Pasadena is rightly famous for many things, and to that list we can now add artisanal confections. We looked at a slate of sugar shacks that offer Pasadenans a multitude of treats sure to tame any sweet tooth.
BY: SARA SMOLA
IT’SUGAR
This novelty candy shop has plenty of treats and tricks up its sleeve. It’s the perfect place to stop in if you’re looking for something that makes a statement. Something like a giant five pound gummy bear (if you’re feeling less adventurous they have a junior size weighing “only” two pounds) or the “World’s Largest Box of Nerds.” For those nostalgic for yesteryear, IT’SUGAR stocks hundreds of classic favorites like Pop Rocks and Bazooka Bubblegum and other treats from the past.
111 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105, 626.796.1153 or itsugar.com
Little Flower Candy Co.
Confectioner extraordinaire, Christine Moore, has created a cult following lusting over Little Flower’s specialty handmade caramels that are a deliciously balanced medley of salty and sweet that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The best part? If you don’t want to make a drive, peruse their online shop for your pick of succulent caramels and Little Flower’s supersized marshmallows that come in a variety of flavors like vanilla, cinnamon sugar, chocolate and coffee and can be delivered right to your (or a lucky friend’s) door step.
1424 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105, 626.304.4800 or littleflowercandyco.com
Amara Chocolate
Owner Amara Barroeta has been crafting gourmet chocolate at her café for four years and is dedicated to creating only chocolate of the highest quality while paying homage to her Venezuelan heritage. Barroeta’s truffles are inspired by her travels and the places she loves—including Los Angeles. After a visit to L.A.’s Little Tokyo, she wanted to pay homage to the Japanese culture through her chocolate, creating a spicy-sweet truffle made with white Venezuelan chocolate, lychee and wasabi. Her collection of bite-sized truffles are so rich (despite being tempted to scarf them down immediately) that it’s best to take your time savoring the complex flavors of these gourmet goodies.
55 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105, 626.744.1765 or amarachocolate.com
Mignon Chocolate
Third generation chocolatiers Anoush and Joseph Ter-Poghossian strive to uphold the family business’s legacy. Mignon’s menu offers over 60 varieties of chocolates and truffles in art deco inspired designs, just waiting to melt in your mouth. The shop is filled from top to bottom with exclusive flavors not found anywhere else—like their exotic Cuban mojito or sea-salt ginger. To try something new, stop by throughout the year to sample their rotating selection of seasonal flavors.
6 E. Holly St., Pasadena, CA 91103, 626.796.7100 or mignonchocolate.com
Papabubble
Made from natural sugarcane, these hard candies are free from high fructose corn syrup, gluten or any animal products. This Barcelona-based company trains their workers for three months on the art of candy making. The carefully crafted candy comes in intense fruity flavors along the typical norm such as grape, cherry, strawberry and the like, as well as a variety of unique tastes like pineapple, raspberry, lychee, kiwi and guava.
91 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91105, 626.793.7457 or papabubblela.com
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