BY STEVEN J WESTMAN
Do you ever get the feeling you're the German kid who falls into Willy Wonka’s chocolate river? OK, maybe it's just me, but if there are those people who love candy as much as I do, there's a magical place, nestled in Sena Plaza in Santa Fe that beckons the chocolate lover in you. Known as Todos Santos Chocolates & Confections, it gives new meaning to the adage, “I've died and gone to heaven!”
I happened upon the shop in its first year of business a few years back, and I truly believed it was my own private discovery. I was so wrong!

Hayward Simoneaux, is the mastermind behind the whole shebang, and is truly one of the nicest and most unaffected shop owners I have ever met. And he wears many hats, including artist, chocolatier and saint (to those who are confection addicted). When you enter his shop, you get the feel of a small European candy store. It's a visual overload, as every nook and cranny is packed with all kinds of goodies. Imported candies from all around the world are within a hands reach, and if you're nice, Hayward is sure to let you sample a few. From truffles to jars of dulce de leche milk caramel to Pez dispensers by local folk artist Steve White, you can spin around and around until you are dizzy. When you come to a stop, I am certain you will have found yourself with your arms loaded with sweet goodness you never expected. What I love most about Todos Santos, and is Hayward's trademark chocolate milagros. He molds icons like the Virgin of Guadalupe or a flaming heart, and then gilds them with a 23 carat gold or silver veneer. They are almost too precious to take a bite of, but you should. So, if Todos Santos has not been on your radar until now, hurry on over and get a taste for yourself!

TODOS SANTOS CHOCOLATES AND CONFECTIONS | 125 East Palace Avenue #31, Santa Fe | 505 982 3855