Partaking in the Delights of the New World: Salt Lake City's Xocolate is the Best Chocolatier in the West

Every time I step into Xocolate, I rebuke myself for having purchased chocolate elsewhere, and vow I will only get my chocolate fix at Xocolate from now on. That's not exactly rational. There is the wonderful, busy, Hatch Family Chocolates conveniently down the street from my house. And it is hard to resist the bowl of perfect little hazelnut-imbued creamy, melty chocolate "Ice Cubes" that sits on the counter at the pharmacy where I pick up a prescription every month, and even 3 for $1 Heath bars on sale at the grocery store. I love chocolate, it is my indulgence, my treat of choice, so of course I'm going to purchase it whenever it strikes my fancy, and feel like indulging.

So, the irrationality of my Xocolate vow may be somewhat indicative of its profound loveliness. Feeding all notions of logic and sanity to the pigeons is a good thing when it comes to chocolate. You are left with pure, unabashed and primal promptings, which, in other non-chocolate realms, may lead you to destruction and disaster, but in chocolate's case, lead you to true bliss. This is the case at Xocolate.

Xocolate is pronounced SHOW-KO-LOT. The spelling recalls the Aztec drink Xocolatl, from chocolate's primordial days in Pre-Columbian civilization. That reference, in fact, is indicative of Xocolate's historical and ancient influences. The use of the finest, premium ingredients, such as day fresh cream and butter, fine liquors, and quality fruits and nuts, as well as the methods used, are part of the rich tradition of European chocolatiers.

Historical reverence for chocolate's long history, mixed with the traditional methods of excellence and first grade ingredients are enough to insure a quality chocolate product certainly, but the greatness of Xocolate does not stop there. There is true artistry and culinary inspiration going on here. There are nearly 50 types of chocolate covered confections to choose from, including standard offerings as milk and dark chocolate covered caramels, and chocolates with fillings such as vanilla, butter cream, orange, and raspberry centers, all of which are absolutely fabulous. Also present are some truly unique offerings. Try the "Mole", whose filling is a curious blend of chocolate cream and chipotle peppers, with a generous sprinkling of red chili pepper flakes atop. This is not your grandmother's chocolate. Or maybe it is, if your grandmother was Frida Kahlo.

Xocolate's "Merlot" features a center of chocolate cream blended with red wine, and "Lavender" is loaded with a lavender-lemon-tinged chocolate cream, and adorned with lavender buds. The "Ocho Rios" is excellent, with a rum and cinnamon cream center. Xocolate's "Haystacks" may be the best I have ever had. The coconut is very fine in texture, and toasted perfectly, with an almost buttery, carmelized flavor. The chocolate that bindsthe coconut is quite delicate, and is almost truffle-like in softness.

Also offered are chocolate-dipped dried fruits, including mangoes, apricots, peaches, and pears. There is peppermint bark, classic English and white chocolate macadamia toffee, and enormous hand-dipped caramel Fuji apples. Very good lattes and espresso drinks are available to customers lucky enough to peruse the shop in person. It's my experience that Xocolate's staff are very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in selecting their products. They are generous with free samples, too! So, there is no way you will leave with something you aren't in love with, and absolutely certain of. Xocolate has a full satisfaction guarantee. There are also gift crates available, and various sizes of gift boxes starting at just $28, and other fancy items.

The store is happy, small and cozy, and very family friendly. There's plenty of easy, meterless street parking right in front of the store. It is located close to downtown, near the University of Utah, about 2 blocks east of the Trolley Square Mall, on Salt Lake City's East side, at 863 East 700 South. Xocolate is happy to ship their products, and has a great, user-friendly, easy navigable website. Orders can be placed via telephone at 800-896-2720 or by fax at 801-487-2802. Visit the website for details on items and ordering information.