Chocolate Chocolate

I love a small business with a story, and Chocolate Chocolate sure has one. Started by two sisters, Frances and Ginger Park, Chocolate Chocolate has been on the DC scene since 1984. The sisters started the store to help cope with their father's death, and clearly have a special bond with each other and with chocolate-for them, it's a family thing. I can relate; I am thoroughly convinced my out of control sweet tooth is genetic, passed down through the generations. Anyone who has ever met my family, go ahead and testify.Liz outside of the store.


The store owners were clear about being against chocolate elitism, holding the philosophy that you like what you like. While I often go after fancy chocolates, I have to agree. Just like there is a time and a place for boxed wine or 7-11 taquitos, there is a time and a place for a Hershey bar and/or a Reese Cup. In fact, I can think of many times and places for them. All chocolates might not be created equal, but there's a time for every season, or somesuch. They even say so in the Bible.

That being said, Chocolate Chocolate sells mostly high-end chocolates, including some bold flavor choices. Out of curiosity, I had to take home a lavender flavored caramel and a black pepper ganache truffle. It paid off to be adventurous. These flavor combinations were unique, but they weren't too odd to be overpowering. The black pepper candy mostly tasted like the earth dipped in dark chocolate, while the lavender caramel brought the floral tones in a big way. You'll find some of what Chocolate Chocolate calls "nostalgic chocolate", but I find that even these selections are on the fancy side. Not that I'm complaining.
I visited Chocolate Chocolate as a part of the Chocolate Walking Tour, and was also able to sample the house specialty- an original truffle recipe, the richness of which caused me to slip into a sugar induced coma. You have been warned: if you tend to inhale your food, be careful not to inhale these truffles. They're covered in cocoa powder, and results of inhalation will not vary: you will have to suppress a fit of coughing and embarrassment. I'm speaking from experience.

Chocolate Chocolate is the perfect place to go if you are looking to buy a few pieces of nice chocolate as a treat. But, if you are looking to stock up on chocolate Hoarders style, might I recommend going for Hershey's.