Old World Chocolate in Genoa
For many people, Genoa brings to mind one thing: the violence-ridden 2001 G8 conference. Other than that, the northern Italian port is overshadowed by the smaller scenic towns that dot the coast. Honestly, that Genoa is undiscovered is no great loss to Genoans or to outsiders. The city retains an almost Medieval air (it has the largest Medieval city center in Europe). Concessions to modernity like the aquarium tend to fail.
Pietro Romanengo Fu Stefano, a manufacturer of candied fruit and chocolate, was founded in the 18th century and their methods haven't changed since then. The chocolate is made by hand with no additives. The fruit--pears, apricots, plums and others--are candied using methods learned from the Arab traders who frequented Genoa's port. Pietro Romanengo Fu Stefano's best product are coffee pastilles, little hard candies that burst with real espresso in the middle, like high-end caffeinated Gushers. Even the retail store is a historic marker. Tucked into the center of the old city, the shop is filled ornately carved dark wood and of course, cases full of delicious chocolate.
Previously: Leonidas Chocolate, 100% Chocolate Cafe, Oompah Loompah's Invade Amsterdam, Home of the Choco Fountain, Chocolate Meet Booze
