Audiences loved the romanticized fantasy version of Paris to be found in the movie Amelie. It was saturated with color, filled with quirky personality and a timelessness that made it seem charmingly old-fashioned and modern all at once. If Amelie was a candy shop, it would be Miette Confiserie.
Imagine a shop with large apothecary jars filled with old time candies you might remember from your childhood like cinnamon red hots, sanded lemon drops, and Swedish fish. Added to the bulk candies are those little tins of foil-wrapped chocolate sardines, chocolate bars, lollipops, even packages of pop rocks. Looking for something more deluxe? There are handmade caramels, a good selection of foil-wrapped chocolates and chocolate bars and imported marzipan in addition to packages of freshly made cookies from the Miette bakery. There is also a lot of licorice if that's your vice.
The thing is, it's all as visually delicious as it is tasty. Little touches like a gum drop tree and a bouquet of chocolate roses add whimsy to an already enchanting spot. Having been there twice I just want to move in.
So what did I buy? A little of this and a little of that, some tiny mint chips, Krema Batna, Dum Dums lollipops, creamy mint sticks, sesame candies, Squirrel Nut Zippers (just because I love the name) and a colorful little French treat from L. Voisin. Perhaps even more of a treat, my little bag only cost $1.65. I might just become one of those little old ladies who carries candy in her purse...
Miette Confiserie
449 Octavia Blvd @ Hayes St
San Francisco
415.626.6221
Amy Sherman is a San Francisco–based writer, recipe developer, restaurant reviewer and all around culinary enthusiast. She blogs for Epicurious , Bay Area Bites and Cooking with Amy .