I received two lovely boxes of chocolates from Chuao Chocolatier, one filled with pretty chocolates with various shapes and fillings. They were superb. I was particularly struck, however, with what they call Choco Pods, mini chocolate bars, individually wrapped and filled with -- in this case, at least -- Strawberry and Balsamic Caramel. I concurred with the slogan on the package, "unusual, unexpected & delicious." They also brought feelings of nostalgia since I remember when Mario Batali, in his first restaurant Pó, offered a dessert that was simple sliced strawberries drizzled with fine balsamic vinegar and coarse black pepper. It was an amazing combination that never would have occurred to me. These Pods evoke that taste memory in a way -- the sweetness of the balsamic and the tart berries, all wrapped up in very good dark chocolate. Other flavors include Passion Fruit Caramel, Spicy Cabernet Caramel. Spicy Macadamia Praline, and Banana Brown Sugar Caramel. The company was founded by two Venezuelan brothers now living in San Diego, and named for a legendary criollo cacao-growing region of Chuao, Venezuela. For more information, call 760-476-1668 or visit www.chuaochocolatier.com.