Burlingame Businesses Take On Chocolate Fest

This Friday and Saturday, candy makers from around the Bay Area are offering their chocolates for tasting at the Congregational Church of Belmont's 29th annual Chocolate Fest, including three Burlingame confectioners.

, and Jade Chocolate ventured from their Burlingame headquarters to the fest. We caught up with Mindy Fong of Jade Chocolate.

Jade Chocolate recently opened its store at 1223 Donnelly Ave. in Burlingame. The tea and chocolate shop boasts a number of award-winning combinations, including the Dragon’s Breath bar, which was a finalist in the national Good Food Awards in 2011.

Why did you want to be involved with Chocolate Fest?

I found out about it through another company--Victoria’s Toffee. They told me about it. They didn’t have anything, any products like mine, so it was a good fit. I also wanted to participate because Belmont is close to Burlingame, and that’s where my store is located.

Have you participated before?

I was involved last year, as well, so they asked me to come back.

What are you bringing with you?

I specialize in blending chocolate with teas and spices from Asia and the Pacific Islands. I have seven unique bars that you can't find anywhere else with the different flavor combinations. I also just began my truffle line, and I use a lot of teas in my truffles.

What are you most excited about at Chocolate Fest?

Just introducing my truffles and letting people know about the new shop.

Tell me a little bit about your company.

Jade Chocolate is now based in Burlingame. We just moved there a month ago. We specialize in blending teas and spices from Asia and the Pacific Islands.