DolceBunnie

Showing posts with label Chocolate. Show all posts

Lindt Chocolate Shop opens at DFO Brisbane | Brisbane Airport QLD 4007

If your heart hasn’t skipped a beat after reading the title of this post, you are either allergic to chocolate or something’s the matter with you. I’m sorry but I love chocolate and when I was made aware of the news that Lindt & Sprüngli Australia was about to open Queensland’s first ever Lindt Chocolate Shop at DFO Brisbane, I was ecstatic. I was more excited when I found out that they were giving away one-hundred Lindor balls to the first one-hundred customers.

Last Saturday, I made sure that the family all got up early and that Minibun George was fed. Then, off we went to DFO. It was approximately an hour before the opening time so I can get myself a nice spot at the front (at least that was what I thought). My jaw dropped to the floor when I saw the queue that extended all the way to the back of the shop. People literally started queuing at 7 am. Hundreds of people were there. I suddenly realised that I wasn’t the only one with an addictive chocolate obsession.

The shop offers a vast range of premium chocolate products, the widest range available under one roof in Australia, with many exclusive lines appealing to Lindt chocolate lovers. Warning, you might feel dizzy with the all the colourful looking Lindor balls in the shop and that may result in you going crazy, running from wall to wall buying all of the amazing flavors (or again, maybe that was just me).

And yes, I had to have a signature hot chocolate from the shop before I left (I left unwillingly of course, but someone had to make room for the rest of the people that were still in the queue). The hot chocolate was the bomb. It was sweet and creamy, and extremely chocolaty without being sickeningly rich.

Not that you ever need an excuse to go shopping, but I think I just found the perfect reason to go to DFO a little more often.

Disclaimer: DolceBunnie received the signature hot chocolate on the house.

Koko Black Salon | Level 2, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068

WARNING: The following post is not for the fainthearted.

I understand that on Monday most people suffer from Mondayitis, but this Monday, I died and went to chocolate heaven. Yes, Koko Black has finally arrived in Brisbane. If that doesn’t put a giant grin on your face from ear to ear then you must be darn hard to impress (or perhaps chocolate isn’t your thing so stop reading now).

It goes without saying that Koko Black has mastered the fine art of European chocolate making. I remember that the first time when I went to Melbourne many years ago, visiting Koko Black in the Royal Arcade was on the top of my to do list. I was mesmerised by the saloon's cosy décor and old world charm, but more importantly I was hooked on the chocolates.

Located amongst designer boutiques on level 2 of the newly revamped Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Koko Black occupies a spacious shopfront. Designed by the team at Russell & George, the interior is simple, sleek and yet somehow captivating. Before I even entered the store, my eyes were drawn to the shiny display cabinet filled with delicious looking chocolates.

I was introduced to the founder, Shane Hills, who then spent the next two hours sharing his passion with the invited guests. We were literally spoilt for choices and so decided that the only logical thing to do was to try everything from salted caramel dark chocolate to Tasmanian Leatherwood Honeycomb inclusion in 54% dark premium couverture chocolate before sitting down at the table and being presented with the Dessert Degustation. At $26, I thought the degustation was great value. It's perfect for two and includes Chocolate Alchemy Cake, Raspberry Mousse, Chocolate Hazelnut Cluster, Belgian Mousse and chocolate ice cream. I'd be lying if I told you that I remember the flavours of everything I tried at the tasting, but I could not be more honest in saying that everything I tried tasted nothing short of mind blowing!

You see, Koko Black isn't just for chocolate aficionados, the salon is also the perfect space for catch-ups and some relaxation after a long day of shopping. But if you are anything like me, you'll probably binge on their decadent chocolates before, during and after a shopping spree. And rightly so!

PS. I strongly recommend the Hot Chocolate which is the signature beverage of Koko Black's and is freshly brewed according to a traditional Belgian recipe. The creamy, velvety texture will transport you to another world. Now that's my kind of choc-universe.

Disclaimer: this bunnie was an invited guest to the chocolate tasting. She is however currently suffering from Koko Black chocolate withdrawal syndrome and is planning on visiting the salon this weekend!

Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop | San Francisco, CALIFORNIA USA

We couldn't think of a better way to end a long day other than devouring a large sundae with hot fudge made at the Ghirardelli store downstairs at our hotel. After choosing the most delectable looking desert we could before the shop closed we quickly brought it all the way up to our suite and finish it off under the duvet.

Total Bunnie Dollars Spent: $9.

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Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie | Bellagio, Las Vegas, NEVADA USA

The benefits of staying at the Bellagio are not limited to its prime location and fantastic looking suites; I had my eyes on the Bellagio also because it holds the world's largest chocolate fountain. That is correct. The largest out there. The fountain belongs to Jean-Philippe Patisserie, and its executive pastry chef, Jean-Philippe Maury was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Pastry Chef in France).

The place is constantly busy, filled with not only hotel guests, but also tourists visiting Las Vegas as well as regulars.

On the morning before we headed to the airport for San Francisco, we wanted something light for breakfast and Jean-Philippe seemed like the perfect option.

A chocolate crêpe and a smooth latte for me and a simple muffin for the other travel bunnie.

It was upsetting that I couldn't take a piece of Jean-Philippe with me to San Francisco but at least I kept some in my tummy.

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Monty's Chocolates, 288 Edward Street, BRISBANE CBD QLD 4000

I’ve been meaning to visit Monty’s Chocolates for a long time, so when I found out that a new shop had been opened in the CBD, I was overwhelmed.

The city store is located on busy Edward street, but it’s surprisingly hidden away from the all of the chaos. t’s more of a dessert destination rather than a place where you can go during lunch time to grab a quick bite, well unless you’re like me and prefer to have waffles with ice cream for lunch. Mind you, that is exactly what I had on my first visit. They also offer a Taste Plate for two for $21.80.

On my way out, I found out that Monty’s sells Charbonnel et Walker chocolate, yum. Monty’s has a cute “courtyard” at the front of the store and it’s the perfect spot to chill on a sunny day.

Paddingtong Store:

City Store: