San Francisco - December 15, 2008

Got the Willies?

Candy Darling Boutique Opens

There’s nothing wrong with dreaming of chocolate waterfalls and a place where candy reigns supreme. (Minus the weird orange little people.)

The good news is you don’t need a golden ticket for entry into Candy Darling.

The corner confectioner finally opens its doors today in the Tendernob, welcoming young and old alike. Don’t expect life-size ’shrooms and snozzberries: The shop’s decor is exceptionally understated, leaving imagination to the product.

Chocoholics will want all twelve truffle flavors (hazelnut, pistachio, blood orange, balsamic) and bonbons made from Guittard chocolate, the century-old Burlingame chocolatier. Cashew and peanut lovers will go nuts for house-made brittle. For everyone else, there are oodles of caramels, English toffee, and walls lined with hard candies of every variety.

Except for Everlasting Gobbstoppers.

Candy Darling, 798 Sutter Street, at Jones Street (415-346-1500).