Chocoholics Anonymous
February 23, 2007
Chocolate is perhaps the most fatal of all known comforting confections. There are so many ways to enjoy it—it can be hot, cold, solid, black, and white and it is arguably delicious in all of its forms. Admittedly, not everyone likes chocolate, but certainly everyone can appreciate chocolate. And for Bostonians, satisfying a chocolate fix isn’t difficult. For students, there are purveyors far and near that are willing and able to fuel the flames of chocoholism. From Harvard Square to Newbury to the Brookline Village, with a little effort, one can become a chocolate connoisseur in Boston.
Photo by Natalie Polito.
LA Burdick in Harvard Square is easily accessible by T and locally renowned. It is located in a tiny antique shop on Brattle Street, near the T stop but past most of the boutiques. Visitors need not be dissuaded by large crowds; while the shop is popular and busy, the tables vacate quickly and most patrons are polite. Items can be taken to go, but Burdick’s has the space for customers to sit and enjoy their chocolate of choice, and it seems appropriate that chocolate should be consumed socially. Nine small, wooden tables lining the wall create an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Petite, antique lamps decorate the walls along with old French photographs, and even the sugar holders and rose imprinted forks are both cute and elegant. Every detail contributes to the soothing, yet distinctive atmosphere of the shop. The environment is perfectly conducive to the consumption of chocolate, and the selection is impressive: chocolate truffles, chocolate bunnies, chocolate penguins and even chocolate mice were pristinely displayed beneath the glass counter. “All chocolates are hand made,” declares a sign posted on the wall, and it shows—the chocolates themselves are almost works of art. But don’t let the sophistication of the treats dissuade you; employees (or chocolatiers) are friendly and more than willing to make recommendations. Among their best sellers are their award-winning hot chocolate and chocolate mousse, but obviously all of their hand-made chocolates are popular as well. The hot chocolate is smooth and rich, a far cry from the hot chocolate at Dewick and Carmichael. The mousse is equally rich, but it’s more complicated than the hot chocolate, and perhaps more delicious. Each layer of the mousse engages the palette with new sensations. The first layer is composed of a smooth, thin chocolate covering followed by a thick, dark chocolate mousse and finished with moist dark chocolate cake. It’s almost a sin to leave any on your plate, despite the richness of the dessert. LA Burdick makes a perfect complement to a cold winter afternoon. Even those who are unenthusiastic about chocolate can appreciate the welcoming staff, decadent chocolate, and intimate atmosphere.
Teuscher, on Newbury Street, is a chocolate shop for the chocolate connoisseur. At 230 Newbury Street, this quaint establishment houses more than one hundred varieties of Swiss chocolates. Unlike LA Burdick, Teuscher only sells chocolates—there is no mousse or hot chocolate to be had. Patrons can choose from animal molds, truffles, mint and pistachio varieties, and dozens of fruit inspired options. Of course, there was dark, milk, and white assortments of most of the chocolates, and the chocolatiers were helpful in making suggestions. But caveat emptor: a visit to Teuscher requires time. If you’re indecisive at all, picking out chocolates is not such a simple task. The artisan animals are a safe bet, and Zagat hailed the champagne truffles as “the finest in the world.” And how could the chocolates be anything but delectable? They are prepared every week in Switzerland and then flown to the Teuscher stores in America, Europe, Canada, and Asia—and they do this without chemicals, additives, or preservatives.
Further on the green line in Brookline Village is Serenade Chocolatier. The store is located right near the Brookline Village shop on Harvard Street, and although the company has another location at South Station, the Brookline store is larger and more of an experience. Patrons of Serenade can watch as the chocolates are handmade, and the variety is just as immense, if not more so, than Teuscher. Unlike the imported chocolates of Teuscher, these chocolates are made locally, which perhaps makes them fresher. These chocolates are in the Viennese style, and Serenade has more dipped fruit than Teuscher or LA Burdick, but the shapes aren’t as sophisticated or ornate as Teuscher. Another drawback of Serenade is that it is not as easily accessible as Harvard Square or Newbury Street. However, anything is possible for the love of chocolate, and the shop has a loyal clientele.
The bottom line: good chocolate is easy to find in Boston. All the shops have their own appeal, so whether you’re seeking a chocolate café, international confections, or artisan designs, it can be found in or around Boston. Consume responsibly.