I thought we were lucky before, when we could get Ginger Elizabeth caramels at Mulvaney's and Taylor's, but NOW we can get them any time we want. Do you realize the consequences of this?? Sacramento is now a true contender in the fine chocolates business. Not that I would turn down any chocolate (especially a Candy House of Davis piece of fudge or See's buttercream) ever, but Ginger Elizabeth chocolates are ambrosia to a chocoholic like me.

So what changed? Ginger Elizabeth Powers opened her own little chocolaterie in Midtown, that's what. It's on L Street, in the same new building at the L Wine Bar. The place is bright with huge windows in front (which should make for some interesting a/c bills in the summer) and another large window showing you the pristine chocolate-making kitchen in the back. A display case holds the filled chocolates, freshly baked cookies, French macarons, and cakes of the day. You can also order four kinds of hot chocolate, garnished with fresh whipped cream or a housemade vanilla marshmallow. Coffees and whole cakes are available as well. There are a few stools and a counter for eating on-site, or you can squirrel your chocolates away to hoard in the privacy of your home.

It's noteworthy that Chef Powers is offering macarons. These are the French confections made of two meringue-almond rounds sandwiched with silky buttercream. They are still pretty rare in the States and I don't know of anyone else in this area making them. At $1.50 a piece, you should try a few to understand the great contrast of crisp, light cookie and buttery filling.

But her real art is in the chocolates, including chocolate sculptures (see photo above) that she'll do for special occasions. She apparently really likes Easter chocolates, so look for some special items this spring. But until then, you and your sweetie need some sublime, subtly-flavored chocolates to nibble. Wasn't your New Year's resolution to eat better chocolate?

Also look for Chef Powers teaching classes at East Bay Culinary Center and co-leading a seminar for Slow Food Sacramento on port, chocolate, and coffee on February 23.

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
1801 L Street, Suite 60
706-1738
Tue-Sat 10-8; Sun 10-3