Phillipe Padovani closed his eponymous and highly-regarded restaurant in December, but there's a sweet side to this sad turn. Never one to stew, Padovani has opened a chocolate shop that is winning rave reviews for its high art edibles. The Australian-born, French-speaking chef puts a sophisticated local spin on the old standards. Truffles filled Lilikoi Milk Chocolate, Kiawe Honey, Kona Coffee cream melt on the tongue but have a bit more bite and a bit less sugar than standard confectionery. Call before you go by his downtown stores as locals tend to rush the counters and empty the stock quickly.

Padovani's Chocolates
The Davies Pacific Center, Suite 151
841 Bishop Street
808.536.4567

—Alex, 07/22/06