Belgique Patisserie, Kent, CT

[jquest619]

C-Hounders, I am shocked to find nothing on this board about this gem (if I missed it in my search, my apologies).

If you love chocolate (and who doesn't?!), you need to go here immediately. For the men on the board, this would be an excellent place to get sweets for your sweetie since a certain commercial holiday is upon us. Took a drive through the lovely Litchfield Hills out here and was not disappointed at all. First, you must order the hot chocolate--hands down, best one I've ever had. Its rich and velvety with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream atop. Next--the chocolate. They have quite the array of chocolates you can buy by the piece (or pound) but be prepared--it is expensive. They also have croissants, mousse, belgian fruit candies and other delectable delights. My husband and I were like kids in a candy store :) If the drive is daunting, make a day trip out of it by stopping at Kent Falls--beautiful even this time of the year.

[LAC06488]

I agree the hot chocolate is the best....the individual chocolate pieces are fantastic as well..Belgique recently opened up a store in New Canaan...

[TrishUntrapped]

I'll agree with older posts that the hot chocolate is superb as are the chocolates themselves. But also, their bread is amazing, wherever they get it from. Wonderful baguettes.

[louuuuu]

They are open today, Monday, usually closed.

We did the V day bit and the Hot Chocolate was fantastic, especially paired with the madeline. Bite, sip ... Sugarland!

If you're traveling from FFD, go up 684 to 22, your eyes and mouth will be pleased.. Past Pawling, before Wingfield, Big W bbq. for take home. the best BBQ in the region. Spicey Chicken wings, can still taste them a day later. (Justify the NY reference because it's a Ct to Ct itinerary)

Upscale pastry, down home Q. And right before you get to Kent, the neatest covered bridge (one car through at a time) in all of SNE (which does apply to Kent and Cornwall.)

[catnip]

Based soley on this report and other comments here we went to this place Saturday and we had their hot chocolate and,IOO,you were all right!!!
Wow-what outstanding hot chocolate!
This is the richest and best hot chocolate we've ever had.
I personally wouldn't want to drink this every day because it is so rich but now and then I enjoy "spoiling" myself with this most tasty treat.
Thanks for telling us about this place.!
Appreciative Catnip

[javaandjazz]

I 4th on the hot chocolate! Never had it better anywhere else!

[kattyeyes]

I have been hooked on Jacques Torres Hot Chocolate for quite some time now. Can any of you compare Belgique's to his? I went to Belgique a couple of years ago, but it was in the summertime, so I never tried their HC. More info here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/653094

Also, have any of you ever been to Belgique's dinners? I understand they were once open as a restaurant, but now just serve the occasional wine dinner. Any info?

[hungrykids]

I love this place...but beware the high prices!

[LAC06488]

If price is an issue try Fascia's in Waterbury..no hot chocolate but caramel apples, chocolate covered cherries and other varieties of chocolate...not quite up to Belgique but very close

[jfood]

with the new boards you need to check the old ones that are archived. 2 posts appear on the old tri-state.

jfood agrees it is fantastic, with great chocolates. As louuuuu says call ahead as their hours are a bit diverse.

[poppy]

i second (third actually) the assessment. great place and one could lose their mind trying to decide from among their delicacies. heard a new ice cream place opened around the corner that has been pulling in people too.

[louuuuu]

B has gotten some mention, but certainly not what it deserves. Not just SNE, Belgique is one of America's best french pastry and chocolate shops. Their Ganasche are unforgettable. As jquest says, the hot chocolate is incredible, even better than
Sono's Chocolpogie. Great desitnation forr upcoming Valentine's Day (Sunday), plus a drive through romantic countryside.

Always call ahead to make sure they are open, usually just Thur-Sun.