Captivate's Valentine's Day Chocolate Review

Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.

--Mark Twain

Payard

Chef Francois Payard, the mind behind this gourmet chocolatier based in NYC, is widely recognized as being one of the best pastry chefs in the world. And, it’s hard to argue with that much acclaim even before you taste one of his signature Champagne Pop Rock Truffles.

Surrounded in a rich cocoa powder (which dusts out of the box, so no white shirts!), the truffles are creamy little morsels rolled in a few Pop Rocks – just enough to make them crunch, but not enough to fizzle. Your best bet is to pop the whole thing in your mouth in one go so the flavors can properly mix: The bitter cocoa tames the sweetness of the chocolate-champagne-flavored center, which is a hint more than anything else.

The caramels don’t look like much, but the centers are the perfect consistency – just enough goo to make you melt, but sturdy enough not to drip. The salted caramels (the ones with the pink print on them) were a delight, while the other varieties were yummy but a little upscale candy-bar-ish.

Our one suggestion: Go for the heart-shaped boxes over the flimsy paper box. You’ll get more satisfaction with less mess.

What Us Girls Thought

Amber says: ‘Interesting truffle. The cocoa is too bitter, but the inside is too sweet. It’s totally harmonious, actually.’

Jacqui says: ‘Each of the caramel squares had a unique flavor that was easy to distinguish. Great combination of ingredients.’

Kate says: ‘The truffle is a nice novelty in theory, but not something I’d actually enjoy eating. It’s just a disappointing burst of bitterness.’

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