The Sweetest Block in Hayes Valley
by Bob Barnwell

We all love our small businesses in Hayes Valley. There are a lot of unique stores in our area that carry many different lines of products. There is a spot that might be the sweetest area in our neighborhood. In just one block we have three very different sweet stores. In the block of Hayes between Gough and Octavia these three stores carry distinct lines of sweet products. Each store also has a secondary line that is worth the stop especially during the upcoming holiday season.

If you walk this block your first stop may be at the corner of Hayes and Gough. Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate is at 401 Hayes St.. His only other store is in Kansas City, Mo. Each day these hand made chocolates are flown in from the kitchen in Missouri. Each day there are 24 to 30 types of chocolates to choose from. Some chocolates are seasonal and on October 29 Michael, the manager, was helping Christopher Elbow with the fall flavors. If you want the chocolate taste but not the candy then try the 10 to 15 types of hot chocolate. After 1 1/2 years in Hayes Valley Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate is doing well and looking forward to the holiday season. Stop by and get your box of holiday sweets.

Your next stop could be a few doors up at Paulette Macaron at 437A Hayes. There are 11 to 15 types of macarons to choose from. The other location is in Beverly Hills. Hayes Valley and Beverly Hills is a good duo. These traditional French cookies are made by hand and all have natural flavors and colors. This store has been in business for 10 months and also carries a line of coffee and teas. They specialize in the hard to find Mariage Freres tea. This tea has been around since 1854 and comes in many flavors. The holidays should be good for Paulette Macaron especially as party favors for the fun times over the next few months.

Miette Confiserie at 449 Octavia is another good stop on this sweet block. They carry the widest range of sweet products. Chocolates from around the world plus locally hand made Artisanal chocolates fill the store along with 30 types of licorice and lots of gum and rock candy. For almost three years Tess, the manager, has sold a large quantity of fluer de sel caramels. If you do not want any of the candy then try the cookies, macarons, or cupcakes that are baked right at the store. The other two locations at the Marina and Ferry Building will soon be joined by a store at Jack London Square. Halloween is a big time of the year for this store as well as the holidays and Valentine’s Day.

One block with three very sweet stores all are in the Hayes Valley.