Pirates Plank

Archive for February 8th, 2010

Chocolate has long been one of the most popular gifts on Valentine’s Day, the red and pink heart shaped boxes are everywhere this week.  Many people state, and scientific evidence has shown, that there are certain chemicals in chocolate that elevate the mood and make some people feel as though they are in love, which is most likely the reason so many people give and receive this particular confection this time of year.  It had been years since I had visited the city of New York, and last month I found a great deal on a hotel room by looking here, so I made my plans and headed to the city to visit my friend Robert.

Robert has always had his finger on the pulse of the city, and each time I go I experience the new and latest trends to be sweeping the city.  Years ago it was the cupcakes from the Magnolia Bakery, and last month it was gourmet chocolate boutiques.  The city is full of them now, each one offering something different, but all about the chocolate.  The first place we stopped was Vosges.  They state that their chocolates are holistic and good for you, often infusing them with various herbs, flowers and spices.  And what would be more holistic than signing up for one of their Yoga/Chocolate workshops?  The next night we made our way to the Chocolate Bar.  We were like kids in a grown-up’s candy store, with everything from brownies to bon bons and cookies lining the counters.

The next stop was Dylan’s Candy Bar.  There are more than five thousand different chocolate items on the menu at Dylan’s, new and retro candy delights.  The children in the store walk around in a daze, not knowing which to pick first.  At Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven you will feel as though you are stepping into a bistro in France.  Everything from truffles to hot chocolate, all served with the utmost of style and elegance.  And no chocolate trip to New York would be complete without a stop at the Hershey’s Store in Times Square. This is the godfather of the chocolate industry, and while they may not serve it all up fancy, they serve it up with tradition.  It was definitely my sweetest trip to New York so far.