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Chocoholics Unite: 2003

Imagine if all the chocoholics could share their best fixes. Are any chocolate factories still giving tours? In your travels, what sinful treat best satisfies that urge for something chocolaty?


Sukerbuyc in Bruges
As a real chocoholic I can only recomend 1 chocolate shop: Sukerbuyc in Bruges. They are the best!! A window display full of chocolates, all diferently filled and all very fresh!! And that's not all, across the road, a nice hot chocolate (melted fresh chocolate) with loads of cream on top of it!! MMMMM if only I could live there....
Sandra <email>
Antwerp,    USA   12/29/03


Puccini, Amsterdam
My favorite chocolate in all the world are Puccini in Amsterdam. My favorite puccini flavor bonbon is koffie. They do not seem to be available in US, and I was told they don't ship to the US or sell on the web. Not only that, the very nice lady in the puccinibomboni on the Singel told me even if I ship them myself (very expensive), they wouldn't arrive in the same condition. They do not support or recommend their product after it has reached the ripe old age of 8 days. (only fresh ingredients in the secret recipes, and few if any preservatives of any kind was the reason). My koffie bonbons were 44Euros/kg (about $23/lb at October '03 rates). On one stop at puccini I bought .090kg/ (about 6 large bonbons)and the bill was 3.96Euros ($4.60) or about $ .75 each, a steal for the best chocolates in the world. Lots of information at their website here: http://www.puccinibomboni.com I really hope if you've never had 'em before that you get to try them someday.
Daveq <email>
CO   USA   12/18/03


Chocolate
I am a dark chocolate lover and found some super, superior dark chocolate in Cologne, Germany at Die Schokoladenseite der Kolner Museen, which is right on the Rhine River, not far from Cologne Cathedral. Not only is it a chocolate museum/factory but it has a tour of the chocolate making process- Tour (5 euros). There is also an awesome factory store next to the museum with all kinds of wonderful edibles!!!
Judy
Saratoga Springs, NY   USA   12/10/03


Chocolate in Frankfurt
If you are in Frankfurt, Germany, try Chocolaterie & Confiserie Jamin! Their truffels are the best. Better than Belgian chocolates. I couldn't stop....
Evelyne
  B   11/17/03


Chocolate truffles
In London, I found really great dark chocolate truffles in a very surprising place--Woolworth's. They were incredibly creamy and dark and not very expensive. Also, the chocolate truffles at Whole Foods are fantastic.
Traci <email>
Houston, TX   USA   11/17/03


Forget Belgium: Go to Amsterdam!
All I have ever heard is that Belgium, Swiss, and German chocolate is the best. However when we were in Europe for two months the best chocolate we had, and the best chocolate I have ever had, was in Amsterdam. I am a true chocholic and we found this shop called Pucinni's. It is close to Dam Square and really close to Rick's Hotel Toren. This shop was the most amazing place. It reminded us of the shop in the movie Chocolat. The owner told us she hears that all the time. The chocolates were pricey, 1 Euro a piece!, but they were worth every cent. I still dream of them every day.
Sarah Rodriquez <email>
Lake Tahoe, CA   USA   11/17/03


Chocolate
I'm addicted to German chocolates. 1. Milka; 2. Ritter Sport; 3. Duplo sticks (sooo good); 4. Kinder chocolate (don't laugh); 5. Mix in a few gummi's and a bag of Chio chips and I'm good for another 5 lbs this year.
Nathan Barnes <email>
Port Orchard, WA  USA   11/13/03


Greek Chocolate: yuck!
Unfortunately, the rest of Europe's great chocolate tradition does not appear to have made it to Greece. I didn't find any decent chocolate in my three weeks there two years ago. Sticky-sweet honey or jelly desserts seem to be the rage there.
Becky <email>
Seattle, Wa   USA   11/09/03


Chocolate delights
We just returned from London, Prague and Vienna. Agree with previous posts about Max Brenner's at Harrods - thanks for the recommendations. The small cups of melted chocolate were superb. Vienna is a chocolate paradise because you don't have to walk far between confiseries or chocolate shops.

Sachertorte at the Sacher Hotel is heavenly. And the flight home on Swiss airlines, well, they set out Swiss chocolate for snacks and served serious chocolate ice cream between meals!!

Laura <email>
Loma Linda, CA   USA   10/09/03


Nestle in London
My husband and I were hungry for munchies on our recent trip to London, so we stopped in a a local Boots drugstore and bought a Nestle Double Cream bar. Yummy! For what is probably considered to be an ordinary chocolate bar, it blows away anything we have in America. I agree with other posters here that American chocolate is pathetic. At the airport we had about 6 pounds to use up so bought a dozen of these chocolate bars to take home with us! Now I only wish they were available here. No such plans as far as Nestle is concerned though. Sigh.
Stephanie
Minneapolis, MN   USA   09/24/03


Chocolate in Amsterdam
If you are in Amsterdam, make sure and try Puccini Bomboni's chocolates (www.puccinibomboni.com). They are larger than most, although somewhat more expensive, and rivaled anything we had in Brussels (Galler and Neuhaus) or Bruges (Dumon).
Bonny B <email>
Tucson, AZ   USA   09/23/03


Brugge chocolate
The best ganache chocolate is at Madame Dumon's in Brugge. Tasted our way through France, Belgium and Holland in August 2003. Per RS, Dumon's is the greatest.
J. Straw
Walnut Creek, CA   USA   09/11/03


I Love Cadbury World
I went last year, when I was 28 (I am now 30) and I LOVED Cadbury World. Yes, it does cater to children...or the young at heart--but what is wrong with that? I went with someone even older than me and she enjoyed it, too. It wasn't expensive and we received 4 free candy bars with our admission! It might not be for everyone, but I am sure glad I didn't skip it.
Rachel Lacow <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   09/07/03


The best European grocery store choclates are from Milka and Ritter Sport! Try the Ritter Sport with Smarties inside, the Ritter Sport with white choclate and fruit yoghurt inside or the Milka with cookies and cream! When in Ireland, don't forget to try Baileys' choclate balls, which are cheapest to buy at Dublin airport right after security control (the closer you get to the gates the more expensive they get!). If you like it less sweet, try the Guiness choclate balls, also at the airport...
Andreas <email>
Frankfurt,    GER   08/29/03


Chocolatier Manon
If in Brussels, visit Chocolatier Manon. They do great workshops and Christophe is an amazing chocolate maker and entertaining as well. Look them up elsewhere on the web, they have rave reviews. Manon can also be found in The Hague at a little shop called Salon du Chocolat, which is also on the web (salonduchocolat.nl), and Manon will ship if you've become hooked! C. Schram Purcellville, VA
Chris Schram <email>
Herndon, VA   USA   08/29/03


I'm a chocolate lover, and I think the best one I've tried are Fassbender und Rausch from Berlin, it's in the corner of the Gendarmenmarkt, I travelled around Germany for 2 weeks with 300dollars, but bought $100 of chocolates there, it's expensive but worth it... there's also an outlet if you don't mind skipping fancy papers and boxes. Fassbender & Rausch Charlottenstr. 60 10117 Berlin Mitte

  DE   08/24/03


We were in for a very nice surprise when we took the one day tour of North Wales with Busybus (www.busybus.co.uk) from Chester. The tour took us to the Riverside Chocolate House on the A5 (between Betws-Y-Coed and Llangollen). This chocolaterie is owned by a Swiss couple and they make delicious chocolates. They are handmade and just melt in your mouth (which is now watering heavily, by the way!). However, the prices tend to be on a slightly higher side, but you really get what you pay for and nobody tells you to buy their entire production. Highly recommended. For the best combination, take the one day tour of North Wales with Busybus (very good tour!) from Chester. The chocolate break will come in just at the right time in the afternoon. You can have all sorts of cakes and candies with lots and lots of flavours (spirits, fruits, etc.). They are open from Easter to October 28th, 6days per week, 10am till 5pm (Closed Tuesdays).
Gabriel <email>
Abu Dhabi,    UAE   08/19/03


Chocolates with liquid spirits filling
I was sad that all over UK and Northern Ireland I couldn't find chocolates with liquid spirits filling. Once, when we were in a village in Yorkshire Dales we found a supermarket where they had only 3 or 4 pieces of such chocolates. We bought them all and that was it! I bought chocolates from Thornton's, but their filling was cream and not liquid. However, Thornton's were really good and I bought a few even on departure, from the airport.
Gabriel <email>
Abu Dhabi,    UAE   08/19/03


Le Lutin Gourmand in Paris on the Rue Cleur has the best chocolates in the world. I only wish I had brought back some as gifts, instead of buying Lindt in Switzerland. A big mistake! Oh, well, live and learn.
T
  USA   08/18/03


In our travels to Aachen, Germany & the Low Countries during the week before Easter 2002, we found even the cheap egg-shaped chocolates in the grocery stores in Antwerp to be good for a quick choco fix. The nicer chocolate shops on the streets let you mix and match flavors/fillings and the chocolate is like silk. People dressed in bunny costumes in Antwerp stores & at the Brussels airport gave out free chocolate mini-eggs (Hershey's kiss size) to passersby. We bought bags to give out at work and my daughter's elementary school. Antwerp also has an End of Lent parade on the Saturday before Easter where candy is tossed to the crowd a la Mardi Gras/ Carnival parades before Lent. My favorite chocolate to buy at the Brussels airport to spend down the last of the Euros was Côte d'Or (dark chocolate of course) - the bars are easy to transport. Go to Goosens bakery in Antwerp for their chocolate bread (dark chocolate chunks baked into bread similar to pain chocolat). In Aachen, try the Printen dipped in chocolate if you like spice cookies (anise flavored) and can stand the 2 flavors mixed together. Otherwise stick to the sugar-glazed Printen.
Deborah
San Diego, CA   USA   08/05/03


We have a regular expensive chocolate tasting session (once a month) where I work and the winner by a mile is Green & Black's. If you prefer "milk" chocolate try thier "darker shade of milk" - 34% and in my mind the BEST bar of milk choccy in the world - yes better than anything from Belgium or Switzerland. Their dark chocolate ranges are outstanding as well - check out Maya Gold (orange and spices - 55%) or their Hazlenut & Currant (60%) but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE no more Cadbury's. As far as I am aware G & B are available at some US web sites.
Frazer <email>
Manchester,    UK   07/21/03


Cadbury chocolate: YES! Cadbury World: NO! I was sincerely dissappointed at Cadbury World; it's corny and designed for children under 8 years old. I was looking forward to shipping chocolate home and to friends; and the gift store wouldn't ship. Advice: skip it and save your money for more Cadbury chocolate. .
Maureen Crawford <email>
San Diego, California, CA   USA   07/13/03


La Mere De Famile Chocolat in Paris
La Mere De Famille (on Rue Cler in Paris) is definitely amazing. I just returned home from there with a bag of mixed chocolates myself! It was the best chocolate that I've ever had in my life. I especially liked Citron, Framboise, Caramel, the Pralines, and the Pistache flavors. The woman running it was very nice, but in Rick's "Paris" book he mentions that she will give his readers 5 pieces for 3 euros, when she will really give you the same value but instead prefers (and only allows) 10-11 pieces for about 6 euros and twenty cents. Go there, it was a joy!
Amanda
Seattle, WA   USA   07/11/03


Swiss chocolate!
I've lived on and off in Switzerland for about 7 years now (originally from NYC). Here are some general comments about Swiss chocolate, for all budgets. Top of the line - Sprüngli (or Lindt & Sprüngli) beats Teuscher or anyone else hands down as an overall top-notch (expensive!) confectionery/pastry store. Their to-be-eaten-that-day truffles (truffe du jour is milk chocolate, truffe du nuit is dark) are made from unpasteurized fresh cream and the like and are pure heaven. They also have a very addictive meringue confection called Luxembourgerli, and many, many other goodies, both sweet and savory (try their melt-in-your-mouth, buttery puff-pastry nibbles called "apero" snacks). Unfortunately their best confections and pastries are perishable and so not that well suited for flying home with, though their assorted chocolates (called pralines) are quite good (try their smooth milky black-and-white chocolate cows as well). For presents I especially like to take the little Lilliput boxes, which contain tiny half-bite size versions of the pralines. If you're on a budget head straight for one of the two supermarket chains that dominate Switzerland - Migros or Coop - where you'll find huge racks of chocolate bars. The Migros City store in Zürich has over 100 varieties! Keep an eye out for the seasonal varieties - fruity white chocolate and such in the summer, nutty, fudgy concoctions in the winter.
M. Wyss <email>
Zürich, ZH   Switzerland   07/09/03


La Mere de Famille in Paris
This little chocolate shop on the rue Cler is amazing! I brought back boxes of chocolates as gifts and have just dug into the box that I have bought for myself. The chocolates are beautiful and, it goes without saying, taste fabulous. The woman who runs the shop is very, very, nice - we had a 10 minute conversation in French during which she very nicely put up with my weak French. As we were leaving she gave me two handfuls of hard candies for my two children who were back in the states. Highly recommended!
Debra Hunter <email>
San Jose, CA   USA   07/05/03


Mozart Balls
Thanks to Rick my first trip to Europe was wonderful! The only bad part was about a week after I returned, and I ate my last Mozart Ball. I knew I had to get more! After a long night of searching the internet the best price I found was at www.mozart-christl.at. I am now happily enjoying (and sharing with greatful friends) my Mozart Balls!
Jessica
Minneapolis, MN   USA   07/03/03


BARCELONA CHOCOLOATE
While in Barcelona we went to the Chocolate musuem. It is near the Picaso museum. This is a museum not to be missed by chocolate lovers. It has the history and figures made out of chocolate from chocolate makers in Europe. They also have differnt types of chocolate for sale.
Ed Swafford <email>
oxnard, CA   USA   06/10/03


Belgian Chocolate Rules!
Belgian chocolate...how I miss it! I have not sampled finer quality chocolate since living in Brussels. My tip: Take the side street off of Grand Place toward the Mannekin Pis. Buy chocolates from the shop that smells most like chocolate. Avoid the well-known shops and ask for "no marzipan!" See's Candies are the best available in the U.S. Their fillings are superb.
Jackie <email>
Boca Raton, FL   USA   06/08/03


Mary's in Brussels
You must know that Mary's in Brussels is absolutely without question the best in Belgium. I should know , I live over here. It's on Prinsenstraat near the center and it's divine. In Rotterdam, Holland, the best is Specker.
Mary Werth <email>
Rotterdam,    Netherlands   06/05/03


Angelina's chocolate
If you love chocolate it is imperative that while in Paris you visit Angelina on Rue de Rivoli. World's best hot chocolate. You will be tempted to lick the cup!
Teresa <email>
Springfield, MO   USA   06/02/03


Chocolate in Brussels
Rick's recommendations for Bruges are more accurate in chocolate quality than for Brussels. In the latter city, he overrates Galler and neglects the sublime Wittamer - the latter (6-12-13 Place du Grand Sablon) has wonderful desserts as well.
Brian Felsen <email>
New York, NY   USA   06/01/03


Chocolate
I just returned from Rick's London tour and the best chocolate in London is definately at the Chocolate Society shop down the street from the Lime Tree Hotel in Westminster. Rozanne, our tour guide took us there and the chocolate brownies are heavenly! The hot chocolate wasn't bad either. For satisfying that chocolate fix this is the place to go. Rick, please add this shop to your London guidebook.
J. Hyde <email>
Mesquite, TX   USA   06/01/03


RICHART chocolate
Chocolate lovers should definitely try RICHART based in Paris but they also have a store in New York and you can mail-order. Their chocolate is AMAZING and so unique. You won't just eat chocolate, you will get a complete lesson on the different flavors and on the best way to consume it..excellent
magali dureuil <email>
San Francisco, CA   USA   06/01/03


Schokolade Museum in Cologne
When in Köln, Germany, make time for the Schokolade Museum. It's right on the (Rhine) river, walking distance from the cathedral. Breathe deeply and watch yourself in the gift shop afterwards!! YUM, or as the Germans say, "Lecker!"
Gerry <email>
Seattle, WA   USA   05/26/03


Bruges - truffles
I'm just back from a weekend in Bruges and have been searching the web to try to buy more truffles from Moeder Babelutte, but no luck. These chocolates just melt in your mouth, mmmm.
Janet <email>
SCOTLAND,    UK   05/15/03


Cadbury Roses
My fiance loved the Cadbury Roses (individually wrapped chocolates in assorted flavors/fillings) that I brought him from Britain last summer. We weren't engaged then, but we are now!
Susan Wajda <email>
Puyallup, WA   USA   04/24/03


Cadbury
I've sampled Cadbury products all over the world, and each country's version seems to taste a little different. But the center of the Cadbury universe is most definitely Britain. I've never seen so many delicious Cadbury-branded products! I particularly enjoyed their small chocolate cakes as well as the bars (Marble and Top Deck) that mix white chocolate with milk chocolate. And I have a soft spot for Crunchie bars, which now has its own ice cream (tasted on a flight from Frankfurt to Washington)! If you favor the non-U.S. Cadbury, try looking for a chain of stores called World Market. All their Cadbury bars fly off the shelves here.
Charles Buchanan <email>
Birmingham, AL   USA   04/23/03


Flake Noir
Flake Noir must be the best Cadbury have done for a while! Not messy either.
Michael Peterson <email>
Turramurra, NSW   Australia   04/20/03


More About Cadbury
While in London, my wife and I ran out of the American chocolate that we had brought for our 2 week trip. We went into a Waitrose grocery in London for some shopping. We got some Cadbury candy, only knowing about the US version of Cadbury made by Hershey. Well, needless to say, on our way home we got: 4 big jars of drinking chocolate, 2 big jars of baking chocolate, and 2 big bags of mixed chocolate from duty free. Leaving London, in the airport, I had £5 to spend. What did I buy? A tin of Flake bars; they are the best!

Also in London, we picked up 2 jars of a Cadbury chocolate and white fudge spread (very good) and Waitrose's chocolate spread, kind of like Nutella. I got hooked on Nutella last year in Germany and I bought a case on eBay when I got home!

It's funny how Hershey claims that the US and the UK version of Cadbury is the same. I don't think so! Our German friend said she thinks American chocolate tastes like wax... she's right!

George <email>
pa   USA   04/14/03


Belgian Chocolates
Irsi is one of the best chocolate I tried (it's a small shop but traditional). Try the chocolate with cream. I also like some of creamy praline from Neuhaus or from Godiva. (www.godiva.be) as the truffle. But forget Leonidas; they are cheaper but not so traditional. Trust me, I am Belgian!
Dan <email>
Brussels,    BE   04/11/03


RE: Cadbury World
I am so jealous--we unfortunately arrived at the Cadbury factory in Birmingham after they closed--waaaaaaa! I am sooo addicted to Wispa Bars and Cadbury drinking chocolate. Would you believe when I e-mailed Hershey a while ago criticizing their Cadbury line, they claimed they were using the same recipes? I don't think so! CADBURY FOREVER!
Flossie <email>
Jackson Center, PA   USA   04/08/03


Italian hot chocolate
I was just in Italy and I had the most delicious hot chocolate I've ever tasted! Just stop at any of the little snack bars and order a "ciocolatta calda". YUM!!
Alison Marcoff <email>
Boynton Beach, FL   USA   04/02/03


Cadbury World, England
Last year I was very fortunate to visit Cadbury World in Birmingham, England. It is NOT just for kids. I am 29 years old and loved every minute of it. They give you 3 full size candy bars when you enter this factory/museum/fun house and a taste of liquid chocolate. (YUMMY) Being from the United States, I thought I knew Cadbury! It is NOT the same product. (in the US, Hershey produces Cadbury products). The "real" Cadbury chocolate is so delicious, it doesn't even compare!! I highly recommend Cadbury World! It is a wonderful day out - and you can purchase a very large bag of misshaped chocolates in the gift shop for only 2 pounds (about $3)--what a bargain. Their website is www.cadburyworld.co.uk.
Rachel <email>
Atlanta, GA   USA   03/30/03


Best Chocolate In Europe
Andre below is right about Van Oost in Brugge. The best in town and in Europe in my opinion. The best in Mastricht, Netherlands, is Olivier Bonbons by the river at Kesselskade 55. Friandises is also good, but not the best. I was there last weekend and brought back some of the Olivier family's finest. I am fortunate to live close to Belgium and get over to Brugge and Mastricht a few times a year. Next time you're in Mastricht, check it out. We did a chocolate taste test last year, with over twenty of the smaller and chain chocolate shops of Europe represented. Van Oost finished first and Olivier second. I am enjoying both as I write this, as a friend of mine was in Brugge last week and brought me a nice box of Van Oost!
Walt in Germany <email>
Feldkahl,    DE   03/27/03


Dairy Milks!
Depla in Briges is very good for the designer chocolates. For any everyday candy bar that is readily available, I think European Cadbury Dairy Milks are the best. They sustained a group of women as we trooped around Ireland for twelve days. They never seem to melt. They just get wonderfully fudgy.
Lynn
IA   USA   03/19/03


Le Lutin Gourmand Chocolats Paris
The deal from Le Lutin Gourmand Chocolats listed on p. 91 of Rick's 2003 Paris city guide is no longer being honored. But the chocolate is still very good and worth 6.95 euros per 100 grams.
Robert Teeple <email>
Clemmons , NC   USA   03/08/03


Bourbon Biscuits
Bourbon Biscuits from the U.K., with a cold glass of milk. Beats an Oreo any day! When in Belgium, my brother got a couple of boxes of cheap belgium chocolates for around 1 Euro each for his co-workers. These same boxes were selling for $14 CDN at the Bay in their chocolate shop!
Amy
San Jose, CA   USA   03/07/03


Maastricht Chocolate
I recently attended the 2003International Sweets and Biscuits Fair in Cologne Germany for three full days. www.ism-cologne.com (1,478 exhibiting suppliers from 74 countries). Unbelievable! Plenty of chocolate manufacturers looking to export including Neuhaus, Leonidas, Galler, Corne Port Royal, etc. I also attended the European Fine Food Fair in Maastrict as a visiting Canadian Chef. I made sure I had enough time to zip over to the unpretentious little Friandises Chocolatier shop after the Maastrict show. Friandises chocolates are better than anything I tasted in 4 days. They make heavenly little miracles. And at 20.50 Euros per kilo they're a steal. In Calgary our only option is unspectacular, over-priced ($85.00 Canadian per kilo)Bernard Callebaut chocolates. I love Europe!
Bruce <email>
Calgary, Alberta   Canada   02/24/03


Chocolate in Bruges
Lots of good chocolate in Bruges, obviously. Here's another one that is a Must Taste! on your list. Family-owned, made-on-the-premises Sukerbuyc ("Sugar Belly", in local dialect) on Katelijnestraat 5, just steps from the Church of Our Lady. Fabulous chocolates, with fillings in every flavor. The family also owns the DeProeverie Tea-Room across the street.
Theresa and Mike
Petaluma, CA   USA   02/19/03


Recipe for European-Style Hot Chocolate
"Chocolat Chaud" (serves 4). This recipe is based on "L'Africain", the famous hot chocolate served at Angelina's in Paris, where fine chocolate is viewed as food, not candy. Super-rich and not too sweet, served with a toasted baguette and a glass of cool water on the side, this is one of my favorite meals in Paris and at home. Suitable for breakfast, lunch, or a soothing evening snack.

1 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, 6 ounces of the finest quality bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; garnish with lightly sweetened cream, softly whipped

1.In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring milk, cream, and sugar to simmer, just until bubbles appear around the edges.

2.Remove the pan from the heat and add the bittersweet chocolate, stirring to melt completely. If necessary return the pan to low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted. The mixture should be smooth, evenly colored and very warm.

3.Serve in demitasse cups with whipped cream on the side.

Stephanie <email>
Tucson, Arizona   USA   02/14/03


Italian chocolate
I love Belgian and Swiss chocolates, but anyone serious about chocolate should seek out an Italian brand called "Amedei". They make the most delicious dark chocolate bars called "Porcelana". We had them on our last visit to Tuscany and have been savoring them ever since!
Greg <email>
Somerset, NJ   USA   02/10/03


Max Brenner Chocolate Cafe in Harrods, London
The Max Brenner cafe located in Harrods department store in London, England is a chocoholics dream. I'm not sure where this brand of chocolate is from but it is wonderful. I visited the cafe twice during one week and would love to have stopped by every day during my stay. You can get cups of different kinds of dark or milk hot chocolate, cold chocolate drinks (chocolate and banana smoothie was my favorite), chocolate fondue, chocolate pastries...it's fantastic. Not cheap though at 3.95 GPB per cup but well worth it!
jt
San Francisco, CA   USA   01/07/03