Koko Black - I've been promising to review the place for a while now, and I think its finally time. Koko Black does amazing chocolates and much more. Just look at some of the gorgeous products from their easter range. Unfortunately these goodies are a bit out of my price range but the occasional hot chocolate and dessert is definitely within reach. That is if you are strong enough to walk out without buying any of their take-home range. I was only mildly naughty today - buying two blocks of chocolate, and they weren't too expensive - $7 each, good value given how good that they taste.

Some of the easter range at Koko Black: You have to see them in real life to appreciate how beautiful they are. But starting at $20 for the tiny bunnies and about $60 for these bigger ones, I think I will be sticking to the Lindt variety this easter.


The major draw card for me though is their hot chocolate.

Traditional Belgian Hot Chocolate ($5.75): Is this Melbourne's best hot chocolate? Well, I can hardly say that I have tasted them all but I have tried my fair share and for me, Koko Black comes out on top. What makes it so good? They use real Belgian chocolate flakes (no powder), mixed with hot milk and a thick layer of creme. Its served piping hot and is finished with a swirl of chocolate sauce that is spiked for presentation. It looks beautiful and tastes amazing. So creamy and rich but not too overwhelming. It is my perfect hot chocolate and I can confidently say I'm not the only one that loves it. Next time though I'm going to try their Chilli Blend: intriguing.


Something else that I have fallen in love with is the Iced Chocolate ($6.50). It is described as a rich combination of Koko Black's chocolate and vanilla ice-cream, their own special iced chocolate blend, and chocolate shavings. This is so creamy and delicious. The sides of the glass are covered with thick chocolate sauce and it is ultimately finished with two scoops of ice-cream and served with a straw and spoon. Seriously Yum.


And for a real treat you simply mustn't go past the Belgian Spoil ($12): Koko Black's version of a chocolate tasting plate containing: a lovely little chocolate cake, a perfect butter shortbread, 2 belgian chocolate truffles, spiced chocolate mousse and Koko Black's own chocolate ice-cream. This is the ultimate chocolate lovers dessert plate - every component as good as the other. The mousse is particularly good, spiked with hazelnuts and cinamon to make it stand out from the norm. And those truffles from the showcase are just divine.


To top off the experience you also get real service. You sit in a lovely little cafe, on nice tables and chairs, and are immediately brought water and treated as you would expect to be in a good restaurant. This helps to set Koko Black apart from its competitors. Its not cheap, but is well worth the money. Koko Black makes fantastic chocolates and the perfect way to enjoy what they do is to sit down in one of their stores, order a hot chocolate and dissapear into your own dream world. You can watch the in-house chocalatiers creating tasty treats, whilst savouring your own and contemplating what you want to take home with you. It really is that good.

I'm addicted. I drove 26km this morning to Chadstone, my nearest Koko Black location for no other reason than to visit the store. Was it worth it? Hell yeah!

My chocolate blocks: A macadamia milk block and a ginger and walnut dark block.


If you haven't been to Koko Black and don't know what I'm talking about I recommend visiting one of their saloons soon. There are two city stores at the Royal Arcade on Bourke Street, and at the Paris End of Collins Street, as well as locations in Chadstone, Carlton, Camberwell and Canberra. Sydneysiders, you'll just have to live with the Lindt Cafe, or fly down to Melbourne and see what I'm talking about.

www.kokoblack.com

Labels: Koko Black, Reviews: Tasty Treats