Comments on: Chocolate Maya - Santa Barbara

By: cybele

cybele — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:41:41 +0000

I finally made it to Chocolate Maya (didn’t work out on previous trips because they open at 10 and close at 4).

Lovely little shop and very friendly clerk behind the counter. I was pretty restrained in what I picked up, but I made sure to pick up the house-made ones. I don’t know how they get their chocolates so shiny!

By: Nina

Nina — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:10:39 +0000

Sorry, that’s all I’ve got… I’ve never taken the 101 up, or been to Los Gatos or CocoaBon — but I think I remember seeing them featured on a TV show, like In Wine Country or something. Their cocktail-flavored jelly beans sound pretty brilliant…

By: cybele

cybele — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:13:38 +0000

I’m eating my way up the 101 next week, so I’ll be sure to stop at Chocolate Maya.

Any other suggestions for the 101 between LA and Oakland? Have you ever been to CocoaBon in Los Gatos?

By: Hilary Kleger

Hilary Kleger — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 20:30:24 +0000

Please Join us for Chocolate de Vine!!!

Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center presents Chocolate de Vine on Saturday November 3rd at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, from 7-10pm.

The event is a celebration of chocolate & wine, featuring a judged competition of chocolate creations by some of the area’s top chefs as well as tastes of some of the best wines from California. Entertainment will be provided by The Magic of Brazil with Vanessa Isaac and Band including Randy Tico, Fabiano Nascimento, Daniel “Chin” Yoshimi and Lisa Beck. The event includes a silent auction and raffle.

The private VIP reception will begin at 6pm sharp. The VIP reception includes reserve wines, champagne, hors d’ oeuvres and a chocolate dessert demonstration.

Tickets are $55 advance/$65 door (if available) and limited VIP tickets are available for $95. Tickets are available at East Beach Winery, The Chocolate Gallery, Los Olivos Grocery, The Carpinteria Wine Co., on-line and in person at SBRCC. Please see our website at http://www.sbrapecrisiscenter.org for more information. Please call (805) 963-6832 x 13 for volunteer and Sponsorship opportunities.

Some of the delicious chocolate and wine will be provided by: Chocolatiers: Bacara, Bella Dolce, Chocolate Maya, Elements, Fresco, Jessica Foster Confections, Rincon Beach Club and Catering, and Cindy Black from The Wine Cask and MMM… Cake! joining California vintners including, Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, Giessingerer Winery, Michael~David Winery, Mid-Life Crisis Winery, Jessie’s Grove, Rideau Vineyard, Scott Cellars, Summerland Winery, Tastes of the Valleys Thorne Wine, & more.

By: Nina

Nina — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:06:10 +0000

I’m glad you like them, too! And thanks for the info — I’m so happy that people outside of Santa Barbara can enjoy them, too.

I haven’t been back since this visit, so I don’t remember the other flavors, but I’ll check it out next time.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:20:29 +0000

I stumbled upon Maya last Spring and they are simply the best! I’ve been in contact with Maya and they will ship out, however it’s difficult since some truffles are cream based.
The owner responds to e-mails and will work with you on shipping her delicate truffles! maya@chocolatemaya.com
Does anyone know all of the other flavors that are not sizzling spicy?

By: Nina

Nina — Wed, 09 May 2007 07:32:36 +0000

Tommy — I have to admit that I retain a love for my old manual SLR — I used to take black & white head shots in NYC with it back in 1999 — but I have no flash or liking for taking film to be developed… I think there are still pic’s in there from 2004

Thanks so much, Gary! That’s great to know, b/c sometimes, the lighting just turns out oddly.

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 08 May 2007 15:28:48 +0000

Nina, if you ever have problems with the white point, etc. and you are desperate to publish some important pictures - let me know. As a graphic designer, I’m a Photoshop pro. Almost any picture can be pushed to get what you saw when you took the picture.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Sun, 06 May 2007 02:19:01 +0000

Those look fantastic. They definitely put my truffle project from last February to shame!

And yes, a good camera makes all the difference. I recently picked up a Canon 300D (an older digital SLR) that I found on Craigslist for a good price to use for my shots and it’s definitely been an improvement over my old point and shoot.

By: Nina

Nina — Fri, 04 May 2007 19:21:11 +0000

Gary - Well, I do know that Charles Chocolates ships direct. I have no idea about the others, though.

Natalie - I use a Casio Exilim EX-Z55 digital camera. It’s a few years old, though, and I think that they have a newer version available. Adjusting the white balance setting and having a lot of light are the factors that affect the quality of the pic’s the most, I think.