Sweets - The Hungry Nomad

Chocolate, Food, Ice Cream, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Blogs, Sweets

A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Philadelphia

July 23, 2013 1 Comment

If you’re anything like me, chocolate is something you never say no to. This can range from anything like a basic dark chocolate bar to a molten chocolate cake with whipped cream. In either situation, your looking to get your chocolate fix, but there are definitely times when the chocolate bar just wont meet it and you need something special. There are dozens of places in Philadelphia that satisfy those times, and here’s my list of some of the really fantastic ones in the city.

1. Rim Café

I have been going to Rim Café for a few years now, and I can honestly say there is no place I would rather go for a hot chocolate. If you’re passionate about all things chocolate, this is one place you shouldn’t miss. This little café on 9th and Federal is full of character and most people who enter end up leaving with new friends. The shop is owned by Rene Kobeitri and if there is one phrase you should remember before trying this place out it’s “Make it happen!.” This is the phrase he will frequently say, sing, and shout out in his French accent while he makes your hot chocolate right in front of you. He will probably also play the bongos when a Gipsy Kings song comes on, greet a few regulars, and pull out the blow torch for various hot chocolates during your visit.

These certainly aren’t your usual hot chocolates. Rene makes all of his own chocolate and puts the same amount of effort and love into each drink he makes. Some of my favorites are the Tiramisu Hot Chocolate and the Nutty Peanut Butter. He’s recently started making Iced Hot Chocolate for those muggy summer days too. If chocolate drinks aren’t your thing, he also has several chocolate treats, such as his Parmesan Covered Truffle and Cannoli.

I can attest to the fact that anything Rene makes is gold, and you’ll want to bring your camera so you can document it all. If you do forget it, don’t worry because he always has his camera on hand as well and will undoubtedly snap several pictures of you with your creation. This is definitely not a place to go if you’re just looking for a quick to-go coffee, but rather a place to go if you want to watch a show, savor a delicious hot chocolate, and leave with memories you’ll never forget.

2. Capogiro Gelato Artisans

Capogiro is one place in Philly that almost everyone has heard of. This has been especially true in recent years due to National Geographic naming it the best gelato in the world. I do have to say that as much as I do love the gelato here, my favorite place in the world to get this cool treat is in Rome and is called Frigidarium. However, based on my experiences, I am willing to concede that Capogiro is the best ice cream in the United States.

The flavor I always get without fail is the Cioccolato Scuro. This chocolate gelato will satisfy just about anyone, especially those who live for a great tasting dark chocolate. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, there are normally a few other chocolate flavors that may catch your eye, including the Bacio which is a hazelnut, chocolate mixture. I personally like mixing the dark chocolate with a fruity flavor like Lampone (Raspberry) or Fragola (Strawberry). No matter what your chocolate preference, if you’re in the mood for something cold and revel in both chocolate and ice cream, Capogiro is the place to visit.

3. Max Brenner

I have to admit that the only thing I have had at Max Brenner is the Chocolate Fondue. I will plead my case by saying that it’s just so good I don’t have the heart to turn away from it and that I fully intend to branch out the next time I go. The fondue comes with both fruit and marshmallows to dip into the chocolate. You can even roast your marshmallows before you dip them if you want.

The chocolate they give you is rich and the fruit is fresh, so you’ll walk away from this fondue feeling like you’ve gotten your money’s worth. If you aren’t a fondue lover, there are dozens of other chocolate goodies you can get, including cocktails like the Classic Chocolate Martini and the Berry Lovely. No matter what your desire, Max Brenner is able to fulfill any lover of chocolate in Philadelphia.

4. Insomnia Cookies

As a college student, Insomnia Cookies is able to meet my cookie, chocolate, and late night studying needs. The cookies are always warm and gooey, and there are some nice classic chocolate flavors like Chocolate Chip, as well as some more unique flavors, such as Mint Chocolate Chip. This is one food truck that I love to visit and when I do go I try to go during happy hour to get more cookies for a better deal. These are cookies just about everyone will enjoy, although if you aren’t a cookie lover, the truck on Temple’s campus also offers up brownies. Of course, both of these treats taste even better with some cold milk, and you can get that here too! Even if you’re not a college student in the area, these cookies are worth a try and there are two locations in Center City, so you don’t have to trek over to University City or Temple to get your cookie fix.

5. Philly Chocolate

I came across Philly Chocolate one day after I mistakenly went searching for Naked Chocolate. I had heard great things about Naked Chocolate and has finally decided to check it out. Unfortunately their website didn’t mention that they had closed down, but it didn’t matter all that much because Philly Chocolate had taken over the space. I haven’t been here since they’ve moved to South Street, but I did have some favorites at the previous location.

One of my favorite chocolates was the chocolate shaped like Buddha. The flavors were spot-on, but I do have to say what really sold me was the cute shape! They have dozens of truffles and chocolates to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. They also serve cupcakes and drinks here. If you’re stopping by on a chilly day, get the European Hot Chocolate which is a thick, rich, dark hot chocolate that is served with a bit of whipped cream and a spoon. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood to drink something chilly, the Elvis is the way to go. It’s a huge frozen drink made up of chocolate and banana.

For people who enjoy the chocolate and bacon combo, they also have slices of that here. I personally wasn’t crazy about the Chocolate Covered Bacon. I thought I would love it since I enjoy both chocolate and bacon, but I didn’t like the fatty bacon with a chocolate coating. My friends and I couldn’t finish the slice we got that day. I haven’t tried it anywhere else, so I’m not sure if I would enjoy it if prepared differently, but I’m not rushing to find out.

While I wouldn’t get this dessert again, I do know there are tons of people out there who talk up bacon covered in chocolate, so you might enjoy it too. This has been the only thing I’ve had here that I wasn’t crazy about, and so I would still recommend this chocolate shop to any fellow chocolate lover out there!

Next time you have a hankering for some chocolate, go to one of the places above. I don’t think that any of them disappoint and they all have a wide-range of chocolates and chocolate flavored goodies for each individual. I’m always on the search for new chocolate places in the city, but so far, these have been my favorite. Of course, I’ll never stop trying new restaurants, so in time, my go-to places may change a bit. Either way, I don’t think I’ll mind the continued search for great chocolate stores since it involves eating some of my favorite things!

Chocolate, Philadelphia, Sweets

Max Brenner- Center City (Philadelphia, USA)

January 6, 2013 No Comments

If you love chocolate like the Count and I do you will really enjoy Max Brenner. The smell of chocolate will lure you in to what in my mind is a real life Willy Wonka Chocolate factory turned restaurant. You can indulge on everything chocolate: from chocolate martinis to chocolate fondue. While Max Brenner offers everything chocolate, there are other great dishes on their extensive menu. Recently, I was invited to try Max Brenner’s new sweet and savory menu which consists of new waffle sandwiches, a waffle salad, crepes and new shakes.

I started off with a chocolate martini. Should I go further? It’s liquid chocolate with the addition of alcohol served with a strawberry. It is a deadly combination and will leave you in a state of chocolate coma. I was left wanting more.

Next came the corn croquettes. Little small pieces of heavenly corn and manchego cheese balls dusted in panko bread crumbs and fried to perfection.

I could have continued on the liquid chocolate for the rest of the evening but I was a women on a mission and had to try the waffle sandwiches next. The new menu consists of five waffle sandwiches including a roasted turkey waffle, roasted vegetable waffle, prosciutto and apple waffle, roast beef waffle and turkey club waffle. Of course I tried them all. The Count and I both agreed that the prosciutto and apple and the roasted vegetable waffles were our favorite.

While I enjoyed the waffles I was eyeing the next sweet dish and went straight back to chocolate. Next, I ordered another decadent martini. This time a chocolate peanut butter martini which was essentially similar in flavor but served with a side of honey roasted peanuts.

I know what you are thinking right now: “how much can this girl possibly eat?” Well. I’m not called the Hungry Nomad for nothing. Next, came my two favorite parts of the meal: the peanut butter and banana chocolate crepe and dark chocolate fondue.

The crepe: Layers of gooey peanut butter, chocolate, bananas wrapped in a french crepe dough covered with more sliced bananas and powdered sugar. Served with a side of extra peanut butter sauce in case you felt like you didn’t have enough. It was simply amazing.

Next came the fondue served with a bowl filled with fruits and marshmallows, chocolate sauce and a small flame to roast your marshmallows on before dipping in the chocolate sauce. This by far was my favorite part (not to say that I did not thoroughly enjoy everything else on the menu).

For those calorie conscious eaters amongst us you may be alarmed at the calories you can consume on one sitting at Max Brenner’s. But if you are looking to indulge in chocolaty sweetness there is no where better in town to get your chocolate fix than Max Brenner’s.

Brooklyn, Crepes, French, French food, New York, Sweets

Crepes at Pates et Traditions- Williamsburg (Brooklyn, USA)

December 11, 2012 No Comments

Are you dreaming of eating in the French countryside but you can’t afford to take a plane across the Atlantic? You may be in luck…if you so happen to be anywhere close to Williamsburg. This is where Pates et Traditions is located. A small, quaint and kitsch French restaurant serving delicious savory and sweet crepes and other french comfort foods.

The restaurant is very small and cozy. If you don’t want to be getting up close and personal with your neighbors then this restaurant is not for you. Me? I don’t mind overhearing other people’s conversations once in a while. Especially in the morning when I’m barely awake enough to communicate with the Count. Our friendly server came over and shared all his favorites on the menu. Shortly thereafter, I was served with my badly needed latte. Creamy milk froth and strong coffee greeted my mouth. A few minutes later, I was a little bit more alert and started taking in the very cute decor surrounding me.

The walls are lined with postcards, paintings and kitchen utensils. The seats covered with colorful pillows.

There are two menus: sweet and savory (see menu). The savory was brought out first from which the Count ordered the croque chevre and I ordered the orientale crepe with the addition of chevre (because everything tastes better with goat cheese).

The orientale crepe was presented open face and consisted of spicy merguez sausage, peppers, sausage, tomatoes, eggs, Swiss cheese and my addition of goat cheese. The crepe itself was prepared with organic buckwheat flour and was cooked to perfection. All served with a side of green salad. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of this and although the portion was large enough to feed us both on that particular morning, I ate ever single bite and still had room for more.

The Croque chevre on the other hand was a bit of a disappointment. The Count ordered it because he loves anything that uses goat cheese as a main ingredient. Although the menu stated that the dish was served with tomato sauce we did not expect it to be poured on top of the sandwich. The bread was that cheap white airy toast which when topped with the tomato sauce became a soggy mix that really was not the best combination.

For dessert we shared the chocolate and almond crepe. The crepe was served with a gooey dark chocolate mix in the middle topped with more dark chocolate, almonds, sugar powder and a side of whipped creme. So good, so rich, so filling. And me: so happy!

Coffee Shop, Cupcakes, New York, Pastries, Sweets

Cupcakes-Galore at Magnolia Bakery- West Village (New York City, USA)

December 6, 2012 No Comments

Bleeker street- one of the many places that make New York so charming, so unforgettable and so dear to me. Not only are there beloved Marc Jacobs shops sprinkled throughout the street but it is also a foodie haven beginning with Magnolia Bakery. Eating cupcakes while strolling through Marc Jacobs shops and bookstores? A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in my books.

It was my first time visiting Magnolia Bakery, somehow I happened to miss the reference on Sex and the City during my college years (apparently that’s what made them so famous?). So, having missed that boat I was not aware that there is usually a line up around the corner. On this particular Sunday the line up only extended to the door. I was okay with the short yet chaotic wait. So the Count and I lined up and took in all the sweet, sugary vanilla aromas permeating the air.

There were all sorts of people in the line up. The young family with kids swooning over the big three layered cakes, the Asian female tourists with their designer bags picking out their cupcakes, the old man ordering his usual and us, the first timers who were overwhelmed with the choices. Oh the possibilities.

Okay, so here I go: I don’t like cupcakes! Gasp. Yes I said it. There are many other sweets that I would prefer to a cupcake. So is it so horrible that neither of us actually ordered cupcakes?

I ordered a snickerdoodle tart from the glass display above. And the Count ordered the flour less chocolate cake.

After we yelled out our order, we waited to pay. The line up was a bit confusing as people were going straight to the cash counter and others were skipping the line. But somehow there was some sort of unspoken order amongst the chaos.

While waiting I was seduced by the variety of sweets that were calling my name including the three layered cakes in a variety of flavors. “Eat me Hungry Nomad, you know you’re hungry” they all said.

After receiving our coffee I got a chance to get up close and personal with the famous cupcakes…only for a short photo shoot. I definitely have to go back and try the cupcakes for I can’t really attest to their claim to fame without having tried it. Wonder what flavor I should try next time?

Philadelphia, Sweets, USA

Capogiro Gelateria- Italian Market (Philadelphia, USA)

July 24, 2012 1 Comment

After our meal at Birra, we went for a stroll on Passyunk street. I am already drawn to this area of town given the colorful shops, restaurants and young/hip atmosphere. We spotted a Gelato shop and decided we had enough room for dessert.

At the time, I was not aware that Capogiro Gelateria has various locations and is a local and international Gelato celebrity.

I loved the decor and presentation. Everything was clean, sharp and beautifully presented. The shop was very homey and cozy. The gelato is not set out like other gelato shops but is hidden by lids. There are also not a large variety of flavours to choose from but what they did offer was enough.

The shop also offers a wide range of coffees and sweets.

And biscotti! I love biscotti. But didn’t get a chance to try on this trip.

The flavors are written on a chalkboard. I ordered the Nocciola and Pistachio while the Count ordered the Dark Chocolate and Grapefruit. Capogiro uses local hand picked produce and milk from grass fed, hormone free cows. You can really taste the difference and quality in each spoonful. I was not expecting such an explosion of flavours in my mouth. I’ve had a lot of gelato in my time. And a good amount of that in Italy from Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples and Amalfi coast and I can confidently say that this was one of the best I have ever had. Definitely the best I have had in America.

The flavours were so strong and the gelato was so creamy. I have never taste gelato this good. No wonder it was picked as the best gelato ‘in the world’. This is definitely a new favorite. I have yet to try the other locations but I definitely love the space, decor and flavors offered at this location.

Gourmand, Ice Cream, New Orleans, Sno Cone, Sweets

SnoWizard SnoBall Shoppe-Uptown (New Orleans, USA)

July 12, 2012 No Comments

And the sno cone series continues. I tried Hansen’s and feel that I officially have a good basis for comparison. Next on the list was SnoWizard located on Magazine street. What I like about SnoWizard is that it has a parking area and out door seating. It is also very organized and clean! The inside of the sno making room is clean and everything seems to be as it should be. Two young girls were working the day I went. Both very nice and professional. One took orders, the other made the sno-cones.

The flavors and options were endless. The girl at the counter offered a tasting which I though was great. After tasting a few I settled on the Dreamsicle Cream stuffed with ice-cream and condensed cream. It is the only way to do it. However, I did not expect it to be so big!

The ice cream was served on top of the sno cone and I had to dig in deep to get to the frozen ice and syrup. Not a problem at all since the flavours all blended perfectly.

The sno was nice and smooth. Not the same as Hansen’s but in my mind just as good (especially since I only waited 5 minutes for this sweet treat). The syrup flavour was very nice and overall I really enjoyed it. I also liked the fact that there are seats for customers to sit down in- a great touch. When there are so many sno cone shops around town little details like that make all the difference in the world.

Chocolate, New Orleans, Sweets, USA

Bittersweet Confections- CBD (New Orleans, USA)

April 18, 2012 No Comments

Chocolate truffles, cakes, cupcakes and more chocolate. This is what you’ll find at the new Bittersweet Confections location in the Central Business District. Although, there on a cake tasting mission, we ended up tasting many of their delicious cupcakes in various flavors: chocolate, red velvet and almond. All were delicious and washed down with a perfect cup of cappuccino. They also offer little treats to take away- neatly packaged in clear plastic and pink stickers.

Originally located in Lakeview close to City Park the owners have relocated downtown. Lucky us- their treats are now more accessible for those living on this side of town.I hear their truffles are to die for and so I’ll have to go back sometime on a truffle tasting mission. Will keep you posted on my discoveries.

Canada, Gourmand, Sweets, Vancouver

Savary Island Pie Company (West Vancouver, Canada)

February 17, 2012 1 Comment

For those of us growing up on the North Shore Savary Island is a household name. Sadly, I have long since moved downtown and on rare occasions travel back to West Vancouver. What occasion could be better than wedding dress shopping for a dear friend at Blush wedding store located a block away from the best Pie company in Vancouver?

We went on a rainy winter day and it seemed all of Vancouver had gathered in this small shop. I found that its hard to get around since the tables are overly large and chairs are spread all over making it hard to maneuver. The line up extended all the way to the entrance. To say the space is cramped is an understatement but I guess as long as they continue baking the best best breads and sweets in town than no one will complain.

We tried the blueberry pie and their breakfast wrap which were both delicious. I also bought some baked goods to take home with me including their olive oil infused bread…which I found to be too greasy- the oil leaked through the paper bag and covered my friend’s car’s leather seats. They do offer more healthy treats and if you do go don’t give up on the opportunity to try what they are best known for: their pie.

Slice of blueberry pie

Canada, Gourmand, Macarons, Sweets, Vancouver

Soirette Macarons & Tea (Vancouver, Canada)

February 8, 2012 No Comments

What could be more delightful than a shop dedicated to macarons and only macarons in every possible delicious flavour you can imagine?

Soirette Macarons and Tea has done just that! Located on West Pender street this new gem caters to all of those out there who are crazy about macarons. The design inside is very modern chic with a splash of colour here and there. There is a large glass display of colourful macarons set against a backdrop of cans of marked tea. On this occasion, we opted for the lavender tea latte- always a delicious option with a colourful choice of macarons including the Rocher (my personal favourite), Violetta, Matcha green tea and Coconut. The macarons were just perfect and one of the best I’ve tasted in Vancouver. Perfect texture, chewiness and flavour. I tasted a bit of condensed milk… don’t know if that is an ingredient in all of the macarons but since I drink condensed milk by the can (occasionally!!!) I didn’t mind the hint of flavour it added to the macarons.

Canada, Gourmand, Sandwich Shop, Sweets, Vancouver

Bel Cafe (Vancouver, Canada)

December 7, 2011 No Comments

David Hawksworth’s Bel Cafe opened up last month offering a variety of pastries, sandwiches, macaroons and drinks. A bit dangerous for me given that I pass by every morning before work and have been tempted an embarrassing number of times in the mornings to treat myself to Mr. Hawksworth’s fabulous flaky and buttery pain au chocolate creation. Folks- there is nothing more amazing than this pain au chocolate in town! If anyone disagrees I’d like to hear where they are getting their croissant fix! It is definitely made with butter and although its not so friendly on the calorie side it definitely tastes friendly!

I’ve also been there for lunch where I had their vegetable soup and ham and cheese sandwich served with a side of cornichon. Again…delicious! We were also treated to their pate au fruis which was sooo good and something I would not have necessarily selected before but have since purchased a few times.

Bel Cafe brings a touch of a modern Parisian bistro to the heart of downtown Vancouver.

Ham and Cheese: French ham, emmenthal and dijon

Photo courtesy of Bel Cafe.com

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