In this week's Scenes of the City, we peek behind the chocolate curtain with local confectioner Charles Siegel of Charles Chocolates to take a look at his sweet operation. Charles and his dedicated crew mix up pounds of fresh, handmade chocolate every day at their 7,400-square-foot HQ at the site of the old Potrero Brewing Company in the Mission. 

What struck us most while visiting the Florida Street factory is that everything is handmade to order using only the freshest cream, butter, herbs, fruits, and nuts—and absolutely nothing contains preservatives or artificial flavors. 

Charles is a self taught confectioner who loves to experiment with new processes and flavors to keep his product innovative and in constant evolution. In fact, while we were there we had the privilege of watching him experiment with (and tasting a bit of) a new Chai confection. 

Where can you find Charles Chocolates? Visit their glassed-in kitchen for yourself at 535 Florida Street, check out their website for a list of the different bars and boxes offered, or see at a list of their retailers here.