Chocoholics Unite: 2004
magine 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?
Brugges,Belgium and Chocolate
Depla Pol Chocolatier is a small shop on Eekhoustraat 23/27,next to where a river barge tour leaves from.The chocolates are truly melt in your mouth,but the warm and friendly people behind the counter truly make this a memorable stop!!Very small,with two carved fish on the hanging sign above the door.I would love to go back there!! Note: Well known 'chocolatiers' are sometimes so crowded with people that you don't get a true feel for the people and their artistry with chocolate....Tiny, tucked away places are the best!!!!
Lorri D.
Wausau, WI USA Fri 12/31/2004
Bruges--Dumon Chocolate
We bought all of our chocolate at Dumon's in Bruges, and brought it back to friends and family in the US who devoured it. The chocolate was melt in your mouth good, in wonderful flavors and beautiful, colorful molds. Best of all, I had so much fun exploring the different products for sale with Madam Dumon herself--a wonderful friendly experience in a cozy shop!
Hollie B
Seattle, WA USA Sat 12/11/2004
Almonds Corne Port-Royal
Went to Paris last spring I discover Corne Port-Royal Chocolate covered almonds have been holding on to the box ever since. My friend ordered me the chocolate, but I still need the almonds. If you like chocolate covered almonds and you taste Corne Port-Royal almonds you will never be satisified with another brand. So eat and enjoy.
vaness
bklyn, ny USA Sat 11/27/2004
M?nz
A couple people have mentioned the ladybug chocolates in Switzerland, but so far no one has mentioned the brand, which is a shame cause they do actually give factory tours. The brand is M?nz. They also make the mice and honeybee candy. Its located in St. Gallen Switzerland, which is not too far by train from Z?rich. Nice tour, get to see everything being made, gift store at the end, lots of free samples. If you want the ladybug truffles they are called Lucky Ladybirds. 2Kg for 30 sfr, not bad.
SLM
Chur, Graub?nden Switzerland Sat 11/27/2004
Rausch Chocolate Cigars
I am handicapped so I don't travel, but fortunately I work for the Army and my friends in the Army bring me back chocolate from all over the world. My fav is German chocolate. The Kinder surprises are fun (you're never too old for surprises). But I just got a box of Rausch chocolate cigars, complete with wooden cigar box. I'm saving them for my birthday in a few days but the box alone, each the size of a real cigar and individually wrapped and marked in German, is wonderful.Paolo
USA Mon 10/25/2004
Chocolate Ornaments
Orion chocolates in Czech Republic are great....especially their chocolate Christmas tree ornaments dark or milk chocolate. The creme filled are the best. They even come with the hooks to hang them on the tree. I brought back 2 boxes from last year's Nov trip & already have 5 requests from friends who ate some from my tree to buy some for them on this year's Dec trip! Yummy!
Sunnyvale, CA USA Fri 10/22/2004
Chocolate in Britain
I spent this past summer studying abroad in London, and I am incredibly in love with Cadbury Dairy Milk bars. I have never really been a fan of Cadbury eggs, but I have always been obsessed with chocolate, and I am so thankful that I stopped to try one right before I got on the subway. Definitely try the Dairy Milk with Caramel bars. Although i bought an extreme amount to take home, I have already ran out, due to the fact that my family and friends love the cadbury bars also. www.britishcandy.com ships worldwide.
Also while in London, if in Harrod's, the Godiva shop inside is amazing. European Godiva is far better than the version they sell here in the states.
Alana
Athens, GA USA Fri 10/01/2004
great chocolates
Madame Dumons in Brugge, or Lindt chocolates from Switzerland.Fabulous.But if you are in USA and want another fine choc. Try scharffen berger chocolates. The factory is in Emeryville Ca. It can be purchased for baking or just eating found at fine grocery stores. Ck it out.
JS
CA USA Thu 09/23/2004
the best dark chocolate
Paris is the best city for dark chocolate - I believe the French are the highest per capita consumers of dark chocolate. Maison du Chocolat has very good chocolates, but for chocolate itself, Debauve et Gallais is the world's finest. The absolute pinnacle of this art is the dark chocolate with vanilla bar at Debauve et Gallais (3 locations in paris). It will change your life!
John
New York, NY USA Wed 09/22/2004
Liquor-filled Chocolate
GoldKenn Chocolate is the most exception Liquor-filled chocolate in the world. I first experienced it in Charles De Gualle airport in Paris. If you haven't tried it you must. The chocolate alone is fabulous and it is filled with fine liquors.
Jonathan
Arlington, TX USA Wed 09/15/2004
Chocolate
I lived in Zurich for a while and think that, from an economical perspective, Lindt is the best chocolate bar. Of course, they are half the price there that they are here but are better than any other bar I have tried.A more expensive and decadent chocolate is Teuschers. While we have it in NYC as well, the Swiss shops carry things like Champagne Trufffle Ice Cream in the summer- delicious.
Amanda
New York City, NY USA Sat 09/04/2004
Belgian Chocolate
I was all over Belgium last year and I went in lots of convenience stores to see what kind of chocolates are commonly available on a local level. There was nothing especially special except one chocolate bar - Cote D'OR in a brown wrapper. Delicious. Inexpensive in Belgium but for a bit more you can purchase them online or in gourmet shops in the US. I also found a single wrapped chocolate waffle that was very good although I forget the name.
Robert
Miami, FL USA Thu 09/02/2004
Fassbender und Rausch
I was recently in Berlin, Germany and bought several bittersweet chocolate bars at a store Fassbender und Rausch- I am normally 50/50 on milk-dark chocolates (I love them both!).. but this place's dark chocolate was INCREDIBLE!!! I regret not having purchased more! If anyone knows where one can purchase this brand in North America, I'd definitely appreciate it!
Natalie
Toronto, ON Canada Mon 08/30/2004
The very best
If you like the best true goodness of chocolate; you must know the house Druart in Honnelles in South Belgium !
www.chocolat.be is the adres internet of this workman of good taste.
For me that's the "orangettes" I prefer... dark chocolate within orange taste.
You can buy by internet too !
try it.
Bosman Thierry
Bossman
Braine l'alleud, EUR Sun 08/15/2004
Port Royale
I was in Brussels last summer, and came across a chocolatier called Port Royale just off of the Grande Place.. it was by far the best chocolate I've ever had. Has anyone else been to this place?
Jennifer
Chicago, IL USA Tue 07/20/2004
Dutch Chocolate
I am originally from Chicago but grew up in Holland. The most fabulous chocolates ever are these Dutch masterpieces by Cerisette. They can be found in Wassenaar (near The Hague) at Chocolaterie Raaphorst on Molenstraat. If you are lucky enough to be in the area, try the Kaneel (cinnamon)- part dark chocolate, part milk that enrobes a thick layer of fresh cream (not sweet) over a layer of a sinfully delicious cinnamon paste. Or maybe the dark covered, slightly salty caramels that drip on your lips when bitten into. Not your thick, tooth wrenching American caramel. Fresh, smooth, delicious, divine! The best chocolates you will ever find, anywhere.
Annike
Seattle, WA USA Thu 06/24/2004
Chocolate museum in Brugges
I learned so much and tasted a lot more at the choclate museum in Brugges. Go there and taste and learn about choclate! Ask any choclatier where to find it and they should be able to tell you.
Ebonie
Tampa, fl USA Sun 06/06/2004
Swiss Organic Chocolate
This is a slightly different twist on the chocolate topic. My wife and I were visiting San Francisco last month (April 04) and, being we are both Swiss, were desperate for chocolate. We stopped by a Whole Foods Market, and purchased some "Swiss Organic" chocolate bars...my oh my, were they good. The dark bars especially are the best we've ever had (and we've eaten a lot). You felt as though you were eating the bean itself and licking the mixing bowl. The curious thing is that the wrapper doesn't identify where in Switzerland this chocolate is made. However, the Whole Foods Market website hints that it comes from a chocolatier near the Rhine river. We also noticed that the inner wrapper is identical to that used in the Migros "Frey" brand, and Frey is located in Canton Argau, not far from the Rhine... Try some, you will not be disappointed!
Doug
Cleveland, OH USA Tue 06/01/2004
Tschirren chocolates in Berne
I was in the Berne train station and found "Tschirren" chocolates - Yummm-E!!! The freckled girl behind the counter CLAIMED to speak no English, but we communicated. My mother lamented that the chocolates I bought were better than the ones she bought for a friend in Paris. So if you're passing through the Berne train station, it's worth a stop. PS they're pricey, but they're worth it!
Alex
Columbus, OH USA Tue 05/25/2004
BEST CHOCOLATES
I like the chocolates at Maison
De Chocolate in Paris...wonderful
also Gerad Mulot near the Buci Market has fantastic chocolates
as does Dalloyou,,nothing better in a sudden downpour to sit on their outside terrace under the awning and savor their wonderful
Opera or any thing and their hot
chocolat which I personally think is much better than Angelinas.
Susanne
Fairfax, Ca USA Mon 05/10/2004
chocolate
the best chocolate i ever had was in florence just two weeks ago. the shop, vestri, is located a few blocks from the duomo. Gelato too, the best. i brought three boxes home for gifts but have eaten and kept for myself.
kirk rouse
albany, ga USA Thu 05/06/2004
Choclate
After fifteen trips to Europe my favorite chocolate is Ragussa.My wife and I were first introduced to it by the operators of a Zimmer Frei in Grindelwald. It is creamy, and full of flavor and packaged just right for train trips. You can get it in the USA by mail order through the big deli in New York City, Zabar's. They willship to your home. Somehow it tastes better in Switzerland!
stan Biles
Blue River, or USA Sat 04/24/2004
Swiss Choc
If you want great chocolate, Switzerland is definately your place. The cheapest .55 sfr bar easily puts Hersheys to shame!! I've gained 10 lbs in the 8 months I've been in this country, and I blame it all on the chocolate!! The best, Giandor, Lindt, Frey....almost anything you'll find at any Migros or Coop is great!! If you want something fun, get the chocolate lady bugs or mice. I eat at least a bar a day.... Oh, and if you want to tour a chocolate factort, go to Alprose in Lugano.
Ema
Switzerland Sat 04/17/2004
Chocolates
Hi
Scrumptous Belgium chocolates can be found in mass quantity in Brugge, Belgium. Escape the big cities and enjoy a day in one of the most charming small finds of Belgium. This town also has a fantastic brand new Chocolate museum. Very worth a visit. If you want chocolates to die for don't miss Dumon Chocolatier (Eirmarkt 6) or the chocolate line (Simon Stevinplein 19) Brugge is also famous for Belgium lace.
Happy Trails
ME Czajkowski
Uttenreuth, DE Wed 04/14/2004
Belgian and Dutch chocolate suggestions
Del Rey might be the other famous Belgian chocolatier that Kris was looking for. I visited the one in Antwerp (at Appelmansstraat 5-9); it also has its own tea shop next door.
I agree with previous posts about Pierre Marcolini and Wittamer in Brussels (across from each other on the Place du Grand Sablon) and Puccini Bomboni in Amsterdam. Really delicious!! If in Amsterdam, check out Pompadour (at Huidenstraat 12), which also has a tea shop, and Unlimited Delicious (at Haarlemmerstraat 122), which has unusual flavors such as thyme or white pepper.
My other favorite chocolate shop in Amsterdam is Australian Homemade (at Singel 437), which sells chocolates and caramels by the piece or in packages ready for transport or shipping, and also has yummy ice cream and sorbet. The chocolates have these wonderful Aboriginal designs printed on top of them. There's an Australian Homemade shop in New York City now (on St. Mark's Place) to which I've been sending friends who've gotten hooked.
Debs
Houston, TX USA Tue 04/06/2004
Great Spanish Chocolate
If great Spanish chocolate sounds like an oxymoron, try El Monje chocolate (E2.60 for 175 grams) made by an ex-monk who lives outside Seville. He makes dark and milk chocolate and it is available in Seville at a wonderful wine and olive oil shop situated next to (Prensa)newpaper kiosque just below corner of Mateos Gago and Meson Moro in Barrio Santa Cruz, 2 blocks from Cathedral/Giralda. My husband tries a lot of chocolate when traveling and swears this one is up there with the predictable Swiss and Belgian contenders.
Jean-Marie
Seville, USA Thu 02/26/2004
Hot Chocolate + sauce recipe
Absolute best hot chocolate - powerful taste, not too sweet like Cadbury - in Galleries Lafayette, in a restaurant (Angeline's?) Chocolat Africain.
European Fudge Sauce - 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, dash salt, 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. In medium saucepan, combine first four ingredients, then add the butter and cream and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until bubbles form around edges of pan. remove from heat and let stand five minutes, then stir in vanilla. (May add finely chopped nuts at this point if desired.)
Mariamer
Alex, VA USA Thu 02/26/2004
Kshocolat
On holiday in Scotland we found the most unique chocolate in Glasgow at a place called Kshocolat. Their packaging is amazing, and the manager of the shop said they are about to start selling in the US even though they are a very small company. In the meantime they have a website & they do ship to the States.
Simon
LA, CA USA Tue 02/24/2004
mmmm...Belgium
When I was in Belgium a few years ago-- I bought Wittamer Chocolate....it was the best chocolate I have ever eaten. I have even gone on their website and toyed with the idea of shipping some to myself but the fees for international shipping are outrageous!! And to tell you the truth my butt doesn't need it!! But I also had Neuhaus...and it just didn't even a compare!
Taj
MD USA Tue 02/17/2004
Liquid Chocolate in Majorca
I once had a hot chocolate at a chocolatier in Majorca. They brought a small cup with a spoon and I wondered why? Because it was real melted chocolate and begins to set while you drink it! I am a total chocoholic, European living in the US. I have never had anything better than that drink. If anyone ever visits Majorca, be sure to ask directions to the chocolatier shop.
USA Sun 02/15/2004
Pierre Marcolini
My wife and I agree, Belgian chocolate is the best! besides Brugge, when in Brussels,
try Pierre Marcolini ...wonderful! We must have brought home 20 pounds of his
creations. All excellent.
Bill
San Ramon, Ca. USA Mon 02/02/2004
More Belgium Chocolate
Wow. My husband and I happily "sampled" the famous chocolates of Grande
Place in Brussels last week. We both thought that the Neuhaus and Leonidas
brands of individual fancy chocolats were better than Godiva. Truly decadent!
S. Henning
Williamstown, NJ USA Sat 01/24/2004
Belgium Chocolate
I feel that the best chocolates I have ever tasted are made in Belgium.
I have had chocolates from several different stores and from the market
and haven't eaten a bad chocolate yet! Whenever I vist Belgium I always
take some home to my co-workers and they agree that Belgium has the best
chocolate!
Laura
Bay City, MI USA Mon 01/12/2004
I noticed on a recent trip
to Germany that they're making Ritter Bailey's Irish Cream bars. They're
good, buttery and creamy centers with the small bite of liqueur. The chocolate
in Ritters is so-so as chocolate goes (still a great improvement over
American chocolate), but it's the fillings I buy it for anyway.
GS
USA Fri 01/02/2004