Thien H.
Yelp
I've tried several local chocolatiers and I think Cacao Art's bon bons are the best.
Bring ICE! I purchased a beautiful box of 25 chocolates as a birthday gift back in April. I drove from Cacao Art's location briefly to Brickell to pick up a cake and back and made the mistake of not bringing ice for the ice chest I keep in the car. Some of the chocolates did melt. After putting the whole box in the freezer for a day, we dug them out of the box with a knife and ate them. They were still tasty. Don't make the same mistake I did. Keep the chocolates cool, even while in transport.
Before visiting Cacao's workshop near South Miami, I called to ask if they were open and didn't receive an answer. I decided to wing it and head over anyways. I got a call back from one of the owners just as I drove up to Cacao Art. When I arrived, the other owner was just leaving for lunch or for the day. She saw me approach and she kindly offered to help me despite seeming very busy.
Their gift boxes are beautiful and have a hefty, quality feel to them. I decided on one that holds 25. I asked her to fill it with a variety of dark chocolate (no milk chocolate) bon bons. To help me decide on which dark chocolate bon bons to choose, she even offered to let me taste some complimentary, imperfect chocolates that they set aside. The chocolate ganache tastes significantly fresher and richer than anything from chain chocolatiers. Each bon bon is unique and they have some interesting flavors. I really like that while the chocolates are professional and pretty looking, they still look handmade.
I don't remember if the booklet says to keep the chocolates refrigerated, but I would. They are probably more perishable than most store bought bon bons.
I'll have to think about getting some chocolates shipped to my chocolate loving family and friends in the winter. Maybe they ship them with ice packs?
Atelier Monnier, a nearby French pastry and bakery with locations in Pinecrest and Brickell, carries Cacao Art's chocolate as well - although I would prefer visiting Cacao Art directly.