485 Madison Avenue (bet. 51st and 52nd Streets), 212-980-2608
3 Hanover Square (bet. William and Hanover Streets), 212-422-9600
http://www.leonidas-chocolate.com/
Café locations: www.manoncafe.com/newyork.htm
Last Thursday, we stopped in at Leonidas, a favorite chocolate shop on Madison Avenue, and we found out about a web-only sale to help you along with your New Year’s resolutions to spend less money and eat more chocolate. For a limited time, you can get a one-pound mixed box of Manon Blanc and Manon Café chocolates for the astonishing low price of only $20 (regularly $32, with a price increase expected very soon). Details can be found at this link: www.leonidas-chocolate.com/manon-page.html
Leonidas is a real find the New York chocolate lover. You’ll be rewarded here with some of the most attentive service of any chocolate shop in the city, and the excellent, always fresh Belgian chocolates are a terrific buy.
The small, sparkling shop in Midtown has recently been updated with a new look, and it’s better than ever. The store is managed by Jacques Bergier, a tireless French-born chocolate maker’s son, who is absolutely committed to pleasing his customers, many of whom are regulars. The two biggest sellers are both made with a lightly flavored coffee buttercream: the Manon Café with a hazelnut on top and enrobed in milk chocolate, and the Manon Blanc, which is covered in white chocolate. Most of the fillings are made with traditional ingredients such as fruits and nuts, but occasionally more unusual flavors like chili make an appearance at the shop. Also terrific are the orangettes, dark chocolate covered orange peels and a newer addition, the citronettes, dark chocolate covered lemon peels. Both are addictive.
Leonidas packaging is suitably attractive for gift giving, but if you are so inclined you can spend a few extra dollars and get a more elaborate presentation. But you don’t need to go and buy a whole box though, since the staff happily accommodates customers who pop in for a piece or two for a boost at any time of the day.
In recent years, trends and economics have made the addition of three financial district cafés/shops a sound business venture for Bergier, who says, “In New York now, you can’t live on chocolate alone.” So for those lucky to be downtown, you can have a complimentary piece of Leonidas with your Illy coffee! The cafés also sell a good selection of individual chocolates and gift boxes, with the Hanover Square location offering the most extensive selection.
No comments:
Post a Comment