Charles Chocolates Back in Effect Today

Charles Chocolates
535 Florida St., Mission
Web: charleschocolates.com
Status: Open

Almost two years to the day since Charles Chocolates went on an unexpected hiatus, the confectioner is back with a brand-new kitchen, retail space, and cafe in the Mission. As with their previous Emeryville space (which preceded a spot in the Westfield mall), customers can come in and watch the entire candy-making process through the windows while enjoying the full product line, which includes snacks that won't be available anywhere else.

Proprietor Chuck Siegel has brought back most of the original bon bons and confections for the reboot. He's also added some new creations, including pavés, small square bites of chocolate which he explains are the true traditional calling card of a French chocolatier; a layered chocolate "snacking cake" inspired by his childhood summer-camp experiences; and giant chocolate-chip, double-chocolate-chip, and oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies. (We previewed the menu a couple of months back; check it out here.) Hot chocolate, made-to-order s'mores, and some additional new items will be unveiled in the next few weeks, which is also when the cozy patio area is also expected to open.

· All Charles Chocolates Coverage [~ ESF ~]