Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Swiss Bliss

Many publications run “Top 10” and “Best of” lists, but some hold more cachet than others. With its heritage, National Geographic Traveler magazine is more than qualified to opine on the world’s best. So with Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s worth trumpeting the fact that the magazine’s recently crowned Best Chocolatier in the World sells its creations right here in Philadelphia.

Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland beat out highly regarded confectioners like Godiva, Scharffen Berger and Jacques Torres. Teuscher (pronounced “toy-sure”) is best known for its signature Champagne Truffle. This truffle was created 80 years ago by Dolf Teuscher, Sr. Teuscher uses Dom Perignon to create a champagne crème, which rests in the center of a dark ganache. The recipe has never been changed or altered at all; the recipe and formula are known by only two people in the world.

Because Teuscher doesn’t use preservatives, the truffles have a short shelf life of about three weeks; the company's pralines and other confections last from six to 12 weeks. There is no gluten in the chocolates or specialty fruit jams, the cacao beans are fair-trade and organic, and there are vegan-friendly options.

Philadelphia is home to one of only 10 Teuscher shops in the U.S. Teuscher Philadelphia has been operating from The Shops at The Bellevue (200 S. Broad St., 215-546-7600) since 2007. In addition to offering exclusive Philly-themed boxes filled with an assortment of chocolates, father-and-daughter owners Bruce and Rachel Goldberg also sell chocolate Liberty Bells. Teuscher's confections are prepared daily in Zurich and flown in weekly. The Philadelphia store is open seven days a week and orders can be placed online or by phone.
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