Chocoholics Unite
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?
Read the Distillation: Chocoholics Unite, 2005
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Modica, Sicily, Italy -- original recipes
When the Spanish first brought chocolate to Europe, Sicily was under Spanish rule. The antique chocolatiers still use the old recipes. It's grainy because they only bring the temperature up enough to melt the cocoa, not the sugar. Just let it break apart on your tongue and melt in small bits --- wonderful! The Antica Dolceria Bonajuto wins prizes every year for it's chocolate.
Betsy
Kirksville, MO USA 05/04/2008
Exploring Belgium Chocolades
Came back from Belgium and found this: Whittimer makes the best chocolate/rasberry cakes; Pierre Marcolini's individually bought pieces upstairs are better tasting than their prepackaged chocolate (but expensive); Delvina's on Rue des Eperonniers in Brussels have unique/complex chocolates like "Oscar" and some other praline (inexpensive...go the 2nd time & maybe get a discount); Corne Port-Royal in the Galerie de la Reine was another good but expensive one; Frederic Blondel near Ste. Catherine's Cathedral had the best hot chocolate & they give you a full teapot of it with their amazing yet cheap chocolates. I didn't love the chocolate in Brugge but they were unique, some with lavender or jasmin in it but it tasted like perfume. Cote d'Or, Jacquez, & others could be bought for half the price in the Brugge supermarkets compared to the local markets but the Leonides shops are worthy of a browse. In Belgium, more shops gave free samples than in Brugge but the Chocolate Museum (Choco-Story) on Sint-Jansstraat in Brugge and the Chocolate museum in Brussels by Grand-Place are worthy of a look for demonstrations and free chocolate. Oh, and the company Cupido has the best tasking chocolate truffels ever but they have partially hydrogenated oils in them. About the hydro. oils, I found that certain Cote d'Or products used some "graisses vegetales hydrogenees" in their bars like Dessert 58 and Praline Blanc even though cocoa butter is the primary ingredient in presumably all Belgium chocolate...most Cote d'Or products don't use it though. I was a little surprised. Those were my most memorable chocolate experiences.
Mary <email>
Massapequa, NY USA 04/26/2008
Best chocolate in Amsterdam......the little bars found in gift shops, wrapped in paper VanGogh/Vermeer/Rembrandt paintings!
Margaret
USA 04/16/2008
Mexican Hot Chocolate
My all time favorite travel chocolate fix was the Mexican hot chocolate served at my hotel in Cancun! Based on a Mayan recipe, it's actually got chili pepper in it for a kick, is about the consistency of tomato soup...and it's heavenly!
Hiker429
Baltimore, MD USA 04/15/2008
Try Leonida's. I can't believe a better chocolate exisits! Although, i must admit i've never tried Galler!
Dina <email>
Canada 04/10/2008
Definitely Leonidas
I absolutely agree that Leonidas is the BEST chocolate. The fresh cream chocolates are orgasmic! ;)
Jill
SoFla (where there is no Leonidas), FL USA 04/10/2008
belgian chocolate
Was in Brugges last weekend. The BEST chocolate was Galler, and trust me, I tried more than my share around town. Galler is more expensive than the rest but......life is short, you deserve it.
The Galler chocolate just melts in the mouth, there is no "edge" or waxiness.
Paul S
Orpington, KENT UK 03/30/2008
Seattle Chocolate Tour Now!
In Seattle there is a Tour De Chocolat now! I love it! Knowledgeable tour guides, and it goes to Theo Chocolates (for a factory tour), Frans (for a taste of their award winning sipping chocolate and caramel truffle with sea salt on top) and then to Oh! Chocolate to actually temper chocolate & dip your own treats to take home! We then got a bag of goodies representing each chocolatier on the tour along with having a mini city tour along the way. It was on www.toursofseattle.com.
The Original Chocoholic
Seattle, WA USA 03/17/2008
Bernachon in Lyon
SA BERNACHON
42 Cours Franklin Roosevelt
69006 LYON - France
Recommended to us by a French physician who says chocolate is a health food. We went there a few years ago and I didn't want to leave. We bought enough to hand out to people on the rest of our trip and made a LOT of friends.
Rick
Indianapolis, IN USA 03/12/2008
Antwerp chocolatiers
We lived in Antwerp for several months and got to try lots of little shops. Yes, Neuhaus is great, but my favorites in Antwerp are Bastin and Chateau Blanc. Our university group got a tour of Bastin's kitchen, and the proprietor of Chateau Blanc will shower you with free samples if the shop's not busy! You can find both shops near the cathedral.
Andi <email>
Harrisonburg, VA USA 02/23/2008
Theo Chocolate, Seattle
While I love eating chocolate in Europe, when at home in Seattle I'm hooked on Theo Chocolate, located in the Fremont area of Seattle. The chocolate bars are amazing and intense, with high cacao content (up to 91%). Even small amounts are very satisfying. Unusual delicious flavors too, like coconut curry, chai, and bread and chocolate. Great factory tours with samples!
Gina
Seattle, WA USA 01/26/2008
Neuhaus Rocks!
In Brussels, Neuhaus is my first stop! Leonidas is not even close. PS - chocolates are double the price when you arrive in Paris!
Thank God there is now a Neuhaus store in S.F.
Mary
San Francisco, CA USA 01/16/2008
Galler is the best chocolate in Bruges
OK -just got back from Bruges and I tried chocolates from the following shops (all in one day, I might add): Neuhaus, Chocolate Line, Dumon, Sukerbuyc, Depla, Galler, Stef's, and Chocolate Corner. Without a doubt, the creamiest, freshest chocolate (no hard couverture) was at Galler.
Kristen B.
Madison, WI USA 01/05/2008
Ciobar Italian Chocolate
There is Ciobar Italian Sipping Chocolate at a Chocolate Bar in Kirkland, WA. I'm pretty sure they are the only ones that do. Contact me at: dolcegusto@hotmail.com
Caroline Kelliher <email>
Kirkland, WA USA 01/05/2008
Chocolate
Milka or Sucre's are great and everywhere!
Ed Wilson <email>
Lincoln, NE USA 01/04/2008
Chocolate in Brugge, Belgium
We loved, loved, loved Délices De Bruges in Brugge. The chocolates were very nice, but we particularly enjoyed the fondue (more than just the usual things to dip) and the "tulip" hot chocolate. What a leisurely and delicious time! Its address is St-Amandsstraat 27.
MMS
Chicago, IL USA 12/10/2007
Hot chocolate in Paris
I just got back from Paris and I had hot chocolate in many places because it was a bit cold there. Les Deux Magots is very good but nothing compares to Angelina's. It is the best ever!!! It may be a bit more than other places but you can tell the quality of hot chocolate by the price, I promise. They close at 7p most nights so don't get there late or they will be out of good pasteries too.
Janine
Atlanta, GA USA 11/05/2007
Ciobar Hot Chocolate
Has anyone found Ciobar products in the USA? The hot chocolate is velvety and creamy like a pudding. I would love to locate this product. thanks
Jean taylor <email>
Los gatos, CA USA 11/04/2007
French chocolates
French chocolate is divine! If you are a fan of chocolate, do some research on David Lebovitz's website, or buy his Big Book of Chocolate, which devotes a chapter to the chocolate in Paris. One of his suggestions that we loved was the chocolate-covered marshmallows at Pierre Marcolini's (89 Rue de Seine). Also, the chocolates at Jean Paul Hevin were the best I've had anywhere (3, rue Vavin, among other locations), and Denise Acabo's shop is heavenly. She doesn't make chocolates, but sells chocolates and caramels and other goodies from the best makers in France (30, rue Pierre Fontaine). We also loved the suggestion from Rick Steves' in St. Remy: Joel Durand at 3, Bd Victor Hugo. Very high quality. All the shopkeepers, especially Denise Acabo, were fantastically helpful and nice, which only adds to the pleasure of buying chocolates. Don't miss the fine chocolatiers in France!
Becca
Torrance, CA USA 10/16/2007
Best Hot Chocolate Ever Correction
In May I posted "The best hot chocolate I have ever had in my life was at Cafe Mozart in Vienna this past December. The recipe is on their website."
It is still the best I've ever had but the recipe is no longer on their site. You can find it here -
http://www.inmamaskitchen.com/RECIPES/drinks_wine/cafe_mozart.html
Holly
USA 10/08/2007
In Rome we had black truffle chocolate gelato. Increadible!
Lowell Houghton <email>
Sylmar, CA United States 09/23/2007
Hot Chocolate mix source?
I'm looking for a US source for Swiss and even English instant hot chocolate. When we were in Switzerland, the B&B served something that I think was called "Caotina". When I was in London, we were served something from a jar that was only labeled "free trade". Both were only mixed with water and were sooo good, but I can't find a source in the US. Any ideas other than taking another trip (which is a great idea, but no can do)
Sue
USA 09/13/2007
Swiss Chocolate
I just got back from my European Contiki(contiki.com)! During our stop in Lucerene, Switzerland (breathtaking by the way) we encountered the most AMAZING chocolates...it is the home of Toblerone, one my of my favorites, but definately check out any and all Swiss chocolates you can get your hands on!
Caitlin <email>
Columbus, OHIO USA 09/12/2007
Brussels and London
We were told some shops in Brussels are "2nd tier" places to buy chocolates to give as gifts, although they are still good; we tried Leonidas in that category. It is cheaper. One thing I really liked in Brussels was a bar with dark chocolate and vanilla creme made by Galler, and a dark w/wild strawberry bar by Neuhaus was very good with an authentic strawberry taste. However, for sheer selection, it's hard to top Harrod's in London-bring lots of money.
Marc
FREMONT, ca USA 09/10/2007
Worth the trip to Antwerp
My husband and I found the greatest chocolate at a little shop in Antwerp- "Elisa's". Almost two years later, it's still the best memory of our trip. They use fresh cream, and it's really quite cheap- way better than the overrated Godiva and Neuhaus. Wow, good stuff, but eat it while it's fresh. The bit we managed not to eat and bring home didn't taste so great after a couple of weeks.
Erin Bartos
Apple Valley, MN USA 07/28/2007
Great food near Arnhem Netherlands
Planken Wambus is the best restaurant we have eaten in in Netherlands. We saw a sign off the highway while driving over to Koln and it sits next to the National Forest. I expected rustic and discovered the best fine dining meal I've had. The food was beautifully prepared, had wonderful wine by the glass and our "quick dinner stop" turned into a terrific experience.
Carol E
Windermere, fl USA 07/23/2007
German Chocolate
My taste buds find German chocolates to be the yummiest!
Beverly Hills, CA USA 07/22/2007
Haut Chocolat in Paris - Angelina's
Phenomenal hot chocolate that is very rich, thick and creamy. They serve it with real whipped cream that is nice and thick. Sinful, but so delicious! Our sales clerk at Louis Vuitton on Champs recommended this to us as as something that must be experienced in Paris. The atmosphere is charming and they have a little gift shop. Their food was also very good. Angelina's is a cute restaurant located on the north side of the Tuileries (for those of you who are good with directions), between the Louvre and Champs Elysees. I sent my parents there on their recent trip to Paris, and they kept going back they loved it so much!
Amanda
Calgary, Canada 07/21/2007
Chocolate Shop In Berlin
Hello Travel Friends!
I am going to Berlin this November. I want to go to that chocolate shop Rick went to on his Berlin show. This shop has 200 different flavors of chocolate. I think this shop is in old Berlin, but does anyone know the name of this shop?
I have to go there!!!
Lisa <email>
Austin, TX USA 07/06/2007
Gelato-Real Stuff-in Paris
My girlfriend was travelling on the "fresh from the press"the Lonely Planet and I must admit they had this fantastic tip of Pozzetto, the best gelato in Paris. Check it out. Far better than anything I had ever in my life!. You find the addresses on their website: www.pozzetto.biz
laura
madison, wi USA 06/28/2007
For the chocolate addict!!
Love this line of chocolate!! it's perfect for me they even have t-shirts. I recently gave this as a bridal gift, it was a hit!! check out there website. I found a store by me. Happy chocolate shopping!! www.chocolatecrisiscenter.com
martha <email>
Santa Monica, CA USA 06/21/2007
Gruveres, Switzerland and Brugge
My wife and I are chocoholics. I highly recommend the Nestle factory tour in Gruveres, Switzerland. I challenge everyone to eat their way out! Any 'mom and pop' store in Switzerland carriers a large selection of chocolates, usually a wall (large) dedicated to the chocolate only. We stayed a week near St Maurice, Switzerland and found it fun to buy a different bar or two or three before we returned to our room.
If you have been to Brugge, you know that it is the best! The locals don't need to brag on themselves. Let me know if you have EVER been disappointed in Brugge!
Doug H <email>
Ft Lauderdale, FL USA 06/13/2007
Best Belgian chocolate!
I followed Rick's suggestions of The Chocolate Line in Brugge...I think my favorite is the Havana cigar! Also, Dumon in Brugge was fantastic for chocolate and also large strawberry marzipans!
Paula
Rockaway, NJ USA 06/11/2007
Hot chocolate mix - 70% Cacao
Sprungli chocolates in Switzerland makes a 'hot chocolate' mix that comes in flakes in a packet. It's super rich and smooth, with 70% CACAO. I melt it in hot milk or just eat it with a spoon! Label is 'Chocolat Chaud' which is French for hot chocolate.
Melissa
San Francisco, CA USA 06/01/2007
Best Hot Chocolate Ever
The best hot chocolate I have ever had in my life was at Cafe Mozart in Vienna this past December. The recipe is on their website.
Holly <email>
Auburn, WA USA 05/30/2007
Belgian Chocolatiers
To London, UK 05/06/07
What is your problem with good reviews for chocolate shops in Bruges? Can you be more specific as to whom you're referring to? Otherwise it's not really fair to accuse Bruges' chocolate shop owners of writing their own reviews. I can guarantee that mine is geniune, like the rest AND Chocolate Line is the best!
Linda
London, UK 05/17/2007
Drinking Chocolate in Harrods
Has anyone been recently to that wonderful shop in Harrods in London where you could order a pot of liquid chocolate (any kind you wanted) to drink? This was a highlight for me of a chocolate tour in 2003 that included delicious Bruges, Paris, and London. Is it still there? I'd like to go back.
ZF
Tuscaloosa , AL USA 05/14/2007
Scottish Highland Chocolate near Aberfeldy
For travelers in Scotland, I can highly recommend Strathtay Chocolatiere opened last year in Grandtully, on the main road into Aberfeldy. Fabulous hot chocolate, huge variety of handmade chocolates, even made to order chocolate wedding cakes and elaborate decorations. You can watch the chocolatier through the picture window or schedule a tour. The attached cafe offers sample plates of chocolates with wonderful barrista coffee. Beautiful atmosphere and gift shop with antique gallery. Loch Tay nearby for picnics and boating. A wonderful "find" we thought for a day of hiking, boating and simultaneously reveling in our chocolate additions!
Nancy Warren-Crook <email>
Edinburgh, USA 05/12/2007
We just returned from Bruges and I have to agree with the Chocolate Line rec. Delicious! It's been years, but I had a most decadent hot chocolate at Angelina's near the Louvre.
Heather
Denver, CO USA 05/08/2007
Bruges
We've recently noticed that some chocolatiers from Bruges are giving themselfs frequently 'good reviews' again and again... from the same IP adress.... Annoying!!!
...
London, UK 05/06/2007
Chocolate Line - The Best!
Chocolate Line, chocolate heaven!
This has got to be one of the best chocolate shops ever! I've never left the shop without a purchase or two.
Tip:
1.Always try the specials, they're not
always available.
2. During tourist season and weekends, go early when they open or an hour before they close, less of a scrum.
3. Watch the handsome chocolatier behind the glass partition at work!
Linda F <email>
London, UK 04/27/2007
My vote for Best Chocolate in Bruges
While visiting Bruges last week, I followed Rick's recommendations and visited The Chocolate Line and Dumon. My vote goes to The Chocolate Line, where I recommend the dark, heart-shaped, crunchy praline. I'm still sampling from the first box...
Amy
Colorado Springs, CO USA 04/21/2007
Chocolate in Bruges
I just visited Bruges during Easter weekend and had a wonderful time! The chocolate shops (Dumon, The Chocolate Line, and Sweertvaegher) recommended by RS were fantastic! My husband and I especially liked Dumon, as Stefaan and Christophe were so helpful answering our questions. I highly recommend their chocolate covered strawberries!
Jackie
New York, NY USA 04/16/2007
Best Brugge chocolate
When we were in Brugge, we sampled more than a few shops. The best that we encountered was Van Tilborgh, at Noordzanstraat 1 Bis, telephone 050-33-59-04. At 23 euros per kilo, Ingrid's prices are some of the best. She's a bit outside of the more touristy areas of Brugge, but well worth the extra few minutes walk. And she ships to the US. Her chocolate makes great Christmas gifts.
Rick <email>
Chicago, IL USA 04/16/2007
Callier Chocolate Train
To anyone spending time in Switzerland, I highly recommend the "Chocolate Train." My aunt in Switzerland booked this trip for my whole family, and it was so much fun. Not only do you get to go to the Callier factory for a tour and chocolate sampling, but they also stop at the Gruyere factory. Plus, the train passes through a beautiful route through rolling Swiss hills. Highly, highly recommended. - http://www.goldenpass.ch/GPS/produits/choc1.asp
Stacy <email>
Seattle, USA 04/11/2007
Hot chocolate mix
In Italy:
We have found hot chocolate mixes (that are more like hot pudding) at grocery stores. The brand we have purchased is "Ciobar" and you get 5 packets in the box for about 1.45 euros. They have dark chocolate (gusto fondente), classic, and chocolate hazelnut (bacio). These can also make a fun and inexpensive souvenir/gift!
Tasha
Siloam Springs, AR USA 03/31/2007
Nothing Better
Chocolate Soup in Edinburgh, Scotland is a delectable delight for any chilly highland day. My husband and I adored our time drinking (literally) warm chocolate soup from a sweet group of owners from New Zealand. Chicago eaters are picky and we loved this mouthwatering treat.
Maggie
Chicago, IL USA 03/11/2007
A Cocolate Easter
I can't wait to sample all the delicious chocolate Easter bunnies I've heard about on my upcoming trip to Germany!
Katy
Lexington, KY USA 02/20/2007
Help finding Chocolate Cruesli
Chocolate Cruesli by Quaker is without a doubt the best cold cereal in the world. I've had it in France and Spain, but I can't find it in the United States. I've searched far and wide in Google, but the only place I could find was a Dutch shop with exorbitant shipping costs. Has anyone found any in the United States? Why in the world doesn't Quaker distribute it here?
Justin <email>
Atlanta, GA USA 02/10/2007
In My Opinion La Maison
La Maison du Chocolat is the finest chocolat in the world, I'v been to Belgum, Switzerland, all the best, but Once you've tasted La Maison nothing else will do. 19, rue du Sevres, Paris. They also have a shop in Manhatten, NY You can find it on the internet and order some. YUM YUM!!!
WA USA 02/08/2007
Chocolaterie Maya
If anyone has ever seen the movie Chocolat - there is a little chocolate shop in Paris (a block or so from Notre Dame) that is exactly like the shop in the movie and the chocolate is absolutely sinful :-) Highly recommend. Sorry I don't remember the exact name of it now.
M Jessen
Salt Lake City, UT USA 02/06/2007
swiss chocolate
sprungli chocolate in switzerland is to die for. They make chocolate daily with fresh cream that is to be eaten within 3 days. It was devine and I had to sit down after one bite.
diane
issaquah, wa USA 01/31/2007
Easter Chocolates
German chocolate is delicious! German Easter goodies are wonderful! Shop for them, too, if you can.
Annette
Casper, Wyom. USA 01/19/2007
Swiss Easter Bunnies
I can just imagine that the European chocolate shops must go all out for Easter with decidant decorated bunnies and eggs! I'll be in Switzerland this Easter, and have my heart set on shopping for Easter goodies while there! :)
Jeana
Monterey Bay, Cal. USA 01/18/2007
Chocolate Tasting Room!
A tasting room at Nestle in Switzerland; yummy! :) Thanks for the tip! When I go to Switzerland, I'm going there! :)
LaDonna
California, USA 01/16/2007
Belgian and Swiss Chocolate
1. In Bruges, try Chocolaterie Sukerbuyc, at Katelijnestraat 5, just across the small bridge from the cathedral. MUCH better than Neuhaus or Leonidas!
2. If you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's grocery in your town, buy the Villars chocolate bars, made in Fribourg, Switzerland. Fabulous and reasonably priced - something about that rich Swiss milk!
3. Finally, the Nestle/Caillier factory near Gruyeres, Switzerland, offers tours: TAKE one! Tasting room and good prices in the store make it worth your time!
Theresa
Petaluma, CA USA 01/15/2007
Brussels
Neuhaus chocolate in Brussels, Belgium: the best truffles ever.
Joy <email>
Manistee, MI USA 01/14/2007
GIANDUIOTTI-hazelnutchocholat
try the gianduiotti at www.pozzetto.biz. they sell it in Paris, in the Marais.
I am addicted
frank heinz
USA 01/12/2007
Grocery shopping
When you are next in Europe. Make sure you get to the closest grocery and purchase hot chocolate mix and candy bars.
No matter what you buy, it's almost always better than the stuff you can purchase here...Nestle's Quick? Who needs that when the hot chocolate mix in a Swiss grocery is like Williams Sonoma mix that costs $19 a tin for 10 servings??
USA 01/11/2007
Swiss Chocolate
The Swiss chocolate truffles were one of the highlights of my trip to Europe! The best!
Jean Ann
Montana, USA 01/10/2007
The Best Chocolate in Europe
Belguim has the best chocolate I ever had while in Europe! YUM! I broght back half my suitcase filled with it. I should have left my clothes over there for room to bring bring back more!
D.J.
Seattle, WA USA 01/08/2007
Best Buy !!!
One more SEES vote american chocolate has different process as i understnd it . So if thats what you grow up with that what you crave now FYI Costco sell coupons making it 10a pound lets see thats one piece of Godiva ?
USA 01/08/2007
Amazing Chocolate
If you ever wanted a huge selection of chocolate from all over the world at your fingertips, I suggest The Harvest Garden in Edinburgh. It has everything from neuhaus belgian to french and frosted from Canada, you name it, they've got it! A chocoholics dream! I thought I'd never be able to go back again, seeing as I live so far away but you can order from their website or better to phone.
Try it!!
Rosina
LA, Ca USA 01/04/2007
Best Chocolate
Mary Chocolatier in Brussels and Debauves & Gallais in Paris and NYC...simply the most perfect chocolates created.
Kelly
Jersey City, NJ USA 01/04/2007