Compartes Chocolatier

03/05/09

Best Chocolates in LA!

by ZackLA at Citysearch

Tucked away off the main drag of San Vicente Blvd in Brentwood, you may drive past this hidden gem on Barrington Avenue many times and not even notice its there, but one day, stuck in traffic, I saw the blue walls and crystal chandelier and the words "Chocolatier" beckoned me inside. When I walked in, I found a store that rivaled the great chocolate stores of Paris and Europe. Museum like displays featuring beautiful chocolates paired with exotic ingredients. Pristine chocolates flaked in gold leaf, hand-painted with glitter, decked out in mod funky prints and topped with candied spices, I felt like I died and went to chocolate-heaven.

The chocolates here are so beautiful and artistic, the wow-factor alone makes this place worth a visit, but then you get to bite into them --- deep dark chocolate ganache centers in unusual and exotic flavor combinations that not only work, but rock --- chocolates like blackberry and sage, peach and rosemary, lemongrass, jasmine tea, smoked salt, raspberry ganache studded with pink peppercorns, the list can go on and on. Everything I have had here is exceptionally great! The chocolate dipped orange peels are sinful, the love nuts are divine and my absolute favorite, the cup of coffee, is the perfect blend of chocolate and coffee I have never found elsewhere. Compartes Chocolatier is my go-to place for gifts for others and of course for myself. The ornate gem-like chocolates and flavors make the best impression possible, if you have anyone special or any special event and you need a treat, look no further than the best chocolate store in LA. Do yourself a favor and stop by, check it out, smell the aroma of chocolate and get sucked in like I did, you may never eat chocolate elsewhere again!

• Pros: Everything at Compartes is hands-down awesome, you guys rock!

10/12/08

don't order online

by pfujimura at Citysearch

Although the chocolate might be good their customer service is lacking. I placed an order online and paid $14 for 3 day shipping. When the chocolates didn't arrive after five days I was told it couldn't be tracked because they use USPS and that a manager would call me back. No one called me back to explain the delay or apologize. It finally arrived seven days after I placed the order.

12/10/06

Eat here and die happy...

by cthomas686 at Citysearch

Nuanced flavor with sophisticated notes (think lavender violet caramel, or strawberry balsamic vinegar) gilded in rich layers of ganache...these are the truffles at compartes. Each chocolate is like its own little work of art (literally...the passion fruit truffle seems to mimic a pollack painting), and though some flavors may seem to be for the culinarily adventurous, every bite pleases even the shiest palate. Aside from the wonderful truffles, delectable dipped fruits, and variety of other chocolate treats, the service alone is a reason to stop by this Brentwood hotspot (I've spotted Harrison Ford and a few Desperate Housewives buying boxes there). Jonathan Grahm, the owner of Compartes, is always behind the counter, ready to give a suggestion or explain why his truffles are true truffles (as opposed to the sugarery stuff See's tries to pass off under the same name). Also, seasonal hot chocolate, which is as thick and luscious as what you'll find across the Atlantic, is a great afternoon treat to keep you going on a cold day, though, I'd drink it in the middle of summer if he had it. All in all, there are not enough good things I can say about this place. The best chocolate I've ever had, bar none.