369230 Thu Feb 08 20:47:22 -0800 2007 6 18 Manhattan 0 2274782 Hi, There's a ton of specialized chocolate places (Michel Cluizel, Jacques Torres), but is there a cafe that serves real food? Some place besides Max Brenner. I'm looking for a phenomenal chocolate dessert (and ability to choose the cacao origin and percentage), but I also want to eat a meal in the same place. Price range: under $15. Cuisine: brunch-y. Thanks. Thu Feb 08 20:47:23 -0800 2007 10886 thesu 1 2275155 Just wondering why you are not interested in Max Brenner, as I was thinking about going there...Not very good? Fri Feb 09 04:33:17 -0800 2007 2274782 71851 jinet12 2 2275253 Max Brenner is very touristy and expensive. The food is good, but you don't get anywhere near the portion size that you should be getting with what you're paying. Fri Feb 09 06:05:34 -0800 2007 2275155 72963 njeggy1 3 2275296 Also, the service is horrendous. Fri Feb 09 06:27:09 -0800 2007 2275253 59985 Nikki NYC 2 2276030 Their food's horrible and expensive for what you get. The only thing (if I ever go back) I would get is their Italian Dark Hot Chocolate. Nothing else. Tina http://wanderingeater.blogspot.com/ Fri Feb 09 09:53:27 -0800 2007 2275155 15020 chocokitty 1 2275258 payard might be a good option. serendipity 3 has food too but not sure it has the most specialized chocolate. Fri Feb 09 06:07:47 -0800 2007 2274782 70550 hoon 1 2276061 As for the Payard and Michel Cluizel experience, I went to both places in a few days and I found Payard's desserts seem to lose it's greatness of quality in comparison to back a few years ago. Michel Cluizel's service is on the slow side and the prices are a bit steep. If you would like, you may look at my blog with this link: http://wanderingeater.blogspot.com/2006/12/short-but-busy-mid-week.html As for your real intention of your question, there isn't a chocolate boutique that actually sells real (as in savory) food. My suggestion to you is to get your meal in a restaurant or food venue and then get your dessert from the chocolate shops. Tina http://wanderingeater.blogspot.com/ Fri Feb 09 10:00:24 -0800 2007 2274782 15020 chocokitty