Best truffle in the world is in Missoula, Montana

I was after a cup of coffee. I got that. French press coffee to be exact. But, it was the truffle I ate at Posh Chocolat in Missoula, Montana yesterday afternoon that enticed me to take out my pen and take notes.

Posh Chocolat’s specialty is Artisan chocolates that win awards. The one I savored, Garam Masala Spice–a lovely blend of ground peppercorn, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin in Ecuadorian dark chocolate, landed the best truffle award last year at the 2008 International Chocolate Salon in Seattle.

The store owners and chocolatiers, Jason and Ana Willenbrock also brought back eight other awards which have helped put Missoula into the forefront of fine chocolate.

This husband and wife team have been turning out lusciousness in downtown Missoula for more than four years. Theirs is a story that crosses continents. She is from Brazil. He is from St. Louis, Missouri. They met as students at the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York. Then she headed to Spain and he to France for more culinary know-how. Eventually, they came to Missoula after chef gigs at Triple Creek Ranch, a luxury resort in the Bitterroot Mountain Range, also in Montana

Truffles and French press coffee aren’t Jason and Ana’s only offerings. Soups and salads balance out the chocolate fix, and the pastry case contains gorgeous desserts. I was interested in a slice of key lime pie.

You don’t need to be in Missoula to savor the sweetness. Posh Chocolat does ship. Another truffle I had my eye on is the Hemp Seed with Caramelized Banana. It sounds funky and delicious.