Tim Gearhart thinks outside the heart-shaped box

Photo by Agata Schoenborn

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What does chocolate say about the man who’s giving it? “He’s focused on you,” says the artisan chocolatier who’ll turn out 50,000 pieces of Gearhart’s Fine Chocolate for Valentine’s Day. “At Christmas, guys buy for everyone on their list,” Tim explains. “But on February 14, every procrastinating male standing in line at closing time has one woman in mind.” Gearhart marries chocolate with unexpected flavors like Ancho chili (Maya); cardamom and rose (Taj); or fresh mint and Kentucky bourbon (Mint Julep). The delicious results earned him a spot on Chocolatier Magazine’s Top 20 list. He credits his five-year stint in The Marine Corps with instilling the “repetitive attention to detail” necessary to handcraft small-batch confections. “It’s not rocket science, but I’d challenge anyone to make a Vanilla Bean Brulee today that tastes exactly like it did last month.” Gentlemen take note: Gearhart’s Libbie Avenue boutique is open ‘til six on Valentine’s Day.

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