I started the day seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and wrapped up the afternoon with a Golden Gate Ghirardelli Banana Split…..

On my recent trip to San Francisco, one of the sweetest and nicest places I visited was Ghirardelli  Square and the Original Ghirardelli  Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.

Ghirardelli Square is located in Fisherman’s Wharf and is home to several different shops and restaurants. Out of all the restaurants however, the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is my favorite.

Ghirardelli chocolate was founded in 1852 by Italian Domenico Ghirardelli It is now the US’ longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer.

One of the best things about visiting The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is you get to see and learn all about how Ghirardelli chocolate is made. Hello Kitty Foodies can view a display of the chocolate making process with the original machinery used from 1852! They still use the same traditions that Domenico Ghirardelli began over a century ago.

Step 1 is the Cocoa Bean Roasters. At this station os where the outer shell of the cocoa bean are removed. Once removed what is left behind the inside is what they call the nib. These nibs are roasted to give that unique Ghirardelli flavor.

Step 2 is the Chocolate mills where the heat melts the cocoa nibs into the chocolate liquor. Step 3 is the Melanger where granite rollers mix the chocolate liquor with different ingredients.

Step 4 is the final step and it consist of conche. This where the chocolate is smoothed out to its final texture.

I really loved seeing this process done. What I loved even more was tasting the final product! 😉

The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop has a several different treats for Hello Kitty Foodies. They include delicious ice cream scoops, their world-famous hot fudge sundae and various delightful shakes! Since I was in San Francisco, I chose to get their Golden Gate Banana Split! After all when in the Bay, how could I not indulge in their most famous landmark. 😉

The Golden Gate Banana Split consists of vanilla, strawberry and Ghirardelli Chocolate ice cream on top of a banana. The terrific trio is then topped with crushed pineapple, strawberry and handmade hot fudge whipped cream, diced almonds and a cherry! What a landmark sundae indeed! It is quite a sight and a tasty one too!

Visiting The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop in Ghirardelli  Square was definitely one of the sweetest parts of my San Francisco visit! For any Hello Kitty Foodies visiting the Bay area, I would definitely recommend visiting for a sweet learning experience and a sweet indulgence.