SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - In a nondescript Mira Mesa kitchen, award-winning artisan David Bacco crafts his new creations.
"A lot of them are the infusion of flavors and a lot of spices and herbs and florals that we are not doing and putting into chocolates," David said.
When you first encounter gourmet chocolates, the nose knows.
"When you open up a box of chocolates done by an artisan chocolatier, usually the first thing you get is a waft of aroma from the cocoa flavors from the box. That's how you know it's going to be fresh," David explains.
It's a multi-sensual experience.
"As you are experiencing chocolate, it's really hitting the pleasure center and the brain. In addition you mix it romantically with your partner you love -- it just heightens the experience," David said.
David has created something special just for the season.
"You have our incontato, which are the red hearts especially suited for Valentine's Day, and this one is done with a passion fruit, caramel, milk chocolate ganache," David said. "We also have a handmade chocolate heart box for Valentine's as well as six truffles. The whole thing is edible."
There are other exotic confections created here, like jasmine infused with bittersweet chocolate.
"And then with the fruit you're going to get something that's very juicy, very wet, very caramel, very warm-tasting, and with the jasmine you're going to get something floral. While it smells floral, it's also going to taste floral," David said.
David Bacco Chocolatier, using everything from chipotle peppers to lavender, are sold online and in gourmet markets around San Diego. His life is like a box of chocolates filled with intoxicating aromas and the sweet taste of success.
