Madame Chocolat + Domaine Carneros = Fabulous decadence

Published on Thursday, May 10th, 2012

I’ve been writing about how much I love Madame Chocolat since she opened her fabulous factory/atelier. Her latest addition to the scrumptious lineup of chocolate treats? Champagne truffles, made with Domaine Carneros champagne! Barrie and I recently attended the very sweet launch of the fabulous duet and confirmed yet again that we are addicts of Madame.

Made by infusing 43% Belgium milk chocolate ganache truffle with Brut sparkling wine, Domaine Carneros Founding Winemaker and CEO Eileen Crane is SO right in stating “ It makes a simple yet indulgent dessert – if the meal is even necessary.” I for one, could definitely exist on brut and chocolate – who needs food?

P.S. You can order the fabulous pair here


More chocolate to love in the hood

Published on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

It’s a boutique! It’s a chocolate factory!

les bonbons at Madame Chocolat

I remember seeing the opening of this shop in the Beverly Hills Courier. I thought – that woman thinks about chocolate the same way I think about design! I never walk down Canon Drive between Dayton and Wilshire – it’s not on my usual route, but The Critter and I happened to be in that area. I had walked quite a few blocks in the HOT HOT sun that day, I let out an audible “ooohhh – what’s in here?” when I came upon this factory / boutique. I delightedly swung the BOB into the bell festooned door. Fancily decorated with an indulgently large French chandelier smack in the middle of the place, Madame Chocolat is definitely for those who like their chocolate served up with a little glamour. As she served me a caramel bonbon on a tiny silver tray, Chocolatier Hasty Torres’ Mom informed me of the quality and unique character of each candy. After one bite, I chose a few more, and now Madam Chocolat is one of my addictions. I may even have a birthday party there for my addict friends!


Decadence for Dads in Beverly Hills

Published on Saturday, June 19th, 2010

When my Perfect Husband and I saw this crocodile golf bag in the window of Francesco Santoro, it stopped us both in our tracks. In times where even the most extravagant of designers are holding back on the luxe, this is a breath of fresh air. It had the same effect on me as getting to the fantasy gift in the Neiman Marcus holiday catalog. The emerald green tint and the perfect hide was mesmeric!

Madame Chocolat spares no detail either in her Father’s Day theme – as a jeweler is to gold and gems, she is to chocolate! She has created a vast collection of tools and toys for boys that simply have no peer in the ‘hood.

My Perfect Husband and I believe that the weekend we traveled to Pebble Beach and Carmel in 2006 for the Concours d’Elegance was when the magical DNA mix-up that gave us our Critter occurred. Tomorrow we will stroll over to the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance so my baby daddy can ogle classic and custom cars and play with one of his cameras. This has become a tradition for us, having gone for the last three years. It’s a very convivial day on Rodeo – the street is lined with nothing BUT big boy toys. I strongly suggest any single gals wondering where the guys are get your A game on – they’ll there will in the thousands!

Happy Father’s Day to all you Big Daddies! xoxoxo


Window shopping today in Beverly Hills

Published on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

This is a virtual Easter Dream! Today’s stroll to Whole Foods took me past the sublime Madame Chocolat, you may remember my mention of her before. The Easter Bunny will definitely hop on by to see Madame before Good Friday!