Chocolate saves the day- South End
Today, the GF and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather- so we went to the South End to do some exploring.
We began the day at Gaslight for brunch- I got to try the French onion soup and the croque-monsieur. The soup was pretty tasty, it was made with truffled short ribs (so the menu said) and there were a few shreds to be found in the crock. I've been wanting to try croque-monsieur for a long time now, but I must admit I was disappointed! Mine was pretty soggy and not hot enough for a hot sandwich, but I don't have another experience to compare this to- so maybe that's the way it should be. On the upside, the service was great- and the restaurant is gorgeous!
Later, as we wandered, I noticed a sign pointing down the street for ChocoLee chocolates- and decided to pay them a visit. It's a tiny little shop, and the sign in the window that announced chocolate beignets told me I was home! Honestly, I didn't purchase as much I normally would have- because I was a little put off by the attitude of the chef/owner(?) behind the counter. She was pretty informative (she directed me to another chocolatier in the neighborhood), but she just wasn't very nice... oh well. I ordered the beignets- which are filled with dark chocolate and mascarpone, a French macaroon and a couple of bon-bons. Everything was good, but the beignets were amazing! I walked the streets, squealing with glee as the runny warm chocolate drizzled down my chin- not caring as the ultra-hip turned up their noses at me... I will be back, again and again for those beignets!
We went to Aroa next, which is clean, friendly and open- very inviting! There are pastries and drinks to be had here, and a few tables to enjoy them at- if you desire. I got a couple of French macaroons- salted caramel and hazelnut, and a few bon-bons as well. The stars of the show were definitely the macaroons- tender and crunchy with a wonderful assortment of flavors, I wish I had bought more! The friendly girl at the counter told me there was going to be another chocolatier opening nearby- but I didn't catch the name. I will have to return soon for that one!
As unpopular as this may make me- in the four months that I've lived in Boston, I've never been a fan of the South End. The restaurants make me feel out of place and there seems to be no middle ground... but now that the chocolatiers are taking over, I'll be there every weekend!
Do any of you Hounds know of any other chocolatiers that I should visit?
voodoocheese
Apr 19, 2008 06:19PM
You should definitely check out L.A. Burdick, in Harvard Sq. I predict it will be your favorite place in Boston.
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If you are ever out on Cape Ann, take a small detour and try Pride's Crossing Confections. Try anything with caramel. They also make a really mean chocolate covered raspberry jelly that has a perfect balance of tart/sweet and a wonderful texture.
http://pridescrossingconfections.com/
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It couldn't have been the owner, Lee Napoli, who waited on you. She is one of the nicest people in the food business in Boston.
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Oh good! I'm so glad to hear that! I was a little worried.. I only assumed because of the things that we talked about. Thanks also for the suggestions, I forgot to mention that I work for Burdick's- I'm a bit of a chocolate hound...
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Chocolate Beignets? Oh, dear.
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I don't know why more CHs have not responded to you. I'm beginning to wonder about the Boston CH boards...... At any rate, I have on my agenda to try the many offerings at Beacon Hill Chocolates. Extensive website listings; she brings in chocs from many producers. I'll report after my visit.
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