Fine chocolate is like fine wine — rich, delicate and full of complexity. At Chi Chocolat, an exclusive decadent collection is at one’s lickable fingertips. Specializing in fresh artisan chocolates and unique edible gifts, even those with impeccable taste will likely be satisfied. With the holiday season quickly approaching, there might not be a better time — or excuse — to indulge those cocoa cravings. Located in Liberty Station at 2690 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 103, Chi Chocolat offers an array of sweets from artisan truffles and bon bons to chunky slabs of premium chocolate and succulent enrobed fruit selections. There’s no minimum order, so whether ordering a single piece or thousands more for a wedding or corporate event, the same courteous, personal service is offered. Chi Chocolat also groups pieces with similar characteristics into what is called “a flight of chocolates,” that is, each with a distinctive theme. For example, handcrafted bonbons with exotic spices or organic infused tea ganaches are available. When owners/chocolatiers Jesse and Tess Brown travel, they get ideas for food from encountering different cultures. Aside from the traditional favorites, Chi Chocolat mixes exotic flavors like curry, cayenne pepper and green tea from Japan into their chocolate recipes. “At the end of the work day when I’m tired and my hands are covered in chocolate, I have to smile and I realize how much fun and how much creative freedom we have while doing this,” said Tess. With more than 12 years of experience in the food, beverage and hospitality industry, the husband-and-wife duo crafts chocolates entirely by hand in batches of no more than 50 pieces at a time. Their approach to chocolate making bans the use of additives like hydrogenated vegetable fat and artificial colors in order to let the pure chocolate flavors and aromas shine. An intense focus on both the culinary and visual artistry of chocolate make these treats both beautiful to behold and a delight to consume. As a creative, sweet offset from their company Banyan Catering, Jesse and Tess purchased Chi Chocolate in 2005 and recently moved it from Little Italy to Liberty Station, where they celebrated a grand opening on Sept. 18. “I never really liked chocolate before, but I came in with a friend and the smell was divine,” said Nora Peak, a Point Loma resident and now chocolate convert. “I picked up a white chocolate with rose water and ate it immediately. It was delightful and I imagine this is a fun place to do a tasting with a group of friends or for a bridal shower.” When you experience a tasting, the chocolatier discusses the tasting disks and gives a brief history of chocolate. The cost per person is $26.95 and includes 6 tasting disks, a non-alcoholic beverage, wine or beer and a gift box with six pieces of chocolate to go. Here is a tasting tip from the experts: • Place the chocolate in your mouth and wait for a few seconds to release the primary flavor notes. • Chew five to 10 times to discover the secondary flavors. • Then push the chocolate gently against the roof of your mouth and note the texture and the way the flavors linger on the tongue. Chi Chocolat is open to the public Sundays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed on Mondays. The boutique also serves espresso drinks, light continental breakfast, and paninis and salads for lunch. For more information, call (619) 546-0650, or visit www.chichocolat.net.