The food: Assorted Chocolate Valentine Hearts

Where to find it: Alegio Chocolate, Palo Alto, California

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Panos scoffed, “American chocolate lies. Hershey’s Chocolate is to chocolate like Fox News is to news.” He rocked back and forth confidently behind his chocolate counter. Panos Panagos, the proud owner of Alegio Chocolate Shop gave me a knowing smirk—a smirk that looked all-too-familiar. The Greek owner gave me flash recollections of my time in Athens when I studied their Greek financial crisis for university. Just like Athenean bankers and politicians, Panos was confident, but I felt something genuine that I definitely did not sense with the Greeks who brought the country to financial ruin.

Panos continued to lecture, “Alegio Chocolate is chocolate with self respect, integrity and, above all, honesty.” The shop never betrays the chocolate. They don’t use lecethin, vanilla, etc. like we normally do in the US. When you purchase Alegio, you get chocolate in its purest form. They take care of their chocolate like a good, self-respecting Greek would tend to their vineyards. So, grab a cup of vino this Food Friday, toast to Dionysus and savor some real chocolate. Steen ee yah sahs!