Coping with Anxiety and Crisis: A Selected List of Fine Chocolate Stores in New York
Fears of recession, concerns about the state of the world, worries about job prospects, and anxieties about the future dominate the news headlines these days, but these kinds of stories are perennial, coloring the way we conduct our lives. Fortunately, we now believe that the 400+ ingredients in dark chocolate may alleviate some of the worst symptoms of this kind of external stress. Had a bad day? A little brisk walk to your local chocolate boutique may fix you right up.It's funny, but studies show that taking a chocolate supplement doesn't work as well for a sense of individual well-being as the act of eating a piece of chocolate. I understand. I think aesthetics matter. Eating beautiful chocolates can make you feel all yummy and special on the inside. My chocolate cravings can even be satisfied by unravelling the classic and minimalist Hershey's bar. Yet, I still prefer a visit to the city's finest purveyors of chocolate. At the following places (links provided), chocolate is considered a fine art. While the state of the economy may not allow a large ticket item at this time, chocolate makes for a nice little investment.
MarieBelle
484 Broome St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-6999
A chic chocolate boutique in Soho with an elegant tasting room. Select your choice of chocolates for a box, or find a ready-made selection. The hot cocoa is superlative here.
Kee's
80 Thompson St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-3284
A specialist in truffles, try whatever is recommended the day of your visit. Their green tea varieties are lovely.
Jacques Torres
350 Hudson St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 414-2462
and
66 Water Street (DUMBO)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
On some days, only Jacques Torres will do.
Vosges132 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 625-2929
Red fire, people. There's nothing quite like a spicy ancho-flavored chocolate bar, unless you go for the red fire chocolate-covered tortilla chips. A perennial favorite.
La Maison du Chocolat
1018 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021-0113
Phone: (212) 744-7117
On days when the stock market goes up, consider the Madison Avenue branch of the fine French chocolate house.
Scharffen Berger Chocolate CLOSED (see comment section)
473 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10024
(212) 362-9734
The Upper West Side favorite. Available at many venues city-wide.
Payard Patisserie & Bistro CLOSED
1032 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10021
212-717-5252
A classic New York setting with a French twist.
Chocolate Bar
127 East 7th Street, between 1st & Ave A
212.366.1541
also
Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Avenue
3rd Floor Atrium
New York, NY 10019
212.582.8283
Terrific boutique selection of chocolates. Their spicy brownies changed the way we bake brownies at home.
Max Brenner
141 2nd Ave (corner of 9th st)
New York, NY 10003
and
841 Broadway (between 13th and 14th Streets)
Beyond belief for chocolate lovers, The Bald Man offers a full range of chocolate products in many forms.
The Chocolate Room
86 5th Avenue
(between Park Pl & Warren St)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 783-2900
Popular with the Park Slop crowd.
Images of MarieBelle and Vosges by Walking Off the Big Apple. See also the post Wee Willie WOTBA's Downtown Chocolate Walk.
Thanks, Teri, but sadly, Scharffen Berger closed just days after you and I visited. Fortunately, their wonderful chocolate is sold in finer supermarkets such as Whole Foods, Fairway and Gourmet Garage and has even been seen (although not in the darkest formulations) in some Duane Reades. Finding limited series blends, such as their recent 10th Anniversary Finisterra, may be a challenge. As a last resort, there's always the company's website: http://scharffenberger.com/ .
ReplyDeleteWas there a connection between our visit and their closing? That would be terrible! Thank you so much for the information about where to acquire Scharffen Berger chocolates.
ReplyDeleteMore likely the closing followed the death in September of the company's chocolate maker, Robert Steinberg.
ReplyDeleteOh.
ReplyDeleteI'm a long time reader and I guess a lurker. I've never participated, but I love your blog. I follow it as I plan for visits (not often enough) from LA to NYC. This year we're spening the holidays in December and this chocolate lover list is perfect. Then I'll walk a lot.
ReplyDeleteDoris
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for writing. I am so happy that you love my blog. And I'm pleased you find the chocolate list useful. I hope you'll have a great time here during the holidays.
I just discovered your "chocolate" walk in the lower part of NYC. Wow. Looks like a great way to take in a number of the stores.
ReplyDeleteWe're staying around the corner from the Bryant Park Hotel.
Are any of your walks along 6th avenue or 49th street or near-by? We'd like to try one. They look like about 2 hrs or so to walk and enjoy.
Also liked your book store and coffee pairings.
THanks, Doris
Hi anon,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about the walks near your hotel. On the site, look at either the Classic New York, The New York of Raymond Hood, Architect, or the Holly Golightly/Breakfast at Tiffany's Walks.
You will be centrally located near the Theater District, so you should have fun walking in any direction.I'm planning a theater-themed walk soon.
This is a great list! It's too bad about Scharffen Berger, but this is definitely a chocolate all star list. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, cocoazilla.
ReplyDeleteI went to your website, and you are like some chocolate goddess! I feel very honored that my list held up to your standards.
See also the companion chocolate-themed walk for downtown shops:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.walkingoffthebigapple.com/2008/02/wee-willy-wotbas-downtown-chocolate.html...
Thanks for this list!
ReplyDeleteI have recommended it on our blog to anyone planning a shopping trip to New York from over here in Ireland.
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