Whether you’re smitten with Valentine’s Day or think it’s a corporate conspiracy, we’d wager you could benefit from a little chocolate in your life. Order some for yourself or share the love with friends, family or your paramour – or all of the above. Chocolate for everyone, we say!
Skip the chains and support an indie chocolatier this year. Here are some of our favorites.
Zak’s Chocolate
Longtime loves Jim and Maureen Elitzak make “bean-to-bar” chocolate in their North Scottsdale shop. In addition to their regular retinue of chocolate bars (including vegan options!), snack bars, chocolate squares, caramels, chocolates and brownie flights, the couple has special offerings for Valentine’s Day. LOVE bars ($12), heart-shaped boxes ($52) and chocolates with heart designs ($10 for a four-piece box to $115 for a four-tier, 36-piece box) are all great options. You can also enjoy special flavors and designs only available for the holiday, including a two-layer heart-shaped raspberry-passion fruit mousse, chocolate-covered marshmallow hearts, rose caramels topped with rose sugar crystals, passion fruit hearts and Pillsbury Wine Company Diva Syrah ganache. Look for a chocolate beer collaboration with Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. soon as well. zakschocolate.com
Stone Grindz
Steven Shipler and Kasey McCaslin’s single-origin dark chocolate is making international waves. The Scottsdale duo were the first American makers to win the Tasters World Gold and the World Gold for Enrobed Dark Chocolate Caramels in the International Chocolate Awards in 2019. Pick up a single-origin or flavored chocolate bar (starting at $8) or treat yourself to black sesame and miso caramels ($20 for an eight-piece box). Valentine’s Day-appropriate offerings include a raspberry gelato oat milk white bar ($9), strawberry and Chardonnay chocolates ($12 for a four-piece box) and The Sweetheart Bar ($9) with edible flowers. stonegrindz.com
Noi Cacao
If your Valentine is a little on the salty side, chocolatier Alex Olmos Axelson has the treats for you. Dark chocolate salted corn nuts ($10) and the salted toffee pistachio bar ($10) offer welcome savory balance to all the V-Day sweetness. Fruity chocolate lovers will delight in the Candied Arcadia Orange Bar and the Red Berries bar (each $10). Most offerings are vegan and gluten-free. Oh, and we named Noi Best Chocolatier in our Best of the Valley issue last year. Did we mention that? noicacao.square.site
Spero
Does chocolate taste even sweeter when you know eating it supports a good cause? Mesa entrepreneur Craig Eaton thinks so. He started Spero Chocolates, a line of chocolate bars with locally inspired names (Scottsdale Blonde, Flagstaff Tree Hugger, Phoenix Fire, Mesa Mint, etc.) to benefit charities that support children and families in need. For $5-$6 each, they’re an economical yet delightful way to show your sweetie you care – about them and others. sperochocolate.com
Chocofin
Louis and Denise Mirabella’s Fountain Hills chocolate shop has been a Valley institution since 1998 – and they offer way more than chocolates. The couple also crafts barks and toffee (priced per pound), brownies, cookies, macaroons and even special-occasion cakes. Sugar-free options are a boon for those watching their sugar intake. Flavored chocolates are where they truly shine, though, and we can’t get enough of the espresso, roasted raspberry, and salt and pepper versions ($1.45 each; gift boxes range from $3.95-$37.89). chocofin.com
