I had the box of chocolates sent to work. They arrived late in the week and I knew there was no way I could sample and evaluate these chocolates alone. I called in a team of fellow tasters (my lucky co-workers) to put their critic caps on and evaluate these chocolates with me. Free chocolate?! They were more than happy to oblige and gladly filled out my five question evaluation form, one per chocolate sampled.

The evaluators consisted of one man and six women (there is a shortage of men in my office). All are between 23-50 years of age, and declared themselves lovers of chocolate. Two are married, three are in relationships and two are on the prowl.

The initial response from everyone was that the box the chocolates arrived in were a great Valentine theme. A squishy pink heart-shaped exterior opened to a cocoa-hued interior. Before we looked at the chocolates themselves, we checked the chocolate guide for the possibilities in our future: truffles, nuts and chocolate, fruit and assorted cocktail flavors—any and all could be under that wrapper.

We opened the box to discover twenty wavy confections, some dark, some milk and some white chocolate with hot pink painted hearts and “I love you” written in a number of languages. I later found that Ethel’s calls these chocolates their “language of love line,” it was not listed on the enclosed guide and we were unsure what to expect.

The chocolates themselves were amusing to the eyes, and two evaluators even called them “sexy.” The pink seemed to invade our senses and pretty soon, one evaluator asked if this was a box of Target chocolates: “They have those same ones at Target! I’ve had these before.”

“No, no,” I ensured, “these are gourmet.” But I was skeptical myself and did agree that the chocolates did appear machine-mass produced.

The first evaluator picked a milk chocolate piece: “only one thanks, I had Burger King for lunch.” She loved the graphic and the shape, calling the chocolates “cute.” She enjoyed the smooth interior. “Ganache,” I informed her, and noticed a hint of liquor and a burst of cocoa. Overall, she enjoyed her chocolate experience, but had the same verdict as evaluators that followed: the chocolates just were not unique enough visually in a group or in flavor.

One evaluator loved the lingering milky quality in the white chocolate pieces. Another said the white chocolate was a perfect sweetness, unlike other chocolates she has tried, and truly were delicious. Some thought the milk chocolates a little too sweet, though overall, most people enjoyed them.

This on-the-fence verdict followed for the remaining evaluators. Everyone who claimed to like the chocolates could tell these were quality chocolates, though none were willing to spend $30 on a box of what they deemed fairly “ordinary” chocolates, especially for a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day.

Do we expect too much from our chocolate these days? In a world where we can buy lavender infused white chocolate, Aztec spiced dark chocolate or cardamom laced milk chocolate have we forgotten about basic chocolates and how delicious they can be?

So while Ethel’s Chocolates are quality chocolates, my team of trusty evaluators recommend getting something a little more special for Valentine’s Day. Maybe their liquor infused collection or the amazing looking truffles.

Whatever your plans for Valentine’s Day, we at Well Fed hope you spend it with someone special, friend or lover.