New chocolate shop/patisserie on 14th Street
So I noticed that there's this new place that looks like it will be opening soon around 14th and Q Streets, the Cocoa Gallery.
http://thecocoagallery.com/cafe.php
It looks like it's going to be a fancy chocolate shop and cafe. The decor is really warm and colorful. Hopefully this will be a good place to go for a nice dessert and coffee. This is the kind of place I think DC is really lacking. I know there's Love Cafe, but frankly their desserts don't wow me...
-
I thought I remembered reading that they also snuck in a proper espresso machine, so, craving that authentic buzz, I dropped by. (Too early, alas, for a sugar high but I'll be back!) Correct identification of a caffe' macchiato as being a single shot topped with a dab of foam (no fancy syrups or weird toppings) was a promising start; actual espresso suffered somewhat for being in a takeaway cup but was still just the kick I needed. The barista was definitely charming and the space is adorable.
›5 Replies-
re: chocolatstiletto
beauxgoris
Jan 13, 2008 12:33 PM
Went there today again and had the "lucy" hot chocolate. It was great (again) - although they could use more seats and more servers (or drink makers) it was quite a wait and the seating was overbooked. It seems like the neighborhood needed a place like this especially with Sparky's gone.
-
re: beauxgoris
Geoff
Jan 14, 2008 05:01 AM
I dropped in for the first time on Saturday, also had the lucy. I'm a huge chipotle fan; chipotle chocolate cake, anyone? The hot chocolate was delicious, highly recommended. Fellow who made it for me told me that some folks were scared of drinking a "spicy" drink, or spicy chocolate in general. He said that using cinnamon not only added flavor (i agree) but cuts the spiciness. Well, I thought the spiciness level was spot on, big flavor, and this place would push me in the direction of, shall we say, intensified weight management if I could be in the neighborhood more often.
-
re: Geoff
beauxgoris
Jan 21, 2008 09:25 PM
^^Yeah it was just the right amount of spicy - humm, tomorrow might be a "lucy" day - it's supposed to be COLD!
-
re: beauxgoris
Geoff
Jan 22, 2008 05:10 AM
Stopped in again this weekend. I'm blanking on the name of it right now, but the chocolate they serve French style, only in 4-ounce servings, was delicious. Very, very rich, and bittersweet. if you're a death-by-chocolate kind of person, and don't like it sickly sweet, this is something I recommend you try. if you need volume......go another route.
-
re: Geoff
beauxgoris
Jan 22, 2008 05:46 PM
^^Mmm - that does sound good. It's hard to pull me away from the lucy - but I might just have to give that one a try!
-
-
-
-
-
-
I stopped by late afternoon in Saturday. It was quite busy with Christmas shoppers and people city in the cafe area. Their showcase with chocolates and truffles looked nice, but their other chocolate/candy gifts I was not too impressed with. Their cafe had some nice options. Besides drinks they also serve some brownies, muffins and scones, as well as a cheese plate. It would be nice if they also had sandwiches and salads. Maybe they'll do that in the future. Overall, a nice addition to the neighborhood. I wonder, though, once the new buzz is over, can it survive with on selling chocolates alone because the coffee shop part is in competition with Caribou's inviting atmosphere and Starbuck's following, which are so close by.
›1 Reply-
re: Jacey
beauxgoris
Jan 13, 2008 06:33 AM
We stopped in for hot chocolates last week and had a nice time. I had the aztec spicy one which was good, although next time I'll ask for a tad less chilie pepper. The staff was very warm and welcoming.
-
-
-
monavano
Dec 17, 2007 09:28 AM
I went on Sunday morning. First, the espresso machine is working. Second, I got an email detailin among other things, their hot chocolate Diva Drinks...so I was there! Eight drinks named for, you guessed it, diva's. My DH and I had the Lucy which is made with semi-sweet chocolate and is infused with chipotle and topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.
The Charro is semi-sweet chocolate with caramel sauce and whipped cream.
Both were absolutely delicious. The cafe is very European and inviting. The chocates showcase local chocolatiers and truffles.
They have a chocolate of the month club and will be offering chocolate making classes.
For now, no liquor license.
They also have Buzz Bakery sweet and savory pastries.
www.thcocoagallery.com›1 Reply -
-
I haven't been yet, but Prince of Petworth has a little info and some pics: http://www.princeofpetworth.com/?p=1082
-
isn't there another chocolate cafe opening up at 18th and U/Florida in the same building (ironically) as Mint Fitness? I've seen signs for it when I've driven by.
This city could use a place that's open somewhat late for dessert and cocktails - those of us who loathe the bar scene but want to meet up with friends would enjoy that.
-
monavano
Dec 7, 2007 10:59 AM
Bumping this up. This place looks great. The website looks not quite done yet. Anyone know if they're open on Sundays? I want to hit this place after the Dupong Market.
Thanks. -
Iiiiiiiiiiinteresting! I just walked by there last night when buying my Christmas tree, but didn't stop to investigate... No clue when it might open?
›3 Replies-
-
-
re: food.fiend
Cocinero Cubano
Dec 5, 2007 10:33 AM
I just called and due to permitting requirements (yay DC Gov't beauracracy) they're slated to open tomorrow, Dec, 6, maybe, possibly, probably. Due to the weather, not until mid-afternoon though.
On a related note, a colleague and I went to Biagio on 18th and Q (?). West side of the 18th, a block from Lauriol Plaza. Go, go, GO. Amazing high end (read expesnive) chocolate. They have Vosges, so I'm happy.
Cocinero Cubano
-
-
-
