I've probably been to this Pearlridge See's Candies the most because I grew up going to Pearlridge (it was closer than Ala Moana), and whenever I hit up this mall, I still drop by See's for my free sample.
This store has definitely gotten more crowded over the years. Sometimes I go in specifically to buy a product, but other times, I just go in to peruse the seasonal selection. When the store is super busy, don't count on receiving a free sample unless you are in line and waiting to purchase something. Or, if you're lucky, there'll be a roaming employee who you could flag down.
It seems that this location in particular likes to offer the nutty candies right off the bat when it comes to free samples, but since I don't like nuts, the employees have always been accommodating in getting me something more basic (one of the pure milk or dark chocolate buttercreams, for instance) to taste.
While this location is hit-or-miss when it comes to service (depending on how busy they are), I can usually find everything that I need. Here's what I would recommend:
"Peanut Butter Pattie": If Reese's Peanut Butter Cups were flattened out, they would result in See's Peanut Butter Pattie. If I'm getting just a few treats from See's, I usually go for the Milk Bordeaux and these peanut butter patties. The feature smooth, old-fashioned peanut butter with powdered sugar covered in milk chocolate. Though I feel like the peanut butter taste in these candies is not as strong as they are in Reese's, the creamy peanut butter and velvety milk chocolate combo is still delightful ... one of my favorites.
"Pecan Bud": I haven't tried this treat yet, but I'm sure I'll like it because it includes pecans. This "bud" features pecan halves with buttery caramel covered with smooth milk chocolate. I don't like most of the nuts featured at See's, but pecans are okay on my list. Plus, this pecan comes covered with a luscious caramel-and-milk chocolate blend ... couldn't ask for anything better!
"Milk Buttercream": I think I like milk chocolate and dark chocolate equally, and this buttercream is one of the staples at See's. It features a buttery, creamy soft center with a touch of vanilla, covered in smooth milk chocolate. The center of this buttercream treat makes it perfect -- the slight vanilla taste offsets the otherwise decadent chocolate flavoring perfectly.
"Dark Buttercream": I think I've gotten this candy as a sample before--numerous times, in fact--but I've never actually ordered the chocolate itself. It features a buttery, creamy soft center with a touch of vanilla, enrobed in rich dark chocolate. I like the slight hint of vanilla that's included in this treat, and I love the dark chocolate envelope. If you're looking for something that's simpler but still features a sweet, creamy center, this buttercream is the perfect choice.
"Mocha": I haven't ordered this coffee-inspired treat yet, but I plan to someday. It includes a creamy center flavored with coffee and cream covered in smooth milk chocolate and decorated with chocolate sprinkles. The description reminds me of the "Double Chocolaty Chip" frapp that I get from time to time at Starbucks because this treat features both chocolate and coffee. I'm sure I'll like this combo, especially with my favorite milk chocolate sprinkles on the exterior.
"Dark Pattie": Though I haven't tried this patty yet, its contents definitely make it sound enticing. It features rich chocolate caramel with a touch of vanilla and covered in rich dark chocolate. Yum! I like caramel but I don't like it enough to get a treat composed entirely of caramel, so this chocolate-caramel mix--with a dash of vanilla flavor--sounds divine.
"Normandie": This is one of my mom's favorites, and I always remember it because of its unique name. This sweet treat features a creamy soft center with roasted California almonds and special vanilla covered in rich dark chocolate. My mom likes the texture of the California almonds and the sweet vanilla-dark chocolate combo. While she doesn't prefer nuts as a whole, she likes the almonds in this chocolate treat and says that the dark chocolate exterior doesn't make the candy super sweet.
"Marshmallow Goodies": During Halloween, Valentine's Day, the summer and Christmas, See's features marshmallow treats in the specific shapes (Jack 'O Lanterns, hearts, beach balls, Christmas trees, etc.). Whenever these treats are in season, I'm always sure to get one for my grandma because these are her favorite snacks. They include fluffy honey marshmallow that's drenched in layers of smooth milk chocolate. My grandma really likes the marshmallow treats from See's because of their puffy marshmallow layer that's balanced perfectly by the milk chocolate exterior. I'm not a huge fan of marshmallow, but I'm always on the lookout for these treats for grandma. read more