After lunch Michael and I roamed the streets of Collingwood and Fitzroy for a couple of hours, looking at new shop fronts and street art. Though it's by no means new, it was also a nice opportunity to try Shocolate properly for the first time. I was actually quite oblivious to their prize-winning macaron but remembered a very positive review of this chocolatier appearing on fitzroyalty when it first opened.
It wasn't really clear on entering what the protocol was - table service or order at the counter? I inspected the fancy desserts in the display case and ordered straight up. It was only afterwards that I noticed a full printed menu (an almost year-old version is available on their website) better describing their full scope: hand-made chocolates, icecreams and other desserts, chocolatey beverages (including cocktails!) and a kids' menu. There's a substantial mark-up for eating in over takeaway.
The Bombay dessert ($14) arrived on a chocolate-smeared plate, a glossy chocolate dome with a chocolate tendril holding a clump of real gold leaf aloft, edible glitter everywhere. Thankfully there's flavour and texture to support this showmanship: inside is a sponge cake base, almonds, hazelnut mousse and a lovely hint of cardamom.
It's all a bit extravagant, but not unreasonably priced if you're after something glitzy. A carefully home-delivered dessert from Shocolate could make a fine gift for your favourite sweet-tooth.
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Shocolate has received positive reviews from fitzroyalty, if90, The Gourmet Challenge, MEL: HOT OR NOT, Makansudah!, We Dare Food, foodcautious, Multicultural Melbourne, Mouth to Mouth (scroll down), design muse, Life Lessons Over Coffee and Just Degusting. Ambivalent reviews appear on "... it pleases us", The Food Complex and Miss Adriennely.
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Shocolate
3/296 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
9415 6556
fancy desserts $14
http://shocolate.com.au/
Accessibility: There are a couple of steps up on your way in; tables are medium-crowded. I ordered and paid at the counter, but table service may be an option.
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ReplyDeleteI'm *actually* speechless!