Fran's Chocolates

Fran's salted caramels, sold in tidy little boxes tied with beautiful ribbon, have fans around the country, and in high places—President Obama is reported to have asked for a box when he tried them in Seattle. Founder Fran Bigelow was inspired by Parisian chocolatiers and her namesake chain has a European austerity. Besides the light and dark caramels sprinkled with sea salt, Fran's makes truffles and a few coated nuts—all worthy of acclaim, presidential or not.