touch, yet too fragrant to resist. Their unique flavors are inspired by Mediterranean, Mexican, and Indian cuisine, as well as ingredients picked fresh from local farmers. Try Italian Flirt, a chocolate caramel flavored with rosemary-pine nut, or Tipsy Poodle, made with La Colombe coffee-whisky. Buy them at Verde, 108 S. 13th Street.
At Capogiro Gelato the creamy texture of Italian gelato is replicated using dairy from local Philadelphia farmers. The menu changes daily, with flavors conforming to the seasonal produce available. Entice your Valentine to flavors like Bacio, chocolate with crushed caramelized hazelnuts, or Arancia con Cardamomo, sweet oranges with cardamom. If you’re special someone lives far away, Capogiro will happily ship a collection of hand-packed pints to wherever they might be. Capogiro has multiple locations, check their website to find one near you.