Fran's Chocolates Ltd

OK, this is the grail of chocolate in Seattle. Maybe even the west coast, or the U.S. Exquisitely perfect, obviously created by people for whom the preparation of chocolate is the highest and best purpose to which they can dedicate their lives. Yes, it's expensive... but it's supposed to be, dammit! Such ecstatic taste experiences should not come to us by the pound, but by the (irresistible, addictive) morsel. Don't leave without trying their smoked salt caramels... they won some kind of international award in New York, and they defy description. Knowing that this chocolate exists, you really can't give your lover any other kind. more

I love the chocolate at Fran's - a cute little shop in the University Village. For Easter, I splurged and went here for little treats to fill my kids' Easter baskets. They had these pretty chocolate eggs wrapped in pastel foil, nestled in natural grass and tied with a pretty lavender ribbon. Of course - the kids didn't appreciate *good* chocolate versus the grocery store stuff, but I did when I needed a little pick me up after their bed time! Their chocolate tastes European - it's very creamy and rich, just as chocolate should be. I haven't tried the ice cream here - sounds good though! more

Today was a great day for ice cream. I stopped by Fran's chocolate at the University Village today to buy my favorite ice cream--lemon and raspberry sorbet. Most people would go to Ben's and Jerry's but I prefer Fran's rich and simple ice cream (no added chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.). It's also cheaper than Ben and Jerry's, for a two scoops (more like 4) cup topped with a piece of dark chocolate on top, cost me $4.50. They only carry 5 different flavors of ice cream: buttermilk, raspberry sorbet, lemon, chocolate, and vanilla. I love how there's never a line there on a hot day, at Ben and Jerrys, there's usually a 10-15 minute wait for the ice cream. Their chocolate is also really good too, better then See's Candies I think. Highly recommended. more

Fran's Chocolates in the University Village is by far the greatest thing to happen to employees of this shopping mall. Have a bad day at work? I treat myself to a small chocolate from Fran's! The chocolate here has such a high-quality that the flavors sometimes take you by surprise... as consumers we are all so used to the flat, stale milk chocolate used in candy bars, energy bars, and such. This dark chocolate, however, is what chocolate should be all about. Chocolate should be about indulging, not about stuffing covering it with all sorts of sugars and disguising the flavors. Dark chocolate is something to be savored. Have a bad day at work? Use my Fran's method and let the endorphins soar. more

Expensive, expensive, expensive, but sometimes you've gotta have it. This exclusive chocolate shop in University Village Shopping mall has such smooth, delectable fine chocolate. It is amazing. They are very costly, but buy the chocolate bar for $8, and it will be well worth it. Only for the true chocolate distinguishing palate. more

No matter what kind of chocolate you crave - from super-dark solid chocolate, to hand-dipped truffles, to caramel, nut & nougat confections, Fran's Chocolates is hands-down the best in town. My wife and I first bought Fran's little bags of dark chocolate hearts as a place-setting gift for our wedding. The extras went into a 'chocolate jar' in the kitchen, and our Fran's habit was born. Five years later, that chocolate jar is a kitchen fixture, and Fran's U-Village store is a regular stop on our grocery runs. We've tried nearly everything they make -- we especially love their Gold Bar, a tiny caramel and almond bar wrapped in a thick layer of dark chocolate -- but the little hearts are the perfect bite-sized treat. The only downside to our Fran's habit is the fact that I can no longer eat ordinary chocolate candy -- I'm so used to the smooth texture and bittersweet taste of Fran's that run-of-the-mill chocolate just doesn't compare. If chocolate's on your list -- and with Valentine's Day on the horizon, how couldn't it be -- Fran's is by far your best local bet. more

Instead of a cake at our wedding we served the most amazing ice cream sandwiches from Fran's chocolates and everyone loved them. As the bride, I had a great time passing around the ice cream sandwiches on a tray and seeing people's delight at not having to eat another wedding cake. Cake can be great and Fran's makes great chocolate cakes, but ice cream sandwiches are truly memorable. Go to the U Village Fran's and get one to see for yourself! more