My chocolate love affair …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

With an influx of chocolate temptations in Melbourne, I have made it my duty to select the places that I have come to have chocolate affairs with. Whoever said that a dog is a man’s best friend? Chocolate is everyone’s lifelong friend…

Koko Black
Shop 4, Royal Arcade, Melbourne, Ph: (03) 9639 8911, www.kokoblack.com
Since 2003, Koko Black has been hand crafting exquisite hand-made chocolates in Melbourne’s historic Royal Arcade. Here visitors can watch as Koko Black chocolatiers work couverture into an incredible array of truffles, moulded pralines and bars, in the finest European tradition. Other Koko Black stores can be found in Carlton, Camberwell, Chadstone, Collins Street, and the recently opened second store in South Melbourne.

Max Brenner
Australia wide, Ph: (02) 9318 6000, www.maxbrenner.com
A cult following has ensued after chocolate by the bald man, Max Brenner entered our shores to provide chocolate lovers the ultimate feast. Whether its chilli hot chocolate served in their famous Hug Mug, or strawberry fondue that one wishes goes on to eternity, Max Brenner is not just for the kids, it’s for the big kids too.

Hot Chocolate Coffee & Chocolate Bar
Level 3, Shop 318, Melbourne Central (located within BlueFire), Ph: (03) 9663 6466
1, 439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands, Ph: (03) 9642 1818, www.hotchocolate.net.au
If you’re after the ‘real’ hot chocolate à la the kind Juliette Binoche serves in the film Chocolat, that is, the pure quality chocolate melted down and served as a deliciously rich hot beverage, then this is your place. Other indulgences include: home made ice cream, sundaes, chocolate molten pudding and warm chocolate tart.

Langham Hotel’s Aria Lounge
One Southgate Ave, Southbank, Ph: (03) 8696 8888, www.langhamhotelmelbourne.com.au
For a scrumptious chocolate afternoon tea experience, visit the new Chocolate Bar at the Langham Hotel’s Aria Lounge. Featuring a chocolate fountain, freshly made chocolates, and unlimited visits to the Chocolate Bar, the dark and decadent afternoon tea experience is held every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Did I mention unlimited?

Cocoa-le-art chocolates
356 Little Collins Street, Ph: (03) 9642 4277, www.cocoa-le-art.com.au
Hand-made in Melbourne by Swiss Chocolatier Silvano Widmer, the Cocoa-le-art collection combines the best European chocolate traditions – Belgian dark chocolate that is made Swiss-style with soft centre ganache fillings, and high-end French presentation.

Chocolateria San Churro
277B Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Ph: (03) 9419 9936,
143 Acland Street, St Kilda, Ph: (03) 95349819,
150 Chapel Street, Windsor, Ph: (03) 9529 7559, www.sanchurro.com
This Spanish-inspired chocolate store serves churros, or Spanish doughnuts made to order and served with melted couverture (white, milk, or dark). They are a decadent indulgence for dessert or whatever time of day you need that chocolate fix.  Melbourne’s most expensive chocolate can be found here – the Truffa del Oro, costs $490 for four truffles. Each truffle contains 70% Venezuelan single origin chocolate, Moet & Chandon Vintage champagne and is enveloped in 23 carat edible gold … indulge your heart out!

Cacao
52 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Ph: (03) 8598 9555, www.cacao.com.au
Cacao is an impressive café/retail outlet dedicated to all things chocolate. The huge display cabinet offers a great selection of moulded, filled and jelly chocolates, which can be purchased individually or in mixed boxes. If your timing is right you’ll be able to see chocolates made in the store.

Monsieur Truffle
Stall 118, Prahran Market, Commercial Rd, South Yarra, Ph: (03) 9866 2922
Thibault Fregoni’s stall at Prahran Market sells intensely flavoured yet well balanced chocolates. The softly spoken Frenchman has a background as a pastry cook and his chocolate creations are just as delicious – try the passionfruit, raspberry, native pepper, marzipan or orange truffle.

Chocoholic Tours
Ph: (03) 9686 4655, www.chocoholictours.com.au
Chocoholics, sweet tooths and travellers alike can discover Melbourne’s world of chocolate and desserts, and experience hidden charms of the city’s streets, lanes and arcades, all in one tour.