Compartes Chocolatier

I love chocolate. This statement I know is one that a majority of women make but it’s not always that easy to find a specialty chocolate shop. Coming from Europe my love of creamy decadent chocolate is not always met in LA. That is until I found a Chocolate lovers haven hidden away in Brentwood.

On arriving at Compartes I was really impressed with it’s decor. I had decided that I needed inspiration while I was writing and I was in deep need of a chocolate fix. So with lap-top in hand I curiously entered the store. Straight away I felt at home as it a has a very European ambiance to it. The owner Jonathan has gone for a lounge vibe to the interior. It feels very relaxing and straight away I knew I would be happy there for an hour or two.

With rows upon rows of chocolate, it’s hard to decide but thankfully with a bit of guidance I sampled quite a few before I made a choice! All the old favorites are here like milk chocolate truffles, caramel and coffee. However the store has gone above and beyond to push the boundaries of taste and flavor. I tried a chocolate caramel with sea salt! Apparently the sea salt brings out the true flavor of the caramel, it was divine. I also tasted a mango saffron, cactus blossom and a raspberry pink pepper! Not only are the combination artistic but they have the most amazing prints on the top layer. All these prints are designed and created at the store so they are completely original.

Compartes Chocolatier is a truly magical experience. There are glass window that allows you to view the chocolates been made and decorated. It also serves specialty teas, coffee and hot chocolate. While I was there, I noticed that a lot of the clientele are regulars which is always a good sign.

Lately the store has run specialty nights and on Valentines Day last year they ran a week of romantic dinners with a fanfare of desserts made from chocolate! It would be great for a gossipy girly night were all you do is chat while eating and drinking chocolate. The store is also getting a celebrity following with Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross enlisting them to make treats for her wedding. Birthday parties too are very popular, as you can have any type of chocolate made with names or favorite designs tailored just for you.

All in all I loved the chocolates and I will be back soon, as there were far too many to sample in one day. Compartes is a lovely way to spend an afternoon either with a friend or on your own for some quite time. I think the bigger coffee houses better watch out, as there is a new place on the block and the experience is sweet!

Compartes Chocolatier.
912 South Barrington Ave. Brentwood CA
Tel: 310 826 3380