Valentine's Day Pilgrimage to Pinerolo's Cioccolato Puro

Today a good portion of the world is thinking about flowers and chocolate and enjoying the day or evening with that someone special.

I, of course was no different.

So after shopping in the market I had to make my way to my favorite chocolate shop in Pinerolo,
Cioccolato Puro.

This shop never fails to delight.
Today was no exception.

The shop is always full of chocolates to die for, fortunately, there is no dying involved, only indulging your inner glutton. Milk and and dark chocolate of the highest quality, filled with creamy fillings and divinely unusual aromas. The range of flowery lavender and violet, to piquant pepper and local favorite, mountain Genepy, filling all the drawers of the tables, just waiting to jump into a daintily wrapped bag or tasteful box.

This shop is a charming as it's owner and reflects her and her husband's creative flair. There is always something new to gaze upon with desire and a sample tray to tempt even the strongest of resolves. But then, that's not why you made your way here now was it? No, you came to be tantalized and entranced by all the dark shiny delights that Torino province is so famous for, it's chocolate, to give up all will power to resist and submit to the siren call to feast upon the vast array of innovative and classic delights. You know you must submit.

Their classic bars with various fruits or nuts are a simple choice when you can't choose and easy to tuck into your ruck sack or suitcase, but, there are the chocolate cell phones, CDs in jeweled cases or chocolate ravioli, salami and pasta for that something a little different. You must not miss their dreamy, creamy hazelnut chocolate spread, in dark or milk chocolate. They offer a selection of special diet varieties, without sugar or milk for those that are sometimes left out of the chocolate indulgence extravaganza, due to allergies or persuasion.

In the summer they have the best gelato, which was one of their best new additions this past summer. It was difficult to resist when in town. If you're looking for fruit flavored gelato you'll need to mosey on because, given their limited space, they offer their house specialties, several varieties of chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla. Who needs their choice to be confused by raspberry or lemon, I say.

So when you find yourself in Pinerolo, make sure you find your way to the old historic center of town and run, don't walk to indulge your inner glutton! If you find you need somewhere to stay and explore the area, make a date to stay with us a few miles up the valley at Bella Baita Mountain Retreat.

We'll be waiting,
maybe even with chocolate.

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