How Sweet It Is

We can all agree chocolate comes in varying quality: the elegant, handmade candies that are rich, creamy and smooth and the youth soccer fund-raiser bars, hawked by co-workers, that come with a $2 pizza coupon on the wrapper.

It’s all about preference, really. One person might desire a Reese’s peanut butter cup with the same fervor that another yearns for a key lime truffle from Godiva.

If you fall into the latter category, it might matter to you that the chocolatier has opened a boutique at The Oaks shopping mall in Thousand Oaks.

Located on the second floor, the shop provides an elegant array of Godiva’s self-proclaimed confectionary excellence.

Godiva’s history began more than 75 years ago in Brussels, when Joseph Draps named his company in honor of the legend of Lady Godiva.

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Fine chocolate aside, the company’s tony appeal was born from sophisticated packaging and marketing. Consider that Godiva’s wares are never sold in discount stores or at discounted prices.

As in its other 200 boutiques around North America, a pound of chocolate at the Thousand Oaks location sells for $31. Single pieces fetch $.50 to $3.25.

A large wood and glass case displays enticing mounds of truffles, pralines, fruit creams, caramels and molded solid chocolates.

Along the walls are shelved displays of Godiva’s many examples of elegantly wrapped boxes. You can choose a prepacked “ballotin” or build your own contents.

Besides the more than 150 types of Godiva confections, the boutique also carries the Cafe Godiva line of coffees, including vanilla hazelnut and creme brulee blends.

Five varieties of the new Godiva Biscuits, two flavors of Godiva Cocoa mix and chocolate-dipped biscotti and mini biscotti are also available.

DETAILS

Godiva’s new boutique is on the upper level, near Macy’s, at The Oaks shopping center, 222 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Hours: Mon.-Fri, 10 a.m.-9 p.m; Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 777-7709.

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Elsewhere in Godiva-land: To promote its new line of gourmet ice creams, Godiva is holding a writing contest with an attractive grand prize package going to three lucky entrants.

Here’s how it works: Describe in 150 words or less “Why You Deserve A Heavenly Indulgence.” Mailed entries, postmarked by Sept. 7, can be sent to: I Deserve A Heavenly Indulgence Contest, P.O. Box 5132, Unionville, CT 06087. A video entry no more than two minutes in length, on 1/2-inch VHS cassette and postmarked by Sept. 7, can be sent to the same address. Entries, written or taped, must include name, address, ZIP Code and daytime phone number. An online contest form can be submitted on the company’s Web site: https://www.godiva.com.

The three grand prizes include a one-year supply of Godiva ice cream; chauffeured car service (50 hours worth, by a professional driver); massage treatments (a one-hour massage, once a month for one year); catered meals for one year (one catered meal for a family of four delivered to your home once a month for 12 months).

Also, 1,000 Godiva ice cream gift certificates will be awarded, redeemable for one 12 1/2-ounce container. The line of ice creams is available at grocery stores, specialty food markets and convenience stores.

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Up the Coast: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is holding its annual Wine Festival and Great Grape Stomp today. Representatives from area wineries and restaurants will line the meandering wooded creek side on the museum grounds to pour and serve samplings.

Also on tap: Live music will be provided by the Dixie Daddies, a fiddler will lead a procession of dancers and specialty wines will be up for bidding at a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit the museum.

DETAILS

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s 18th annual benefit Wine Festival will be held today from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is $45. The museum is at 2559 Puesta del Sol Road. For more information, call 682-4711, Ext. 401.

Rodney Bosch writes about the restaurant scene in Ventura County and outlying points. He can be reached at 653-7572, fax 653-7576 or by e-mail at: rodney.bosch@latimes.com.