Chocolate in Tuscany?

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Permalink Reply by Diane on September 11, 2008 at 4:32pm

I visited a few chocolatiers in Tuscany. I would recommend Andrea Biachini in Florence, Paul DeBondt outside Pisa, Simone DiCastro, Vestri Chocolates in Arezza, Slitti in Montemurro, and Roberto Catanari, and Luca Minnori in Pistoia. Hope this helps. BTW, there are a number of Italian Chocolatiers who will be at the Chocolate Show NY in November, another opportunity to see them.
Have a Great Trip, it is a beautiful country!
Diane

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Permalink Reply by Clay Gordon on September 16, 2008 at 5:03pm

This pretty much is the who's who of chocolate in the area.

Roberto Catinari is the acknowledged pioneer of Tuscan chocolate and should be considered numero uno on the list.
Via Provinciale, 378; Agliana;
39-0574-718-506;
www.robertocatinari.it

Paul DeBondt is probably the best-known of the chocolatiers aside from Amedei. While I enjoy Amedei's chocolates I have never been impressed with the confections they make.

DeBondt
Pisa (main shop)
Lungarno Pacinotti, 5;
39-050-316-0073;
www.debondtchocolate.com

Amedei
Pontadera (outside Pisa)
www.amedei.it

As for the rest - all have very good reputations at home and abroad. Slitti is best known as a coffee roaster. I have heard that they've opened up a shop next to the factory and offer classes.

Slitti
Via Francesca Sud, 1268;
Monsummano Terme;
39-0572-640-240;
www.slitti.it

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