February 2, 2007

One Love

Xuan Chocolates

As Prince, Pelé, and Elvira can attest, getting into the One-Name Wonder Club requires more than losing your last name. You actually have to do something special.

Take Xuan, who achieved such status by making small batches of chocolate inspired by his childhood in Provence and years spent practicing patisserie for swank chefs in Paris, New York, and L.A. (he’s now at The Peninsula).

Starting with flavors conceived specially for La Mill Coffee, Xuan put the boutique roaster’s beans and teas to work in flavors like Onyx (dark and milk chocolate with candied coffee beans), Royal (rich dark chocolate with lightly citrus Earl Grey), and Matcha (creamy white chocolate and green tea).

Come spring, he’s launching his own website full of new confections, including Kalamansi Citron, Sicilian Pistachio, Hazelnut Gianduja, and a line of truffles.

Of course, by then, you’ll be on a first-name basis.

Available online at lamillcoffee.com. For special orders, e-mail xuanchocolates@gmail.com.