Where's my best bet for chocolate? Staying at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square on my

[familyjoool]

first visit to New York Jan 2 to 6th. Would love to find some "knock your sox off" chocolate to bring back with me (no Godiva please). Any great neighborhood chocolate shops or dessert bars that should not be missed?

[Jack_]

I'm a fan of Jacques Torres. The factory is in DUMBO, 1st subway stop in Brooklyn, but they have an outpost in the Village too.

http://www.mrchocolate.com/

[ellenost]

My vote is for Leonidas (traditional Belgian chocolate) on Madison & E. 51 St.

[mangiabeve]

Li-Lac... 82 years... must be doing something right
40 Eighth Avenue
(Where Eighth Ave. meets Jane Street)
...there's also one in Grand Central Market

[kathryn]

True but Li-Lac's stuff is a lot home-ier (chocolate covered pretzels and the like) and less upscale, which might not fit the poster's "not Godiva" requirements.

[Heatherb]

If you go down to the Village, try Michel Cluizel in the ABC Home and Carpet store. They have some really great and different stuff--not to mention delicious. If you get the chance, try their tea-flavored chocolate bonbon (it was filled with Earl Grey flavored chocolate filling).

They store that they're in is pretty cool too. Link below.

http://www.chocolatmichelcluizel-na.c...

[mle18]

Me too. I was going to mention richart and Maison du Chocolat in Rockefeller which has the most out of this world choclate drinks. City Bakery also has really good hot chococlate with a homemade marshmellow.

Also chickalicious and room 4 dessert are to dessert only restuarants (which would fit in your dessert bar category)

[jenniebnyc]

I second the rec for Maison du Chocolat.

I have given up on City Bakery's HC though...always luke warm and I like it HOT.

If near the UES, try Cafe Med, I had a great hot chocolate recently!

[pieman]

im surprised no one mentioned richart 50th between 5th and mad i think. not only are these some of the most well made choc's their works of art.check out the website

[joelm]

my vote is for Chocolet Moderne ( 27 West 20th St. 9th floor) they do sell retail and they are stocked at a few places around the city.

http://www.chocolatmoderne.com

[kathryn]

Other places that stock Chocolat Modern are City Bakery (Union Square) and Murray's Cheese (West Village), if you happen to be in those neighborhoods.

[Produce Addict]

Closer to Times Square is Pierre Marcolini. While I haven't been there myself, having tried a piece of their chocolate I am excited to go!

[MMRuth]

Pierre Marcolini is on Park Avenue - I believe in the high 50's - excellent chocolates.

[MMRuth]

Not much in that neighborhood for chocolate as far as I know - Teuscher has wonderful champagne truffles - E. 60th (I think) off Madison.

I second the Kee's rec - my favorite.

[CornflakeGirl]

Key's Chocolates in Soho at 80 Thompson St.

http://www.keeschocolates.com/press.html

She make fresh chocolates daily in interesting flavors such as Earl Grey, Balsamic, Lemon Basil and Lavender. She's also a very sweet woman who seems to go out of her way to please her customers.

I also like the bars of chocolate at Vosges (also in Soho at 132 Spring St.

)

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/catego...

Other items like the truffles or caramel marshmallows have been somewhat disappointing. They just don't come off as good as they look. Too mass-produced maybe. The shop is worth a look though.

[MMRuth]

If you go to Kee's, do also check out the nut truffles - I love both the almond and pistachio ones, also the creme brulee chocolates.

[kathryn]

Kee's is great but a lot of her stuff doesn't travel well (like the signature creme brulee) so be sure to ask.

As for Vosges, I find that the bars and hot chocolate is good but the truffles aren't. They have high quality ingredients and are high concept but in my opinion, never deliver as well as they promise with their various wasabi and curry leaf and sea salt combinations.

As long as you're down in Soho, you might as well head over to MarieBelle, too. I like their tins of hot chocolate, and all of their stuff is beautifully designed. There's also a nice but small cafe area in the back where you can rest your feed.

Closer to you:
La Maison Du Chocolat (Rockefeller Center)
Richart (7 E 55th St)

And a little bit further is Martine's in Bloomingdale's at 1000 Third Avenue (59th/60th Sts).

Oh, and since you're looking for the opposite of Godiva -- avoid Max Brenner's two shops.

[MMRuth]

True re: Kee's chocolates travelling - missed the bit about bringing it back home.