388081 Tue Apr 03 20:04:53 -0700 2007 14 18 Manhattan 0 2448276 We are staying at Sofitel on 44th and 5th. What is close for chocolate or sweets? Tue Apr 03 20:04:53 -0700 2007 88398 dsbill 1 2448331 There's La Maison du Chocolat at the Rockefeller Center, which isn't far from you. It's reputedly good, though I've never tried, since I don't love chocolate as much as many other people do. If you like Japanese mochi or other Japanese desserts, try Minamoto Kitchoan on 49th, near 5th. There's the Choux Factory at 48th and 1st, which is a lot like Beard Papa, except better. Choux are little spherical pastries filled with cream. It has a roving cart, too, though the location changes from day to day. You have to call to find out where it is. If you like Indian sweets, Sukhadia's on... ooh, I think 48th between 5th and 6th has good ones. There's Buttercup Bake Shop on 2nd Avenue between 51st and 52nd St. Tue Apr 03 20:23:48 -0700 2007 2448276 64215 cimui 2 2448843 Perfect response, Cimui! I love all of your choices! Wed Apr 04 05:18:22 -0700 2007 2448331 84774 LFeinberg 2 2448865 AFAIR, both La Maison and Teuscher have branches in Rock Center. I'd suggest Teuscher for champagne truffles and marzipan; La Maison for all other things chocolate. For domestic chocolate tastes, there's also Lilac in the Market at Grand Central (44th and Lex). Wed Apr 04 05:41:59 -0700 2007 2448331 12622 Striver 3 2448896 I agree about the champagne truffles from Teuscher - they really are wonderful. Wed Apr 04 06:02:56 -0700 2007 2448865 10985 MMRuth 3 2449704 I want to like La Maison's truffles more than I actually do -- have always found the taste to be too subtle for my liking. That said, I've heard extremely good things about their very popular hot chocolate, and their maracons (not the coconut kind but the French kind). Wed Apr 04 10:03:28 -0700 2007 2448865 10936 kathryn 2 2449705 Great recs, I especially second Buttercup Bake Shop. Wed Apr 04 10:03:31 -0700 2007 2448331 19876 Bugsey34 3 2454362 Ahhhh...Buttercup...my favorite! Thu Apr 05 12:37:19 -0700 2007 2449705 84774 LFeinberg 1 2449236 There's a great little Japanese dessert bar called Kyotofu on 47th and 9th, definitely more of a sit down place than Minamoto, with interesting cocktails too. Wed Apr 04 08:08:40 -0700 2007 2448276 51699 jsgjewels 2 2449707 Seconded! I heartily enjoy their miso chocolate cake. Wed Apr 04 10:03:41 -0700 2007 2449236 10936 kathryn 3 2452089 Another vote for Kyotofu and their mini miso chocolate cake. Also love their green tea cookies and chocolate souffle cupcake. Have been there a few times already and trying to sample every item on the menu at least once. Wed Apr 04 19:53:09 -0700 2007 2449707 11066 G3B 2 2454137 I went to Kyotofu for both the daytime and evening and both menus have truly outstanding desserts! I've taken photos and wrote posts for each visit. Day: http://thewanderingeater.wordpress.com/2007/03/09/going-japanese-choshi-sushi-kyotofu/ Night: http://thewanderingeater.wordpress.com/2007/04/04/sublime-desserts-at-kyotofu/ Tina http://thewanderingeater.wordpress.com Thu Apr 05 11:41:37 -0700 2007 2449236 15020 chocokitty 3 2454162 WOW. The pictures are beautiful and the green tea truffle looks -- wow -- absolutely delectable. Can't wait to try this place! Thu Apr 05 11:48:30 -0700 2007 2454137 64215 cimui 4 2454934 Thanks, cimui! The green tea truffle rocks! I love their desserts. Tina http://thewanderingeater.wordpress.com Thu Apr 05 14:59:41 -0700 2007 2454162 15020 chocokitty 1 2452153 Have stayed at the Sofitel myself...great hotel...but must be honest with you...take a cab out of that area for the really good sweets...Go to Greenwich, for example, and visit Rocco's Bakery for some killer cannoli or practically anything there...Visit Jacque Torres Chocolate Factory, also in the Village...Grab a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery, or have a delicious cup of chocolate at Mirabelles...In my mind, the best "sweets" are not in that area... Wed Apr 04 20:15:16 -0700 2007 2448276 71851 jinet12