11 March 2018
I’ve been wowed by the bright lights, voluminous skyscrapers and endless buzz of the Big Apple. It truly is a city that never sleeps. Throw in an eclectic mix of people and cultures, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for the urban adventurer in me. With all the hype surrounding this city, what’s to be expected of its chocolates? And where can chocolate aficionados seek out the best that New York City (NYC) has to offer?
Jacques Torres continues to flourish in his adopted city of NYC. Nicknamed “Mr. Chocolate” and with France’s highest craftsman accolade of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) under his belt since his mid 20s, there is no denying that this man knows his chocolate.
Beautifully handcrafted bon bons are the key attraction in each of his nine stores, scattered throughout NYC. For fans of chocolate surprises, I’d recommend the cheekily named “ménage a trios” – a triple combination of flavours that only the chocolatier knows. And if you find yourself in SoHo, drop by the Choco-Story New York, Jacques Torres’ chocolate museum, for a lesson in the history of chocolate and its journey from tree to bar.
Tucked away in the north end of The Chelsea Market is this purveyor of artisan foods. Walk right in and turn left to feast your eyes on a commendable selection of artisan chocolates from around the world.
It’s here that I introduced my chocolate novice friends to the world of craft chocolates, from Askinosie, Fruition, Dandelion and Pacari to the joys of Akesson’s and Pump Street Bakery.
Amazing. This single, impactful word sums up 2 Beans from my perspective. Imagine a shop filled to the brim, from floor to ceiling, with chocolates. Eat your heart out, Willy Wonka! One can traverse the globe in craft chocolates, starting from the US then down to Latin America before hoping over the Atlantic to Europe and the UK.
There’s also a glass display full of jewel-like bon bons. When you’re done with chocolate shopping, head over to the counter for a selection of European-style coffees and hot chocolates.
The Meadow
The Meadow is a quaint boutique in West Village, specialising in chocolates and salt. Quite an unlikely combination but that’s what they specialise in. The selection of craft chocolates here are varied and impressive.
Andrew is a great host, so be sure to have a chat and seek out his top tips as you work your way through the shelves of plain and inclusion bars.
Brooklyn is eclectic, unpretentious and adventurous, and the perfect reflection of Raaka. Located in Red Hook, an old industrial estate and shipping yard, you’ll miss it if you’re looking for a fancy shopfront. Walk through the tiny door to the combined retail and production area, and into the world of Raaka. You’ll be welcomed by their entire range of virgin chocolates, plus all the tasting samples that you can possibly stomach.
William was on hand for a one on one tasting and to explain the uniqueness of their manufacturing process. The added bonus is that you can taste and purchase the subscription only bars on site. It was well worth the trip across to Brooklyn. And if you’re planning a weekend visit, sign up in advance for a tour of their facility.
Cacao Prieto
Within Red Hook, and just a stone’s throw away, is Cacao Prieto. Fermentation is the flavour of the day here. One section is dedicated to chocolates and bean to bar chocolate production, while the other is a whiskey distillery – Whiskey Jane.
A special shout out to Steve for opening just for me, despite being closed for the afternoon, and for the ad hoc private tour and tasting. You made my day! The attractions here are their plain and flavoured plus inclusion bars, all made from Dominican Republic cacao sourced from 8 to 20 coop plantations throughout the country. My top picks here are the 72% Dominican Republic Criollo Cacao vanilla and cassia, and 72% Dominican Republic Criollo Cacao orange and bergamot.
The verdict:
New York City does chocolates in a big way. I wouldn’t have expected anything less. Choices are aplenty for the discerning aficionado, from a wealth of local and international bean to bar experiences, to an endless selection of bon bon masterpieces from world class chocolatiers.