Kakao Chocolate

To describe Brian Pelletier’s company as an artisan chocolate maker would be to overlook all the other deliciousness it offers. Confections like bacon-pecan brittle, pates de fruits and flavored marshmallows. Sauces for pizza and curry and enchiladas. Hot chocolate mix. Grill rubs.

But Pelletier’s passion is chocolate, and Kakao is beloved first and foremost for its sweet treats made from cacao beans. Sea salt caramels are the most popular—justifiably, in our humble opinion—but it’s impossible to go wrong with a box of mixed truffles. Some are available year-round; others use seasonal or specialty ingredients. These chocolatiers will adapt anything to fit inside a rectangle of chocolate, even absinthe or beets or tomatoes and basil. Its products are made from all-natural ingredients (cream, butter, vanilla bean seed, spices, nuts, liqueurs) and hand-dipped in small batches.

Kakao is a tireless supporter of local markets and events, no matter how sultry or chilly the weather, and customers reciprocate by flocking to the Maplewood shop for tastings, pairings and chocolate-making classes. Online orders are possible too, but half the fun of a visit to this shop is giving in to temptation and trying something new.

7272 MANCHESTER ROAD

314.645.4446

WHILE YOU'RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

Pie Oh My!

It really doesn’t get any better than these made-from-scratch pies in traditional and exotic flavors (applegreen chili or hazelnut-caramelcoffee, anyone?)

2719 SUTTON BLVD.

314.704.441

Strange Donuts

This local chain got its start here in 2013, making classic styles and outsidethe-box “creations” fresh every day.

2709 SUTTON BLVD.

314.932.5851

Boardwalk Waffles and Ice Cream

The name says it all: New Jersey-styleBelgian waffles are topped with icecream and eaten like a sandwich.

7326 MANCHESTER ROAD

314.449.1209