True Chocolate

30-year old Jonathan Grahm is known as one of the youngest and most prolific chocolatiers in the country. After buying his parents’ landmark Brentwood confections shop, Grahm has spiffed up the family line. And that’s an understatement. Compartes Chocolatier produces the chicest, most succulent bonbons in town…just ask his celebrity clients like the Beckhams, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Garner, Dustin Hoffman and Nicole Kidman who all swear by Grahm’s signature truffles such as Mexican hot chocolate flavored with cinnamon and cayenne, and decorated with Day of the Dead skulls. Named one of Forbes 30 under 30, Grahm became a CEO at 15, and now has 7 shops in Japan as well as a new artsy boutique tucked into Alfred Coffee on Melrose Place in West Hollywood. Handmade in Los Angeles in small batches from premium gourmet chocolate and all-natural organic ingredients, Compartes’ 200-plus varieties of chocolate confections, chocolate truffles, chocolate dipped fruits and gourmet chocolate bars are true chocolate works of edible art.

Made in-house from scratch daily, Compartes was founded over 60 years ago on the principle of bringing European chocolate techniques, recipes and artistry to the United States. As these artisanal confections appeal to grown-up palates, the luxury gourmet chocolate is known as some of the best chocolate in the world. Since the beginning, the shop has attracted celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, and today the creations continue to impress bevies of Hollywood starlets, as well as chocoholics- like myself- around the globe. The company makes special chocolates for high profile events such as the Golden Globe and Academy Awards, and Grahm’s 40-piece signature truffle box is the go-to gift around the holidays. Venice’s Gjelina Bakery is providing one signature pastry every Sunday using Compartes chocolate- such as a chocolate croissant or chocolate donut- and the new Compartes chocolate bars- named donuts and coffee and cereal bowl- have become cult favorites in my neighborhood. I have since re-routed my morning Starbucks run. www.compartes.com