Calling All CHOCOHOLICS!!

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Sep 2006 05:58 AM

I admit I am not the world's greatest cook, but I love food and I love to eat... and what I love to eat more than any other food on the face of the planet is CHOCOLATE. (I know I am not alone.) As a guest blogger in the FOOD category (thanks Libby) my contribution will not be in the form of detailed recipes, rather I come bearing wonderful news about an extraordinary new addition to the culinary world, excuse me, the CHOCOLATE world, a place where you can indulge in slices of triple chocolate pizza, experience a shot of chocolate-literally (syringes squirt chocolate into your mouth), and revel in the joy of dipping chocolate cookies into a bath of warm double chocolate fondue.

I highly recommend ditching your diet prior to stepping into Israeli restaurateur Max Brenner's new chocolate bar off New York's Union Square. "Chocolate By The Bald Man," caters to chocoholics of all ages, but one step inside and you feel like a kid in a candy store. The interior of the restaurant is lined with whimsical wallpaper and the exposed pipes across the ceiling give it chocolate-factory look.

Brenner said he designed the restaurant to provide visitors with a "chocolate experience like no other." So, not only do you get to eat chocolate, you do so with chocolate inspired cups and utensils. For example, the restaurant serves hot chocolate in oval-shaped cups called "hug mugs" that you cradle in your hands. Coffee comes in "kangaroo cups" with a pouch for chocolate, and ice cream Popsicles come with bowls of melted chocolate, chocolate waffle balls and caramelized pecan bits.

"Chocolate by the Bald Man" not only serves up a variety of chocolate delicacies, it also includes a gift shop where you can pick up sweet treats to take home with you (just in case you find yourself coming down from your chocolate high sooner than expected). Brenner has 19 restaurant locations worldwide including ones in Australia, Israel, Singapore and the Philippines -- but this is his first American venture. If you live in New York or are planning to visit for the holidays you can find "Chocolate by the Bald Man" at 841 Broadway. Main courses run about $10 and there is a kid's menu as well.

If you leave weighing about five pounds more than when you entered... don't say I didn't warn you.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 30 Sep 2006 10:10 AM

I'm soooooo going there this week. Off Union Square? No tandem stroller, no toddling twins, no potty training 3 year olds will keep me from my chocolate bar. . . .

Michele Cheplic (37339) 30 Sep 2006 11:01 AM

YEA--Valorie--I am so excited for you, be sure to try the Melting Chocolate Heart Cake. Your kids will love the place, but you will likely have to pry them off the ceilings before your done. It's located near Union Square between 13th and 14th Streets. Have fun!!

Valorie Delp (49340) 30 Sep 2006 11:26 AM

Now can we somehow justify this as a field trip so that I can count it for homeschool? Hmmm. . .I sense a blog coming on. . .To be continued. . .

drdad (503) 10 Feb 2007 09:02 PM

Oh, Kailani and I walk by that one on Broadway all the time.