CHOCOLATE AND OTHER TREATS IN LOS ANGELES:
1. TRUFFLES: There is no question about it that french Patisserie BOULE undoubtably has the finest and most delicious hand crafted truffles in L.A. From Lavender Caramel to rose water and chocolate, this place screams decadence. Combinations of odd flavors paired with traditional blends make this my slice of heaven.
2. CHOCOLATE CAKE: After being introduced to this place by a VERY good friend (thanks TRENT), ALCOVE has without a doubt served up my favorite piece of chocolate cake in the city. The See's Chocolate candy cake is moist and wonderful and comes in both white and chocolate buttercream icing. Chunks of chocolate is scattered throughout this delicious concoction which makes every bite better then the last.
3. CUPCAKES: There is a war going on and apparently it is occurring amongst the top cupcake houses in L.A. This is a hard one to pull off as several cupcake specialty stores have their own quality that makes them scrumptious. If its glutonous portions of cream filled goodness, you would go to CRUMBS. If its quality product and fresh tasting icing (along with lines from hell), you would walk down the street to SPRINKLES. If it is that nostalgic sense of mom's baking you want, JOAN'S ON THIRD is the place to be. I guess I tend to like all these qualities and will let you judge for yourself.
4. VANILLA ECLAIR: Ok...ok...relax. There is that blah word again vanilla and why is it featured on Kio's Top list of chocolate treats? Although this incredibly delicious and subtly sweet pastry puff is named vanilla, the rich and pleasantly textured coating of chocolate on top gives this french specialty a spot on the list. CHAMPAGNE BAKERY once again does it by combining both a creamy vanilla custard center and a dark chocolate coating with sprinkles of powdered sugar making this piece de resistance not so vanilla.
5. FUDGE: This is an easy one. JOHN KELLY'S FUDGE is hands down the best fudge i've had in a long time. This company knows how to masterfully coat flavored fudge with a dark shell and make you crave for more. Try their salted dark chocolate and caramel infused fudge and then tell me if you've ever smoked after sex. Truly orgasmic.
6. TARTS: Well this is a tricky one as tarts come in all flavors. Unlike a pie which is covered in a pastry shell from top to bottom, the tart has an open top. Ok, enough with the definitions right? Of course my choice of top tart would stray away from the traditional and fruity type. A.O.C is an incredible restaurant on 3rd street that houses this delicious dessert. Its a dark chocolate tart covered in rich shavings. The chocolate is not too bitter sweet and the best part is the thin layer of caramel that drizzles down your chin as you close your eyes in ecstasy. Simply sumptuous.
7. HOT CHOCOLATE: Wow. Talk about a difficult task. Finding a satisfying yet tasty cup of the good stuff was and still is pretty difficult. Either the cup of Chocolate is too watery, too bitter, or just plain old bland. However, the good news is that I was recommended a place that serves the tasty liquid and yet holds up to your taste buds. TEUSCHER, a swiss chocolate company located in Beverly Hills fills this position in the meantime (always looking for better) with a premium blend of their own swiss chocolate mixed to perfection and served with a dollop of whip cream. Definitely a sip of satisfaction.
8. CHOCOLATE PANCAKES: How luck am I that BLOOM cafe is only a few blocks away from my house. This new establishment is quickly gaining interest by the locals for their healthy and unique creations offered daily. Did I say healthy? Lets move to the griddle side of the menu and focus on their Coco Choco Pancakes. Light and fluffy cake filled generously with milk chocolate chips so each bite is an eye rolling experience. Add in the flakes of fresh coconut and then a light dusting of powdered sugar and voila, another eye brow raising treat that deserves to be on my chocolate list.
9. MOUSSE: There is nothing better then the pairing of fruit and chocolate. The BAZAAR at the SLS hotel demonstrates this with one of there most decadent offerings at the patisserie, the Hot Chocolate Mousse. Creamy, warm and rich dark chocolate mousse coats the plate while a scoop of cool and refreshing pear sorbet floats along side the mousse. The duo is a match made in heaven making this dessert a must have.
10. CANNOLI: From its ancestry home of Sicily to the hustle and bustling streets of Los Angeles, these tube like creations are permanent dents in the Italian-American dessert arsenal. Look no further then SWEET LADY JANE'S who is more known for her masterful cake creations (sorry Jane, Alcove has that honor here). Jane has given birth to the Janoli, a Cannoli created with mouth watering white chocolate cream instead of the traditional ricotta cheese filling. With a flaky and crispy texture on the outside and a creamy and smooth injection on the inside, this Italian staple definitely stirs the taste buds like no other Cannoli can.
11. CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES: The other day I received an incredible gift from someone very close. We'll, they would have to be as they knew exactly how to make me happy. I received twelve of the plumpest, freshest most colorful and tasty strawberries i've had in a long time. To top it off they came covered in swirls of white and milk chocolate, some splashed with coconut and others with nuts. SHARI'S BERRIES are what the doctor ordered and these individual pieces of goodness will put a smile on any chocolate lovers face.
12. MINI CAKES: Home of the famous red velvet cake which Oprah made huge in Los Angeles, Doughboys closed their doors to our surprise. Thank god the recipe for that delicious velvet cake was passed on to THE CORNER, a new establishment that took over Doughboys platform. Better yet, the Red Velvet cake isn't even the best cake in the restaurant. Look for a Whoppi Pie which is nothiing more then delectable devils food cake and silky cream cheese butter frosting. This little cake is my idea of a single serving of yum and simply takes care of that sweet craving. So the next time you decide to order the velvet cake, hold up, the Whoppi Pie is irresistibly moist, rich and satisfying.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE TREATS
