I’m a bit disappointed with how this picture came out. It didn’t look as smoggy as this does. I was down in OC for more than a week, and I was surprised at how clear it was. It seems to me that back in the 80’s the mountain’s didn’t come out so much.

Right after taking this picture I decided to find myself some good chocolate. I looked up chocolatier on my phone and it came up with 3. One was closed (it was coming up on 7PM) and two were Godiva. I certainly didn’t want to go to some mall and visit Godiva.

On a wild hair I decided to call the place that was closed. Guy picks up.
“Oh, hey – google said you’re closed. Are you really open?”
“Yeah. Usually we’re closed by now, but sometimes…”
“Great! How long will you be open?”
“Oh, ’til about 7:30.”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

I get there in about 10 minutes. It’s in one of these light industry strips. I step in and they have the front 12 feet sectioned off as a little store/presentation area. The work obviously goes on in the back. The guy comes up front and greets me.
“Hi! Are you the guy that called a few minutes ago?”
“Yup!”
“Here, have some chocolate – what kind would you like? Is this your first time in our store?”
“Something dark, please – yes… And it will probably be my last, too.”

He’s really friendly – maybe just a few years older than I. His wife (obviously) has appeared from the back. He looks at me concerned.
“Oh. Why is that?”
“I live a long ways away from here.”
“How far – where do you live?”
“I live in San Luis Obispo – “
She chimes in: “I left my heart in San Luis Obispo!”

They moved from SLO to Orange County about 30 years ago. Couldn’t find a job in SLO (a common complaint). They’ve been in the chocolate business for 26 years. Still go back to SLO a couple of times a year to visit friends. We chatted for a while; nicest couple you could hope to meet. It was just what I was hoping for in a chocolatier.

If you’re looking for good (and kosher!) chocolate that ships anywhere: http://www.luisachocolatiere.com/