James Woodin

‘FROM WHERE I SIT’

MEET JOHN KELLY

Confession  time…I’m a chocoholic!  Pure and simple.  I love Peanut Brittle but when it comes to chocolate, that’s another story.  You can’t walk by John Kelly Chocolates in Hollywood without being drawn in.    When you get inside this boutique you’ll find yourself debating what do I want to taste.  While in this condition you might find a celebrity or two dropping by to pick up some of the amazing chocolates available.  I snuck into the production area and learned everything is hand-made, 12,000 pieces, minimum, each day.  For some items five individuals are involved in the making of a single piece.  Even the packaging is piece by piece.  I watched a lady checking every item as it passed by and if she saw something that didn’t meet their standards for quality and appearance it was removed before it reached packaging.  Another gloved lady was placing a nut on top of each piece.  I sampled several of their specialty chocolates and really enjoyed one made with jalapenos.  They offer all types of chocolate; Milk Chocolate, Semi-sweet Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate.  Some pieces are filled with a Caramel filling or Peanut Butter. They will create a special package for you, two pieces to a big box. Their products are created from scratch utilizing the finest ingredients available carefully blended for a balance of sweet rich flavor.  They are certified Kosher (dairy).   John Kelly Chocolate’s  even have special sculpted pieces available.   When you visit the Hollywood location you might ask if John Kelly is available to answer a question or two.  You might get  an answer  like he’s kind of here.  Somewhere in the production area or perhaps behind the counter the man behind the name will be there.  Actually, John Kelly is the first name of the two founders of the company, John & Kelly. 

They have a shipping department and can handle your gift boxes but there is a catch.  They actually have an office in the building that checks weather conditions to the area your gift is headed.  To have the quality, texture and flavor of your gift perfect when it arrives, they will calculate the very best time for shipping.  They ship so your gift doesn’t sit for days while in transit and in a high temperature area waiting for delivery.   

I’m positive you believe you’ve tasted good chocolate but once a piece of John Kelly Chocolate melts in your mouth exposing to your taste buds an exciting flavor filled experience you’ll never think of chocolate candy again without the adjective…John Kelly.  You can visit the factory boutique in Hollywood at 1508 North Sierra Bonita, it’s just around the corner from Sunset Blvd. near La Brea. They have an additional location in Santa Monica at 1111 ½ Montana Ave.              If you’re looking for an exceptional gift, (maybe for me) , you can visit either of their stores, Hollywood location is closed on Sundays and the Santa Monica store is open daily or check them on line @JohnKellyChocolates.com.  (They are also featured on Amazon.com)  One bite is all it takes to enjoy their melt in your mouth quality at least from where I sit.