La Cioccolateria-Lucca

Anyone who really knows me is very aware of my love affair with chocolate. No matter where I am I have to have at least a little piece every day. A bite or two mid afternoon and I’m a happy gal. My passion for chocolate is such that every year I go cold turkey for the six weeks of Lent. It started as a kid in Catholic school and has followed me for years where now I think I do it to prove it to myself that I can indeed put a temporary hold on my obsession.

That being said, as soon as Lent is over I am back to my daily treat. To break my fast J. always indulges me with a box of See’s chocolates which is a staple if you live in southern California. Growing up we had a neighbor with family in Los Angeles so I was introduced to this candy as a youngster. When I’m at home I’m happy to have a pound of See’s around, but once I get to Lucca it’s Caniparoli Cioccolateria for me.

This shop is always one of my first stops when I get to Lucca. I love to buy their chocolates as gifts for friends and clients that join me on my tours, but of course I’m really there to stock up for my addiction. I think I’ve I’ve tasted everything in these photos and I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite.

I’m a fool for anything with hazelnuts so white and dark chocolate in the top photo is usually my first purchase. There’s also bark with puffed rice (see above) similar to a Nestles crunch but taken to a whole new level.

Do not hesitate to buy one of their cakes. They come in a variety of sizes, one even small enough to have all by yourself. I am dedicating this post to my two amazing friends Bonnie and Bev who can appreciate how great this shop is. Bev is the creator of the cake shown below-an amazing recreation of the one from La Cioccolateria that we shared on our last night together in Lucca. Thank you B & B for following me to one of my favorite Lucca spots day after day.

Caniparoli Cioccolateria
Via San Paolino, 96
Lucca