Erin Thursby
For some of the finest chocolate made here in Florida, you’ll want to seek out Claude’s Chocolates. The chocolates are hand-made here on the First Coast from the finest Belgian base by Claude Franques. French-born Claude is a classically trained chef who has had experience in Manhattan, until the charm of St. Augustine won him away from the Big Apple.
The chocolates he creates are very much in the European style with big, rich flavor. These are chocolates you savor, bites that take hold of your soul–if you’re into chocolate. He’s got standards in his retinue (ganache, truffles and bon bons) but there are some lovely surprises for those with a more adventurous palate, like the Mayan Chocolate or the Passion Fruit.
While you can make the drive to Ponte Vedra or St. Augustine (addresses and hours below) you can also get your hands on these sweet confections at Green Man Gourmet on St. Johns Street in historic Avondale. Shipping is available on their website www.claudeschocolate.com, if you’d like to give an out-of-town friend a taste of Northeast Florida.
Follow FOLIO!