Jacques Torres Chocolate

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285 Amsterdam (between 73/74th Streets)
New York, New York 10023

66 Water Street (Between Dock & Main Streets)
Brooklyn, New York 11201

350 Hudson at King Street (1 block South of Houston)
New York, New York 10014
(212) 414-2462
www.mrchocolate.com

Being an Upper West Sider, I’m always excited about new places in the area.  I went to Jacques Torres Chocolate tonight with hopes of having one of their delicious ice cream cookie sandwiches.  To my dismay, they informed me that this specialty is only in the summer.  Of course, I still had to try one of their famous hot chocolates and chocolate chip cookies.  I had a classic hot chocolate (they also serve a “Wicked” hot chocolate that’s spicy), with a chocolate chip cookie, a Mudslide cookie, and four of their chocolates.  Now having  cookies here was quite a test when my ultimate cookie place (Le Vain Bakery) is right across the street.  I have to say though, their chocolate chip cookie was impressive and I was not disappointed.  It’s size is equivalent to a bread plate, and the chunks of chocolate are plentiful.  This cookie was thin and soft, just like a giant chewy Chips Ahoy! cookie.  I was very happy to devour not one but 2 of these.

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I was quite disappointed by the mudslide cookie though.  It’s a chocolate cookie with chocolate chunks and nuts.  It was just plain dry and hard.  Maybe it was due to the fact that it was at the end of the day, but that’s no excuse.  One tip when you get a cookie here, be picky and choose the one you want because they’re all different sizes and chocolate quantities.  When I was eating, I definitely heard a man ask for the third cookie down since it was the largest.

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To accompany the cookies, I enjoyed the hot chocolate, which was delightful.  Not too thick and not too watery, which was perfect since the cookie was quite rich.  Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying some of the chocolates.  The ones that caught my eye were the Russian Peanut Butter, Caramel, Apple Pie, and Pumpkin Pie candies.  The Russian Peanut butter was so smooth and silky, the caramel was melty and creamy, the Apple Pie tasted just like the real thing, along with the Pumpkin Pie.  I love how creative and seasonal the pie flavors were.  These were luxury chocolates that deserve their famous rep.  What a great Valentine’s gift a box of these would be!    Overall, the experience was pleasant.  The interior was festive and fun.  I can’t wait to go back and try the ice cream sandwich when the weather’s warmer!

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Posted by: beth | 02-01-2009 | 10:02 PM
Posted in: Brooklyn | Chocolates | Cookies | Desserts | Financial District | Soho | Tribeca | Comments (0)

Rice To Riches

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Rice To Riches
37 Spring Street (btwn Mott and Mulberry Streets)
New York, NY  10012
(212) 274-0008

If you are up for a quite different dessert experience, you must go to this unique rice pudding place called Rice To Riches. With the ultimate rice pudding fan in town to visit me (my mom), there was no question it was time to try one or two of the amazing and constantly changing flavors of rice pudding they offer. The décor is retro and modern, matching perfectly to their whole new dessert idea. They have all kinds of concoctions from fruity to chocolate-based to plain. You can add an assortment of ”soul mates” (toppings) to your flavor choice too. I chose to enjoy the “Cinnamon Sling with Raisins” topped with “Mischief” (buttery graham cracker blanket). All I have to say is AMAZING. So creamy and rich it delights your taste buds instantly! My mom got the “Understanding Vanilla” with a “Cloud 9”(whipped cream), and my boyfriend got the “Man-Made Mascarpone with Cherries” and “Cloud 9” on top. It was so hard to decide, but they let you taste as many as you want before choosing. We were all in Heaven! A little fare warning though, order the smallest size if you are by yourself. I could only eat half, and I can eat a dessert believe me!!! Not to worry though since they come in adorable plastic containers that you can put right in the fridge. You can keep the spoon or “shoehorn” looking utensil too. I would love them to create a dish where you can have maybe 3 different kinds in small amounts at once since they are so rich.  It was definitely a delightful experience.  What a unique idea!

They ship anywhere in the USA too, so you can enjoy whether a New Yorker or not!  xoxoBrownie

Posted by: beth | 09-08-2007 | 11:09 AM
Posted in: Desserts | Financial District | Puddings | Soho | Tribeca | Comments (0)