Best Chocolate Stores in New York City

So, the big cities usually have it all… and my fair state of Utah is typically late to the game when it comes to the latest and greatest. With the constant influx of Californians (as apposed to very frugal Utahns) it seems like the market is shifting to support more and more high end shops. But I figure New York will always be one of the hippest place to check out the new chocolate trends.

So I’m planning a trip to New York – I’d love to go to the Chocolate Show next month and then have the opportunity to poke around town and check out chocolate shops. After my last review of Max Brenner’s new chocolate shop in the big apple, I found a review of other chocolate stores high on New York Magazines “best list”. Since the article is 2 years old, I cross referenced it with an article from About.com listing the Top 10 Best Chocolate Shops in New York City.

Maison du Chocolat (About.com/NYM)
1018 Madison Ave., nr. 78th St.; 212-744-7117
What to try: Tennis-ball-size, just-crunchy-enough Rocher pralines.

Martine’s Chocolates (About.com/NYM)
Bloomingdale’s
What to try: Chocolate “Butterfly” filled with hazelnut praline and fresh whipped cream.

Jacques Torres Chocolates (About.com/NYM)
66 Water St., nr. Dock St., Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-875-9772
What to try: Pistachio marzipan dark-chocolate bonbons; “Mom’s” peanut brittle.

Richart Design et Chocolat (About.com/NYM)
7 E. 55th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-371-9369
What to try: The tiny but incredibly intricate Petits Richart, infused with combinations of everything from basil ganache to kumquat coulis.

Neuhaus Chocolatier (NYM)
2151 Broadway, nr. 75th St.; 212-712-2112
What to try: The “Caprice,” a hazelnut pyramid filled with nougatine and dipped in chocolate.

Teuscher (NYM)
25 E. 61st St., nr. Madison Ave.; 800-554-0624
What to try: World-famous champagne truffles.

MarieBelle Fine Treats and Chocolates (About.com/NYM)
484 Broome St., nr. W. Broadway; 212-925-6999

Lunettes et Chocolat (NYM)
25 Prince St., nr. Mott St.; 212-925-8800
What to try: Decadent, thick “Aztec Hot Chocolate.”

Vosges Haut Chocolat (About.com/NYM)
132 Spring St., nr. Greene St.; 212-625-2929
What to try: The “Rooster Truffle”—dark chocolate with Taleggio cheese.

Chocolate Bar (About.com/NYM)
48 Eighth Ave., nr. Jane St.; 212-366-1541
What to try: Peanut-butter-and-jelly bars.

Kee’s Chocolates (About.com/NYM)
80 Thompson St., nr. Spring St.; 212-334-3284
What to try: Vanilla custard-filled “Crème Brûlée Truffle.”

Christopher Norman Chocolates (NYM)
60 New St., nr. Beaver St.; 212-402-1243
What to try: A whimsical chocolate walnut shell filled with banana-nut-cream truffles.

Li-Lac (About.com/NYM)
120 Christopher St., nr. Hudson St.; 212-242-7374
What to try: Scrumptious dark-chocolate almond bark.

Evelyn’s Chocolates (NYM)
4 John St., nr. Broadway; 212-267-5170
What to try: Heavenly Hash, a chocolate-drenched smorgasbord of marshmallow nuts, dried fruits, and whatever else is lying around the kitchen.

Varsano’s Chocolates (NYM)
179 W. 4th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-352-1171
What to try: The CPR—a pretzel stick coated with caramel and dipped in chocolate.

Black Hound (About.com)
170 Second Avenue(10th/11th Sts.); 212-979-9505

Perhaps with all the good chocolate in the city, I won’t have time to actually eat real food. It’s a good thing all the walking makes up for it.

Any good chocolate places in New York City you’d recommend?