Compartes Chocolatier - Espresso Martini - Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini 67% Cacao (bar) - May 29, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Espresso Martini - Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini 67% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.35 oz. (38 g.) / 2.7 oz. (76 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate & Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Espresso Martini - Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini 67% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma notes included: slightly roasted coffee and dark chocolate; vanilla; faint spirits/alcohol (vodka); and faint marshmallow/whipped cream.

Texture: smooth with an even melt and mouthfeel (no coffee or cacao grit).

I enjoyed the satisfying dark chocolate and light espresso blend. It was a sweet chocolate version of an espresso-mocha martini. The vodka flavor was very subtle, but it was enough to "sell" the martini concept.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as An Emulsifier, Vanilla), Coffee, Vodka

Allergen-related information: "Made in a Facility That Handles Dairy, Peanuts, Wheat, Egg, Soy, Tree Nuts." "Vegan, Gluten Free"

Compartes Chocolatier - Pumpkin Spiced Latte 44% Cacao Milk Chocolate (bar) - May 28, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Pumpkin Spiced Latte 44% Cacao Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.35 oz. (38 g.) / 2.7 oz. (76 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order 

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate & Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Pumpkin Spiced Latte 44% Cacao Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet, pumpkin-spiced mocha latte. This bar had the rich texture and flavor of a chocolate bar, with the sweet and light hot cocoa + pumpkin-spiced latte, and a subtle coffee/mocha finish.

Texture: smooth with a pleasing melt

This was a tasty milk chocolate rendition of a pumpkin spiced latte.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Coffee, Pumpkin, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy (Lecithin). "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts." "Gluten Free"

Compartes Chocolatier: Thailand Sticky Rice with Mango & The Margarita Bar (bars) - Dec. 26, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Mango Sticky Rice Chocolate 36% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Compartes Chocolatier
The Margarita Bar - Dark Chocolate Margarita Lime 73% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g.) / 2.6 oz. (74 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Rice Week and Day #2 of Chocolate and Thailand Theme Week, through the lens of a virtual holiday vacation in Thailand.

Today's two bars were from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). They join the long list of fun flavored and elegantly clad bars from Compartes featured over the years.

The first of the two bars -- The White Lotus - Mango Sticky Rice Chocolate 36% Cacao (bar) -- is a reference to "The White Lotus" (HBO series). Season 3 was filmed in Thailand. 

White chocolates are occasionally enjoyed here on Chocolate Banquet, but without cocoa solids they don't count. So the "Mango Sticky Rice Chocolate" white chocolate bar was paired with "The Margarita Bar" dark chocolate bar from the same chocolatier.

Together, these two bars launched virtual visits to several restaurants and cafes in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, including those with tropical fruits and mango with sticky rice items (K. Panich, Bangkok), and a visit to one bar with a very creative Thai-inspired take on a Margarita-style cocktail, garnished with an edible gold chocolate.

The White Lotus 35% White Chocolate (bar)

Aroma notes for this bar included: tropical fruit (pineapple, mango), sweet rice cereal, vanilla caramel,  and very faint coconut.

Texture: creamy, caramel-hued white chocolate with softly crunchy crisped rice 

Flavor: sweet, fruity, slightly tangy, with rich caramel and vanilla; very faint (barely detectable) coconut

This bar evoked the smells of days at the beach with tropical juice-drinks, caramel candies, and coconut suntan lotion as a child, as well as mango and pineapple fruit salads and popsicles.

Ingredients: White Chocolate (Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Whole Milk, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Mango, Rice, Coconut Milk.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts."

The Margarita Bar 73% Dark Chocolate (bar)

Today's "The Margarita Bar" 73% dark bar was a fitting tribute to a popular cocktail that likely originated in Mexico in the late 1930s.

Are there Margaritas in Thailand? Yes, there are, particularly in larger cities catering to tourists and ex-pats. I was impressed by a talented bartender (Nopadon Thamsongla, aka "Bomb") at the "Margarita Bar" in Bangkok who has mixed up some amazing drinks, including a Margarita-like cocktail garnished with a golden (gilded chocolate) nugget.*

Aroma notes for this Margarita 73% chocolate bar included: dark chocolate, tart-sweet citrus (lime), faint vanilla, and faint spirits (tequila).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a constellation of tiny, crunchy salt crystals.

Flavor: smooth, rich dark chocolate, gentle and authentic lime, sparkles of sea salt and faint spirits.

I enjoyed the authentic dark chocolate and lime flavors--and the use of salt to add flavor, evoke a Margarita and balance the sweetness. The ingredients were well-balanced; the vanilla and tequila were not too overwhelming (thank you); and all the elements harmonized nicely together.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as An Emulsifier, Vanilla), Tequila, Lime, Sea Salt 

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten Free" "Made in a facility that handles Dairy, Peanuts, Wheat, Egg, Soy, Tree Nuts"

*As part of this week's virtual visit to Thailand, I watched (videos of) a very talented bartender in the "Margarita Bar" in Bangkok. One featured a cocktail garnished with a golden (gilded chocolate) nugget.*

The video explained that this golden nugget was filled with a garnet-colored dehydrated concoction of pomelo, soy sauce and agar agar that was coated with chocolate, and then covered in edible gold to accompany what might have been a pomelo Margarita.

Mirzam - Mango Sticky Rice 52% Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Mirzam Chocolate Makers
Mango Sticky Rice 52% Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total

Calories: 166 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $14.50 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Rice Theme Week.

Today's flavorful Mango Sticky Rice 52% Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Mirzam Chocolate Makers (Kakaw Manufacturing Co. LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates). 

Aroma and flavor notes for this attractively packaged* bar included: smooth milk chocolate, fruit (mango) and sweet, fruity rice cereal with very faint coconut oil.

Sticky Rice with Mango is a popular dessert dish across many Asian nations, including India, China and Thailand...where we're headed this week.** And this bar was a fusion of stories and ingredients from many countries.

The rice, mango and coconut found in today's bar have an intertwined history with Arab traders. The company's name (Mirzam) refers to a star that Arab traders followed.

Rice was likely first cultivated in China, but rice in India and Thailand may stretch back as far back as 6,000 BCE. Arab traders brought mangos from South Asia to the middle east and helped expand markets for rice. They also carried coconuts to the middle east from India and SE Asia.

Texture: a blend of creamy milk chocolate studded with crispy, softly crunchy, roasted rice bits. (The mango was completely incorporated into the chocolate.)

Flavor notes included a very satisfying blend of flavors: smooth dark milk chocolate (slightly more flavorful than most milk chocolates and slightly less sweet (thank you!)); complex, authentic, fruity mango, very faint coconut, and slightly malty crispy rice bits. 

The makers elevated (what might have been) a sweet, fruity milk chocolate into a celebration of each of component by sourcing a short list of high-quality ingredients. The choices to use a single origin (India) chocolate (and a slightly darker 52%, vs. for example, a 40-45% cacao milk chocolate) and the Alphonse mango were especially nice. The coconut wasn't intrusive; and the rice added a mellowing flavor and a crispy texture.

Ingredients: "Cocoa beans, unrefined cane sugar, cocoa butter, coconut, mango, roasted rice"

*The background printed on the bar's packaging was inspired by Chinese blue and white porcelain -- complete with a dragon surrounded by clouds and a geometric pattern resembling rows of dragon scales across the top half. 

The dragon(s) amid clouds motif is considered auspicious, and can connote "imperial power and divine connection."

To me, this pattern evoked ancient traditions behind crafting rice and mangos, and crafting beautiful items in Asia--while a world away in the Americas cacao (including cacao pulp/fruit) and maize and ceramics were being celebrated. How wonderful that all these traditions came together (a "divine connection") in such a delicious way today.

**The day after tomorrow, we will segue into Chocolate & Thailand Theme Week.

Compartes Chocolatier - Rice Crispy Treat Milk Chocolate 44% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Rice Crispy Treat - Milk Chocolate 44% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Rice Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet.

Today's Rice Crispy Treat - Milk Chocolate 44% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). 

Compartes offers a dazzling array of different dark, milk and white chocolate bars--most with flavor inclusions, and many with fun entertainment tie-ins as well. They also produce chocolate confections and chocolate dipped fruit collections.

Aroma and flavor notes for this attractively packaged* bar included: sweet milk chocolate with marshmallow rice crispy treats. 

Texture: sweet well-tempered milk chocolate with crispy, slightly crunchy marshmallow rice crispy bits.

This bar was a little too sweet for me, but those with a sweet tooth who like milk chocolate and rice crispy treats will love this relatively addicting bar. 

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Rice Crispy Treats (Toasted Rice Cereal (Rice, Sugar, Salt, Malt Flavor, Niacinamide, Reduced Iron, Vitamin B2, Folic Acid), Corn Syrup, Fructose, Butter, Marshmallows (Corn Syrup, Sugar, Modified Food Starch, Gelatin))

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts."

*The package was elegantly illustrated with illuminated palm trees against a dark blue sky lit up with gold stars. A beautiful clear evening sky in Hollywood, with lighting and special effects to dress up a winter night.

Compartes - White Lotus Pineapple Coconut 73% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
The White Lotus Pineapple Coconut Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar)

Good ++
Weight: 2.7 oz. (77 g.) in total bar
Calories: 460 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order 

Welcome to Day #20 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week(s).

Today's The White Lotus Pineapple Coconut Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). 

This bar was inspired by the award-winning (HBO) TV show The White Lotus -- Season 1 (Hawaii), a dark comedy centered around the staff and guests at a tropical resort.* 

Aroma notes for this attractively packaged bar included: smooth, sweet dark chocolate and subtle, dried fruit (pineapple) and toasted coconut.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy dark chocolate with tiny bits of softly chewy pineapple and chewy (slightly tougher chew) lightly toasted, golden-hued coconut shreds.

The small pieces of candied pineapple weren't overly sweet (thank you). The tiny coconut shreds were more detectable in the flavor than the aroma, and also tasted authentic (not too overwhelming).

I liked the balanced blend of flavors in this 73% cacao dark chocolate with tropical flavor inclusions. 

Maker's description: "Unwrap a delectable infusion of flavors with rich, decadent chocolate, coconut and pineapple for chic Hawaiian vibes, and be transported to "The Pineapple Room" (where drama unfolds). 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as An Emulsifier, Vanilla), Pineapple, Coconut"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts."

*The Pineapple Room featured on "The White Lotus" TV show was modeled after (and filmed in) the 3-bedroom, Lokelani Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (Kihei, Hawaii).

Compartes Chocolatier - The Drive In 44% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
The Drive In 44% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week.

Today's "The Drive In" 44% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Compartes offers a wide selection of chocolates with different flavor inclusions, including several bars with references to Hollywood, movies and/or entertainment. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Hollywood-themed bar included: sweet milk chocolate interspersed with embedded pieces of lightly salted, buttered popcorn.

Texture: Thick, creamy and rich milk chocolate bar with very soft, lightly crunchy popcorn pieces.

I enjoyed the popcorn and chocolate blend, and the bar's packaging--with an image of a drive-in with rows of parked cars facing a very large, elevated screen. 

This bar brought up a blend of childhood memories of being at drive-in theaters and eating snacks in the car--some homemade and some bought at concession stands). At one time in the U.S. there were more than 4,000 drive-in movie theaters (including three within a few miles of  where I grew up). Now there may be fewer than 200. 

The multi-screen Century theater that I frequent now was a former drive-in theater until the 1980s. Popcorn snacks, chocolates and other candies and soft drinks along with new additions like nachos are still available for sale.

Today's popcorn bar inspired me to re-watch an animated short film from the 1950s, with dancing refreshments reminding movie-goers (in theaters and drive-ins) to visit the snack bar. ("Let's All Go to The Lobby...").* The film is still shown at some independent theaters, and has spawned take-offs by other animators and filmmakers. I can still hear this song in my head.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an emulsifier, Vanilla), Smoked Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles Dairy, Peanuts, Wheat, Egg, Soy, Tress Nuts"

*Over time this theater became surrounded by a succession of technology companies (many of which have come and gone). Those companies have included: Adobe, Silicon Graphics, Google, Microsoft and other tech companies involved in commercial media and entertainment. YouTube movies anyone? Wait, I'll "Google" what's playing at the theater.

**The ad/trailer/short film features four singing and dancing refreshment items getting snacks in the lobby -- including popcorn and chocolate characters. It was Directed by Dave Fleisher for the Filmack Studios. The film has inspired a few different versions (one with Covid masks) and at least one short live action horror film with the same title in 2020.

 

Compartes Chocolatier - Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows (pink and white striped bar) - Dec. 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
The Beverly Hills Hotel Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel 73% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet. 

Today's "The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel 73% Cacao" (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). 

Compartes offers a creative line of chocolate bars with different flavor inclusions, including several with references to Hollywood, movies and/or entertainment -- and at least two bars that pay homage specifically to the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Beverly Hills Hotel-themed dark chocolate, caramel and salt bar included: pleasingly smooth chocolate-y dark chocolate and light, almost buttery caramel. 

Texture: well-tempered, smooth and relatively creamy dark chocolate with slightly crunchy sparkles of sea salt.

I enjoyed the satisfying dose of sea salt and the subtle almost smokey, warm caramel notes.

Warning: This chocolate is addictive ("more-ish") if you're hungry. Indeed, this bar quickly faded to black--as have many Hollywood stars who've enjoyed Beverly Hills Hotel since it opened in 1912.

The illustrated pattern for this bar's packaging--a pink and white pin striped pattern--is part of the Hotel's overall pink* and green color palette.

The hotel may carry Compartes Chocolatier bars like this one in their gift shop. (And if you're still interested in chocolate, head to the Polo Lounge for a chocolate souffle.)

I "paired" this chocolate with the 1978 film: "California Suite" that featured a star-studded cast with drama unfolding at/inside the famed hotel involving five separate couples. I also enjoyed watching "The History of Beverly Hills," (Hilton & Hyland President) Jeff Hyland's insider account of the city's history, ties with Hollywood films, film stars...and their estates. 

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an emulsifier, Vanilla), Cane Sugar, Butter, Cream, Vanilla, Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Gluten Free"

*The choice of pink was inspired by the colors in southern California sunsets.

Compartes - Old Hollywood with Smoked Salt (bar) - Nov. 29, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Old Hollywood Dark Chocolate Smoked Salt 75% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week.

Today's Old Hollywood Dark Chocolate Smoked Salt 75% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA)--a company with chocolate roots in L.A. that began in 1950.

Compartes offers a wide selection of chocolates with different flavor inclusions, including several with references to Hollywood, movies and/or entertainment. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Hollywood-themed bar included: smooth, rich and relatively sweet dark chocolate; very faint, diffuse fruit (berry) and even fainter wood and smoked salt. The salt was not obvious in the aroma, but it complemented (and helped balance) the relatively sweet 75% dark chocolate.

I liked the slightly darker chocolate with a smooth, barely there bitterness and the use of smoked salt. The very faint, dark berry note rounded out the flavor profile.

I enjoyed the bar's attractive packaging--with a dark ebony wood (or marble) background adorned with slightly faded, gold, bird-like art deco shapes. A good fit with today's Old Hollywood theme + smoked salt. (While you'd be hard-pressed to find as many smokers in Hollywood venues today, I'm sure there were many smoky bars and Hollywood hang-outs back in the day.)

I "paired" this chocolate with two movies: "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019) and "The Artist" (2011) as well as an animated short "Hollywood Steps Out" (1941) from Leon Schlesinger Productions (pre Warner Bros.); and Disney's "Once Upon a Studio" (2023)--a short reunion of the studio's historic range of animated characters. 

A balanced, albeit eclectic, 4-course classic movie meal to enjoy with today's Old Hollywood chocolate.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an emulsifier, Vanilla), Smoked Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles Dairy, Peanuts, Wheat, Egg, Soy, Tress Nuts"

  

Compartes - The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Deep Milk Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Deep Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet. Also, Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating and feeling grateful today.

Today's The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Deep Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). 

Compartes offers a wide selection of chocolates with different flavor inclusions, including several with references to Hollywood, movies and/or entertainment. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Beverly Hills Hotel-themed bar included: sweet milk chocolate. 

This sweet, creamy and rich 46% cacao milk chocolate was also addictive. It was gone all too quickly--just like the Hollywood stars who've visited The Beverly Hills Hotel since it opened in 1912.

I enjoyed the bar's attractive packaging--with lush greenery and flowers inspired by the hotel grounds (and the wallpaper inside) this pink- and green-tinged Beverly Hills resort. (The hotel may even carry Compartes Chocolatier Beverly Hills Hotel-themed bars. After stopping at the gift shop to check, I'd head to the Polo Lounge for a chocolate souffle.)

I "paired" this chocolate with a classic film: "Designing Woman" (1957) starring Lauren Bacall and Gregory Peck. (Their characters in this film met at the famed hotel.) I also enjoyed a documentary called "The Beverly Hills Hotel: A Red Carpet Glamour House" -- a fitting tribute to the Pink Palace.*

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soy Lecithin as an emulsifier, Vanilla)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Gluten Free"

*The choice of pink was allegedly inspired by the colors in southern California sunsets.

 

Compartes - Wild Cherry Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar) - Nov. 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Wild Cherry Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Wild Cherry Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth, subtle dark chocolate, clean mineral notes, and light stone fruit (cherry) and cherry soda.

Texture: smooth, creamy dark chocolate, chewy dried fresh cherries, and a much softer chew from translucent candied cherries. 

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate (fudge with faint vanilla) and two different cherry flavors: dried tart-sweet, authentic cherry flavor and candied cherry.

I enjoyed the creamy texture of the dark 73% cacao chocolate and the range of cherry flavors was fun to try.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Cherries (Cherries, Sugar, Citric Acid, Red #3)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts. "Vegan, Gluten Free"

Compartes Chocolatier - Orange Peel & Pink Peppercorn (bar) - Nov. 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes
Orange Peel & Pink Peppercorn (bar) 
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 460 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #19 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week(s). Tomorrow will be the 7,000th day of Chocolate Banquet.*

Today's Orange Peel and Pink Peppercorn bar was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark chocolate bar included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate with faint fruit (lightly peppery red berry + citrus (orange)).

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap in a cool room. The ebony-hued dark chocolate was smooth with an even melt. Atop this dark field were soft and chewy, sunny and bright, candied orange peels--as well as a smattering of petite, hot pink, peppercorn pearls, with delicate papery pink skins.

The pink peppercorns had a unique authentic flavor with slightly musty, mild peppery, citrus fruit, and faint berry and almost floral notes. Pink peppercorns are the dried berries (fruits) from trees from South America (Peru and/or Brazil). They're very compatible with citrus fruits in sweet and savory dishes.

I liked the sweetness level. (It was quite sweet (no cacao percentage listed), but the sugar didn't completely overpower the citrus peel and chocolate. I loved the beautiful, sunny packaging (illustration) for this bar; with floating oranges and green leaves, blossoms and pink peppercorns -- suspended across a rosy pink, sunset-hued background. The design and the bar would be fit for any season, as a winter brightener or reminder of fabled, sunny Southern California weather that lives in our imaginations.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Orange Peel (Orange, Glucose, Sugar, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sulphur Dioxide), Pink Peppercorn.

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten Free" "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts."  

*Chocolate Banquet has featured a different chocolate item every day for over 19 years since Sept. 11, 2006.

Compartes Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Fruits - Pomegranate, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Orange Slice & Pear - Nov. 8, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Fruit Assortment
Weight: Unknown. Total box estimate: (>1.57 lbs. (715.3 g.)
Calories: 380 calories (estimate) in 5 pieces
Cost: $74.00 for 1 box of 16+ pieces
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week.

Today's eye-catching matte black box of jewel-colored dark chocolate covered/dipped fruits were from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). The company produces a wide variety of chocolate bars with different flavor inclusions, confections and chocolate gifts.

Three of today's five chocolate + fruit confections were composed of fruit pieces atop dark chocolate cups: 1.) Pomegranate, 2.) Golden Raisins and 3.) Blueberries. 

The last two were larger fruit pieces dipped in dark chocolate: 4.) a chocolate dipped Orange Slice and 5.) a dark chocolate dipped pear "spear." 

These five flavors were part of a larger "medium" sized dark chocolate + fruits assortment box. 

Aroma notes included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate with very faint fruit (red berry). The orange piece had a citrus fragrance. The pear piece was very subtle.

Texture: varied by fruit item. The chocolate cup bases on the first three items were fairly substantial. These smooth, thick dark chocolate cups were topped with authentic, ruby-hued fresh pomegranate seeds, with little white pips at the centers; moist, chewy golden raisins and softly chewy blueberries. 

The orange slice and the pear spear were made of larger pieces of fruit. The fruits were sweet; but authentic. The little bursts of fruit flavor from the pomegranate seeds was pure bright-tart red berry/pomegranate. 

My favorite (and most fruit-flavorful) piece was the dark chocolate dipped orange slice. (Although I did not taste the dark chocolate dipped apricot piece, I'll bet that one was very tasty and tart-sweet too.)

This stylish, mixed dark assortment of chocolate dipped and covered fruit pieces was attractively presented in the black box; the contrast with the black box (and dark chocolate) really made the bright, authentic fruit colors pop and shine--wow factor for a gift box.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla)... May Contain Apricot, Orange, Pear, Pineapple, Peach, Raisin, Ginger, Mango, Kiwi, Goji Berries, Cherries, Cranberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Acai, Papaya, Cocoanut, Lemon, Dates, Apple, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sulphur Dioxide.

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles Milk, Wheat, Peanuts, Egg, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Sesame."  

Compartes Chocolatier - Peaches & Cream 44% Cacao (bar) - Oct. 29, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Peaches & Cream 44% Cacao (bar)

Good + 

Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Crow's Nest Beach Market, Santa Cruz, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Peaches & Cream 44% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). The company has produced an amazing assortment of bars and confections with different flavor inclusions over the years. 

I love fresh peaches and nectarines when they're in season. The season ended last month; but this chocolate was a chance to enjoy a belated taste of summer peaches.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet, creamy milk chocolate and peaches.

Texture: smooth, creamy 44% milk chocolate with a very slightly gummy melt; and crunchy pieces of freeze-dried peaches.

I liked the light and crunchy, freeze-dried peaches and the fact this bar was gluten free. Those with a sweet tooth may love the candy-level sweetness in this rich bar. It was a little too sweet for me.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), White Chocolate (Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Whole Milk, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Peaches, Cream.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. 

Compartes Chocolatier - Pure 80% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 19, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Compartes Chocolatier
Pure - 80% Pure Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 173.3 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $8.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: CAO Chocolate, Sausalito, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Strawberries Theme Week, and Day #1 of Dark Chocolate Bar Theme Week.

This ultra-dark bar had a complex and intriguing aroma with green, true chocolate, very faint vegetable latex, balanced bitter and spice notes. There might have been a very faint green/floral note in there too; or it could have been the whisper of vanilla talking.*

The chocolate had a rapid melt, and deep roasted cacao flavor with mushroom/earth accent notes, with a fleeting fruit/honey/brown sugar sweetness.

I enjoyed the complexity; it tasted better with each bite. And it was not too sweet (thank you!).

Sweet strawberries, strawberry yogurt and strawberry cottage cheese were consumed in the same breakfast snack break.

*Ingredients: Organic Vegan Dark Chocolate 80% (Organic Cocoa Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Vanilla.

Compartes Chocolatier - Fruit Cocktail 73% Dark Chocolate bar - Aug. 17, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Compartes Chocolatier

Fruit Cocktail 73% Cacao Dark Chocolate Mixed Fruits (bar)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar

Calories: 166.66 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: (unknown gift shop on pier), Monterey, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

And what better bar to celebrate this week than a dark chocolate fruit cocktail bar?

Today's Fruit Cocktail 73% Dark Chocolate Mixed Fruits bar was created by Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). Jonathan Grahm, took over Compartes in his twenties. 

Grahm, a native Angelino, has created a staggering array of bars and confections with flavor inclusions since then (more than 200), all artfully designed and packaged.

"Fruit Cocktail" didn't fully describe the dazzling display of dried/crystallized fruits pressed on the back of this gluten-free dark bar. It was a fantasy fashioned from the crown jewels of fruits.

You might find any or all of the following: apples, bananas, raspberries, peach, pear, kiwi, melon, raisins, strawberries, mango, apricot, pomegranate, cranberries...and more.

Compartes Chocolatier - Meyer Lemon Lavender truffle - Nov. 24, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Compartes Chocolatier
Meyer Lemon Lavender
Good + - Very Good
Weight: unknown
Calories: 58 calories (estimate) for 1 truffle
Cost: $25.00 for 10-piece assortment box
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, Los Angeles, CA

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week.

Chocolate is an "alpha" flavor that can bury timid tasting playmates. So, I celebrated Jonathan Grahm's bold but balanced truffles. Timid they are not. Grahm is the chocolatier behind Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Jonathan's 10-piece Signature Collection is a good introduction to Compartes Chocolatier's bright and beautiful line-up. Today's Meyer Lemon Lavender truffle, stenciled across the top with lavender-colored butterflies, had just the natural tasting Meyer lemon + lavender floral punch I wanted.

My only quibble: the 10-piece Signature Collection box was a good sampler, but I would have liked the option to pick my own flavors. (Also, understandably, some intriguing flavors are seasonal and/or may not be available year-round.) I do hope to try the Cactus and other truffles in the future. I'm betting an in-person visit to the company's storefront shop in L.A. might allow for some of these options.

Almond Crunch truffle - July 13, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Almond Crunch truffle
Compartes Chocolatier
Good
Weight: .4 oz. (11.32 g.) in 1 piece/truffle
Calories: 60 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $25.00 for 1 box of 10 different truffles
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, Los Angeles, CA

Today's Almond Crunch Truffle from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA) -- adorned with a stylish yellow plaid pattern across the top -- was part of a 10-piece Jonathan's Signature Truffles assortment box. The not too sweet almond crunch filling (made with finely chopped roasted almonds and crunchy wafer bits*) was surrounded by dark chocolate.

Note: I discovered after I ate this truffle that the "crunch" in the Almond Crunch came from wafer bits, i.e. wheat. The truffle was still good, but I don't eat wheat. I'll have to check the ingredients list more closely next time.

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Almond Theme Week.

Thai Wonder bar - July 8, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Compartes Chocolatier
Thai Wonder bar
Good
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 60 calories in 1/6 bar
Cost: $9.99 in 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, Los Angeles, CA

The attractively packaged Thai Wonder - Ginger and Lemongrass - bar I enjoyed today was part of the Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA) World Series collection (Volume 01, Bar 06), that incorporated international flavor blends.

Today's dark chocolate (73% cacao) bar was infused with a very subtle blend of ginger and lemongrass. I broke off a small edge piece or two to try. These flavors may have been more intense in the middle of the bar.

Ginger and lemongrass combinations have become popular in the past year or two, and I look forward to trying another (new) bar with this blend tomorrow.

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Ginger Theme Week.

Cocoa Caliente bar - June 4, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Compartes Chocolatier

Cocoa Caliente bar
Good
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) piece / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 75 calories (estimate) in 1/2 oz. (14.1 g.) piece
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, Los Angeles, CA

Mexican Hot Chocolate truffle
Good - Good +
Weight: .4 oz. (11.32 g.) (estimate) for 1 truffle
Calories: 60 calories (estimate) in 1 truffle
Cost: $25.00 (part of 10 piece Jonathan's Signature
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, Los Angeles, CA

Today I celebrated Day #6 of Spicy Chocolate Theme Week with two chocolates (a bar and a truffle) from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). Both were adorned with colorful Day of the Dead skull art.

The first chocolate: Compartes "Cocoa Caliente" (hot chocolate) bar was made from dark chocolate (73% cacao). This gluten-free bar had a deep, almost earthy, flavor. About 7-10 seconds after taking a bite, cinnamon notes in this bar ignited into a slow cayenne burn finish.

Compartes Chocolatier's Mexican Hot Chocolate truffle was decorated with small red skull and crossbones across the top; and it tasted very much like a cup of hot chocolate, with a warm cinnamon flavor and a chocolate ganache (filling) with an almost flowing melt.