Best Selection of Truffles

Open since late 1998, XOX Truffles is owned and operated by Jean Marc Gorce, a classically trained chef from France who spent five years as chef de cuisine at the celebrated San Francisco restaurant Fringale, followed by a stint as chef for the Westin St. Francis. After Gorce suffered a heart attack and was told to reduce the stress in his life, he retired from the restaurant business and opened this tiny shop and cafe with his wife, Casimira. They specialize in miniature truffles, made by hand, which come in 20 delicious flavors, including amaretto, rum raisin, French roast, Earl Grey, noisette, coconut, citron, triple sec, crème de menthe, and Kahlúa. Priced at only 25 to 35 cents individually or when purchased in small quantities, they are also available in a variety of colorful ornamental gift boxes or in ceramic mugs or dishes (a uniquely San Francisco gift). A box of 80 truffles is $16 -- far below the going rate for confections of this quality. The cafe also sells the popular Graffeo coffee by the cup or the pound -- and includes a free truffle with each cup of coffee.