Chocolate by the Market

Valentine's Day is coming up. Chocolate is part of the trifecta of gifts that men often buy their significant other when they just can't think of something more inspired. So where to get your chocolate in Seattle?

I would actually recommend being a bit creative, and rather than buying a box of chocolates, taking your sweetie out for some of the best hot chocolate in town. There are two chocolate cafes near downtown, Seattle Chocolate Box and Fran's Chocolates. If you want just a pure, deep, drinking chocolate, go to Fran's, but if you would like to sample a hot cocoa spiked with peanut butter, orange or mint, hit up the Chocolate Box. Of course, I tried the Orange, and it was divine, not too sweet and topped with plenty of whipped cream.

If you still insist on buying chocolates as a Valentine's gift, both shops make and sell their own truffles, but Fran's wins for elegance. The Chocolate Box has a wide selection of chocolate bars and such from throughout the city and the world, but Fran's creates unique combinations, packages them well and has informative staff. And their packaged hot chocolate is tremendous with hot milk and Irish Cream.