Santa Barbara's best chocolate truffles are tucked away in a courtyard off bustling State Street in a tiny shop: Chocolats du Cali Bressan.  My husband and I happened upon this jewel box of chocolatier while we were visiting the lovely beach town to see his client Craig Sharmat play with his excellent gypsy jazz ensemble The Idiomatiques. 

The display of delicate chocolate truffles and other culinary inspired bonbons took my breath away. I hadn’t seen anything quite like it since our honeymoon in Provence. 

Chef Jean-Michel has pulled inspiration from French cuisine to create unique chocolate truffles such as ginger/lemon and curry/coconut. His wife Jill, and the shop staff were charming and explained the details of each handmade truffle.

Having picked three, my husband and I sat at a charming French farm table in the back where guests can enjoy their chocolate, purchased by the piece or as a “tasting.” Our favorites were the curry and the earl grey tea-infused dark chocolate. By slipping into this boutique for 15 minutes alone, we shared a lovely break, evocative of our honeymoon in the midst of a hectic day.

If you love chocolate truffles, Chocolate du CaliBressan is not to be missed, mon cheri! 

-Dinah