Chocolate!
May 23, 2004 | 10:14 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 731
Old Swiss House, Lucerne, Switzerland
Right near the Lion Monument has phenomenal chocolate mousse that is served from a gigantic bowl, so you can keep it coming!! We love it.
We loved the hot chocolate from room service at the W Times Square- I think it may be Valrhona. Yummmmmm....
Since we live near Berkeley, we like to take other chocoholics to the Scharffen Berger factory. It's great to learn about and even better to taste that delicious chocolate! http://www.scharffenberger.com/
The dark chocolate macaroons at Laduree in Paris were dinner for 2 nights of our last trip.
We loved the hot chocolate from room service at the W Times Square- I think it may be Valrhona. Yummmmmm....
Since we live near Berkeley, we like to take other chocoholics to the Scharffen Berger factory. It's great to learn about and even better to taste that delicious chocolate! http://www.scharffenberger.com/
The dark chocolate macaroons at Laduree in Paris were dinner for 2 nights of our last trip.
May 23, 2004 | 10:19 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
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I also vote for anything from La Maison Du Chocolates-BUT you must order from them directly and pay for next day air,or it is not worth the expense.
Is it really cheaper in Paris?By how much?
I only buy 1 1/2 lbs at Christmas-it is VERY expensive but Robert Linxe is a master.
Is it really cheaper in Paris?By how much?
I only buy 1 1/2 lbs at Christmas-it is VERY expensive but Robert Linxe is a master.
May 24, 2004 | 9:13 am
#18
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AA 3 MM, IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,589
Originally Posted by bigguyinpasadena
Is it really cheaper in Paris?By how much?
http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/
I'll be in Paris next week for Roland Garros. I can't wait to go to their store to pig out. I have only had the opportunity to try their chocolates. I know they have pastries as I'm sure they are also delicious.
BTW, in France I have seen both La Maison du Chocolat and Valrhona in chocolate milk form.
May 25, 2004 | 6:41 am
#19
In memoriam
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The little hot chocolate counter at the back of Maison du
Chocolat - the cup of Caracas was probably the best
pick-me-up possible after accompanying a young lady
on an exhausting round of shopping. But my favorite
chocolates are Teuscher and Puyricard (retail store on
Boulevard Rapp in the 7e).
Chocolat - the cup of Caracas was probably the best
pick-me-up possible after accompanying a young lady
on an exhausting round of shopping. But my favorite
chocolates are Teuscher and Puyricard (retail store on
Boulevard Rapp in the 7e).
May 25, 2004 | 2:12 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 7
Originally Posted by cordelli
I've got a bar of 85% on my desk today I've been sharing with some co-workers forgetting to mention it's 85%. Few people love it (I love it) most make the most incredible faces thinking it's milk chocolate or something.
Lindt had them on sale in the outlet last weekend, two for $5 if anybody is near one. It's rare to see bars of it meant for eating.
Lindt had them on sale in the outlet last weekend, two for $5 if anybody is near one. It's rare to see bars of it meant for eating.
oh lucky you, Lindt on sale! I've actually seen them in a few stores and always buy them when I do. I just tried a new kind from Trader Joe's this past weekend, can't remember the name but it was really good. The higher the percentage the better
My boyfriend's mother will actually buy the entire box (in bulk) when she finds a store that sells it! When I go over there I usually am lucky enough to walk out of there with a bar or two!
May 25, 2004 | 3:09 pm
#21
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Join Date: Jun 1999
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I just tried a new kind from Trader Joe's this past weekend, can't remember the name but it was really good.
May 25, 2004 | 7:30 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rio Rancho, NM - USA
Programs: DL, UA, WN, Amtrak, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 1,793
Cholocate - clearly an important topic...
It's the wrong season now, but in wintertime a great few days in NYC can be enjoyed checking out the city's best hot chocolate offerings. I based my last chocolate run (frigid week last January full of snow and perfect hot choc weather) on the article in New York Magazine (and www.nymetro.com):
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/...696/index.html
(Perform a search for "chocolate" on the homepage of this site and get 845 references! Yeah!)
My personal faves from this article were (in order of chocolate enjoyment):
City Bakery at 3 W. 18th St. with a big VAT of hot chocolate in the center of the restaurant, stirred by a kind of robotic arm. Highlight: fab, homemade, huge, square marshmallows which cost a little extra and are so worth it. What the heck, have a pastry to go along with the beverage.
Lunettes Et Chocolate at 25 Prince St. (mentioned by Letiole above) with a complex hot chocolate menu requiring consultation with the preparer/server who customizes your cuppa to your personal chocolate preference. All right! Sit on one of the two stools and enjoy the comings and goings of the regular customers coming in for their tins of hot chocolate mix. And yes, half the shop is devoted to designer sunglasses.
Payard Bistro at 1032 Lex, near 73rd, where we had pre-theatre dinner and I forgot to order hot chocolate (slap myself), so oops, no report.
Great find while stumbling around Soho the morning after a huge snowfall: Chocolate Garden at 80 Thompson St. where the proprietor makes the heavenly chocolates by hand and is generous with samples to help you decide. She makes different recipes each day, so call ahead to be sure she's concocting the superlative Creme Brulee Truffles on the day of your visit. Mmm...
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/...696/index.html
(Perform a search for "chocolate" on the homepage of this site and get 845 references! Yeah!)
My personal faves from this article were (in order of chocolate enjoyment):
City Bakery at 3 W. 18th St. with a big VAT of hot chocolate in the center of the restaurant, stirred by a kind of robotic arm. Highlight: fab, homemade, huge, square marshmallows which cost a little extra and are so worth it. What the heck, have a pastry to go along with the beverage.
Lunettes Et Chocolate at 25 Prince St. (mentioned by Letiole above) with a complex hot chocolate menu requiring consultation with the preparer/server who customizes your cuppa to your personal chocolate preference. All right! Sit on one of the two stools and enjoy the comings and goings of the regular customers coming in for their tins of hot chocolate mix. And yes, half the shop is devoted to designer sunglasses.
Payard Bistro at 1032 Lex, near 73rd, where we had pre-theatre dinner and I forgot to order hot chocolate (slap myself), so oops, no report.
Great find while stumbling around Soho the morning after a huge snowfall: Chocolate Garden at 80 Thompson St. where the proprietor makes the heavenly chocolates by hand and is generous with samples to help you decide. She makes different recipes each day, so call ahead to be sure she's concocting the superlative Creme Brulee Truffles on the day of your visit. Mmm...
May 25, 2004 | 9:24 pm
#23
Join Date: Sep 2002
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Originally Posted by francophile
...If any of you are here in Chicago on a Friday or Saturday evening, you should consider going to the chocolate buffet at the Peninsula Hotel. It was a wonderful indulgence. The macarons, though not as good as Fauchon or Laduree, were still very good. It's $19.50. Yes, it's expensive but it does include unlimited coffee, including espresso and cappuccino:
Indulge In "Chocolate At The Pen" At The Lobby In
The Peninsula Chicago
Executive Chef Terry Crandall and Executive Pastry Chef Michael Gillet are pleased to announce "Chocolate at the Pen" the launch of Chicago's premier chocolate bar in The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago (108 E. Superior Street). "Chocolate at the Pen" takes place Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight, and promises sweet satisfaction for those looking for a little indulgence after dinner, or who are looking for that perfect accompaniment to "Jazz at the Pen" (jazz trios perform weekly in The Lobby). Decadent chocolate delights are presented at a designated area in the room, highlighted by a magnificent chocolate centerpiece created by Chef Gillet.
"Chocolate at the Pen" is $19.50 per person, and includes unlimited coffee, cappuccino or espresso and a selection of petite chocolate delicacies. Choices include Opera Cake, Chocolate Moelleux Raspberry Compote, Brownie Key Lime Cream, Chocolate Coffee Tart, Chocolate Tapioca, Chocolate Pecan Tart, Chocolate Tiramisu, Chocolate Pot de Crme and more.
The Lobby is located on the fifth floor of The Peninsula Chicago at 108 East Superior Street and offers all-day dining Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight. The Peninsula's legendary afternoon tea is served from 3 to 5:30 p.m., accompanied by daily performances by a cellistpianist duo. Dress code is smart casual.
Guests can dine in five different venues at The Peninsula: Avenues, Shanghai Terrace, The Lobby, The Bar and Pierrot Gourmet.
To learn more about The Peninsula Chicago or to make a reservation, please call (866) 288-8889 or (312) 337-2888. Reservations can also be made online at www.peninsula.com.
Indulge In "Chocolate At The Pen" At The Lobby In
The Peninsula Chicago
Executive Chef Terry Crandall and Executive Pastry Chef Michael Gillet are pleased to announce "Chocolate at the Pen" the launch of Chicago's premier chocolate bar in The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago (108 E. Superior Street). "Chocolate at the Pen" takes place Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight, and promises sweet satisfaction for those looking for a little indulgence after dinner, or who are looking for that perfect accompaniment to "Jazz at the Pen" (jazz trios perform weekly in The Lobby). Decadent chocolate delights are presented at a designated area in the room, highlighted by a magnificent chocolate centerpiece created by Chef Gillet.
"Chocolate at the Pen" is $19.50 per person, and includes unlimited coffee, cappuccino or espresso and a selection of petite chocolate delicacies. Choices include Opera Cake, Chocolate Moelleux Raspberry Compote, Brownie Key Lime Cream, Chocolate Coffee Tart, Chocolate Tapioca, Chocolate Pecan Tart, Chocolate Tiramisu, Chocolate Pot de Crme and more.
The Lobby is located on the fifth floor of The Peninsula Chicago at 108 East Superior Street and offers all-day dining Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight. The Peninsula's legendary afternoon tea is served from 3 to 5:30 p.m., accompanied by daily performances by a cellistpianist duo. Dress code is smart casual.
Guests can dine in five different venues at The Peninsula: Avenues, Shanghai Terrace, The Lobby, The Bar and Pierrot Gourmet.
To learn more about The Peninsula Chicago or to make a reservation, please call (866) 288-8889 or (312) 337-2888. Reservations can also be made online at www.peninsula.com.
A couple of friends and I have been talking about Chocolate at the Pen since we heard about it (one of them works at the Pen). If anyone is up for this on a Friday or Saturday night, I'd be interested in going!
I'll never forget my first trip to Paris...hadn't eaten all day after spending the day on my feet wandering the city, and stopped for a crepe at a cart outside the Galleries Lafayette....chocolate hazlenut & fresh banana as the fillings....mmmmmmmmmmm....
Otherwise my favorite chocolates come from Mary, smaller independent in BRU.
Last edited by cawhite60156; Jul 7, 2004 at 3:22 pm
May 30, 2004 | 2:57 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: BA Gold, KrisFlyer
Posts: 350
The Godiva in Europe is made in Belgium and is worlds better than the American stuff. Try some in duty-free and you won't regret it!
For more moderate prices, try Green and Black organic chocolate in England. It is available in supermarkets and the praline flavor is fabulous. I really don't enjoy eating chocolate bars that much, but this stuff is a definite exception!!
For more moderate prices, try Green and Black organic chocolate in England. It is available in supermarkets and the praline flavor is fabulous. I really don't enjoy eating chocolate bars that much, but this stuff is a definite exception!!
May 31, 2004 | 12:03 pm
#25
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Originally Posted by cawhite60156
A couple of friends and I have been talking about Chocolate at the Pen since we heard about it about a month or so ago (one of them works at the Pen). If anyone is up for this on a Friday or Saturday night, I'd be interested in going!
A client used to rave about:
Belgian Chocolatier Piron
509 Main Street
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847/864-5504
Fax: 847/864-5573
The owner of Piron's went to Belgium and studied chocolate-making with one of the country's leading chocolatiers, and makes it right there in a little back room at the shop. After trying it, I can see why, incredible stuff.
Most chocolate I've been having lately is in various Mexican Mole sauces (including my own). a good mole is heaven.
May 31, 2004 | 5:41 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: san diego, ca
Programs: AA 2MM
Posts: 913
chocolate as art?
The FT Weekend has a picture of the ultimate chocolate: at the new Barbican Art Gallery, a BritArt exhibit titled 'Cacao" - a hot, bubbling fountain of 1 ton of melted chocolate. Clearly, the artist saw Willie Wonka one too many times.
Jun 6, 2004 | 1:56 pm
#27
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: DFW
Programs: HH Gold, PC Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 23
Another Chocolate Bar
There's also a chocolate brunch at the former Le Meridian in Boston (now the Langham) on Saturday afternoons. Tons of choices, including chocolate crepes! Made a good impression on the gf. ^
http://www.langhamhotels.com/langham...ining/cafe.htm
http://www.langhamhotels.com/langham...ining/cafe.htm
Jun 6, 2004 | 5:41 pm
#28
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Originally Posted by susanrob
oh lucky you, Lindt on sale! I've actually seen them in a few stores and always buy them when I do.
Nothing devine and special, but if you are gonna lay down $5.99 for a dark chocolate easter bunny may as well get one at the outlet after easter for seventy five cents.
It's a great way to buy chocolate for bulk for decorating and the rest, though it's sad to see the bunnies melting.
Jun 8, 2004 | 3:16 pm
#29
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: No one cares
Posts: 7,616
Paris --
christian constant -- mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
hot chocolate and verveine chocs
debeauve and gallais -- great ballotins
richart -- over rated, but some interesting fruit flavors, cute gift boxes
la maison du chocolat -- good rochers, tablettes, eclairs
gerard mulot --- rochers/mendiants/bars and ballotins
Belgium --
Pierre Marcolini -- hit of miss, great mendiants
ditto for wittamer
neuhaus -- okay, not great, good for airport buying.
london --
roccoco -- overrated, but okay
edinburgh-- bought chocolate somewhere on the royal mile, delicious so I heard, but I waited too long and mine were the fresh cream ones, euuw. Must be eaten in a week.
seattle --
fran's -- overrated, but great lattes and ice cream sandwiches, they give samples (misdips) with each latte purchase -- 2.19 for a single tall and a truffle, great value
that is all I can think of at the moment.
christian constant -- mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
hot chocolate and verveine chocs
debeauve and gallais -- great ballotins
richart -- over rated, but some interesting fruit flavors, cute gift boxes
la maison du chocolat -- good rochers, tablettes, eclairs
gerard mulot --- rochers/mendiants/bars and ballotins
Belgium --
Pierre Marcolini -- hit of miss, great mendiants
ditto for wittamer
neuhaus -- okay, not great, good for airport buying.
london --
roccoco -- overrated, but okay
edinburgh-- bought chocolate somewhere on the royal mile, delicious so I heard, but I waited too long and mine were the fresh cream ones, euuw. Must be eaten in a week.
seattle --
fran's -- overrated, but great lattes and ice cream sandwiches, they give samples (misdips) with each latte purchase -- 2.19 for a single tall and a truffle, great value
that is all I can think of at the moment.
Jun 9, 2004 | 9:19 pm
#30
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,593
Nestle Noir in France (but only in France, the Noir sold in Switzerland is nowhere near as good). Wonderful chocolate and hard to believe that it is a mass market product, sold dirt cheap (10% of the price of Neuhaus or Godiva and very similar). Now why can't Nestle sell Noir in the US? I suppose they don't think the market exists for fine chocolate for the masses. The closest in the US is Scharffen Berger which is OK (better than average) but not quite in the same league.