Smack in the middle of Caputo’s Market & Deli sits a curved glass case filled with gorgeous Chocolatier Blue chocolates. Each color-flecked, sensuously shaped nugget nestles in its own glassine cup, beckoning chocolate lovers with come-hither looks every bit as tempting as the jewels at Tiffany’s.

Created by Chris Blue—the former Alpine resident and chocolatier at Chicago’s Charlie Trotter’s— Chocolatier Blue has gained a ravenous following among locals who crave confections made with the absolute best ingredients.

These begin with farm-fresh cream and organic butter with the highest fat content available, all cloaked in Amedei chocolate from Italy. And those are just the basics.

Into each batch, Chris Blue swirls seasonal ingredients from sources as diverse as family farms and his own fresh-made jams. A touch of fleur de sel (fine sea salt)—in tandem with Blue’s sensitive palate—assures that his chocolates are never cloying. Yes, they’re $2 per piece, but quality costs.

While Caputo’s always carries a selection of Chocolatier Blue chocolates, for the next few weeks it’s featuring Blue’s seasonal offering of “five favorite childhood treats, but with an adult Chocolatier Blue twist.” Each is a brilliant play on a classic.

Ants on a Log, for instance: Its multilayered flavors recall the after-school snack of celery, peanut butter and raisins—this version made with fresh-ground peanut butter, tiny currants and celery seed-infused cream. Take a bite and the sensation of celery sneaks up on you, ever-so-lightly … then it fades back as the delicate milk chocolate shell melts in your mouth.

There are four more chocolates in this series, each equally intriguing, but you’ll have to go to Caputo’s or ChocolatierBlue.com to find them. Caputo’s is the only retail location other than Blue’s Berkeley Calif., shop to sell the chocolates directly to chocolate hounds.

CAPUTO’S MARKET & DELI
314 W. 300 S.
801-531-8669