Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the April, 2000 edition of "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Each month, you'll find great recipes, tips, and recommendations on chocolate specialties. Happy Easter, Happy Passover, and Happy Beltane to all my readers!

Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: April's Chocolate Recommendation is Bodega Fudge and Chocolates, who just might give the Easter Bunny a run for his money. Forget marshmallow eggs; you can have a Fudge Truffle Bar instead, and believe me you want to, especially with a Dulce de Leche or a Traditional (chocolate) filling. Three cousins are in charge of this company, where candy-making is part of the family tradition. Bodega Fudge and Chocolates uses no artificial flavors or wax in their confections, and all of their products are certified kosher.

Check out their website; you'll find on-line ordering as well as some clever gift ideas with names like "Friends Bearing Gifts" and "Picnic Rendezvous". If you can pry yourself away from those Fudge Truffle Bars, try the chocolate-covered shortbread or English toffee, which is nicely crunchy but doesn't stick to your teeth. Bodega Fudge and Chocolates is located in the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. Outside southern California, you can reach them at (888) 3-BODEGA, or at (949) 489-0708. The fax number is (949) 489-1537, and you can order on the web at: www.bodegachocolates.com. Why not make this Easter an all-chocolate one?

Special Section: San Francisco Restaurant Reviews and More
Your greatest difficulty in San Francisco may be deciding where to dine; the number of choices is overwhelming. On a recent trip, I selected four of the better-known restaurants (and one that is not so well-known, Firefly) for meals; click here for my reviews as well as some other information.

Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? I'd like your input into this column. You can reach me at: sdziadwm@nac.net; please specify that you're writing regarding "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Thank you!