Forrest Gump’s mother would do well to purchase her chocolates from Éclat Chocolate in West Chester. Rather than never knowing what she’s going to get, she’s assured to get some of the best sweets in the nation. David Landsel reports on the shop’s recent distinction for Food & Wine magazine.

Éclat Chocolate has been listed as one of America’s 50 finest chocolate makers and chocolate shops.

Its placement on the prestigious (alphabetical) list is well deserved. Christopher Curtin’s masterful workshop offers an array of award-winning chocolate, including intricate bonbon-caramels that are infused with calvados. The shop also stocks mouthwatering truffles made with rare, Peruvian Nacional cacao.

Curtin, the gourmet Willy Wonka, honed his skills in some of the best chocolate houses of Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Japan. He’s even elevated the simple chocolate-covered pretzel, creating bars into which Pennsylvania Dutch-style pretzels are crumbed. These are crafted in nearby Lancaster County.

Read more about the best chocolate shops in America in Food & Wine magazine.