Great Chocolate Destinations in New England

Article by Eric H.

That's OK, perhaps somewhere in the Homer Simpson side of our DNA is a chocolate gene. And if you sense chocolate is wired into your DNA, New England will not disappoint with some fantastic sweet destinations for your eternal chocolate craving:

Max Brenner, Boston, Mass.

Max Brenner, Boston, Mass. (photo by Eric)

Visiting Max Brenner begs the question, "Is it possible to overdo it on chocolate?" We believe the answer is "NO!" Chocolate indeed saturates this Back Bay district restaurant -- vats of chocolate and plumbed chocolate at the bar translates to chocolate-based alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, fondues, crepes, ice cream, milkshakes, sauces, cakes and various other sweets with an innovative and creative flair. Max Brenner does serve "normal" breakfast, lunch and dinner selections -- all fine, but you go here for the chocolate! 745 Boylston St. Tel.  (617) 274- 1741

L.A. Burdick, Walpole, N.H.

L.A. Burdick, Walpole, N.H. Photo by Eric

While Max Brenner takes on an almost cartoon-like atmosphere, L.A. Burdick offers a more casually refined product and setting located in an idyllic small New England town. First and foremost, the chocolate selections are incredibly fresh tasting and often memorable. This welcoming cafe, that also includes a French restaurant, truly dedicates itself to the art and science of chocolate making. Whether hand cutting and shaping bon bons or infusing freshly squeezed orange juice into a dark chocolate ganache, L.A. Burdick makes it hard to stop at just sampling one chocolate item -- or five, for that matter. Offering many traditional and non-traditional selections of chocolate, L.A. Burdick is definitely the place for the serious chocoholic! 47 Main. St. Tel. (603) 756- 2882

Watson's Candies, Walpole, Mass.

Watson's Candies, Walpole, Mass. (photo by Eric)

Going from Walpole, N.H. to Walpole, Mass., we have always had a sweet spot in our hearts for the old school Watson's Candies.  Traditional chocolate is the specialty at this 80-plus year-old candy business -- located in a large house -- where chocolates are made in small batches daily and the politically incorrect high butterfat content does have a place in many of the concoctions. Old-fashioned and with some really pleasant older employees, Watson's really delivers on chocolate-based items like bark, truffles, chocolate covered cherries, chocolate peanut butter cups and some of the most delicious homemade fudge you'll taste anywhere. Watson's is especially fun to visit during the Christmas and Easter seasons for some Santa and Easter bunny shaped homemade chocolates! Added bonus: Watson's also features Scoops, an attached seasonal ice cream stand serving Richardson's Ice Cream. 761 Main St. Tel. (508) 668- 2634

Factory and Cafe at Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington Vt.

It's always fun to watch chocolate being made at a chocolate factory, even more fun to get free samples or purchase a more substantial amount. That's the case at the Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Store and Cafe. Gourmet chocolate is not just a phrase here, it's the real deal. Even the "seconds" sold are amazingly tasty. I'd recommend logging onto the Lake Champlain Chocolates factory web site at http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/about-us/visit-stores/ for specific tour hours, as they are subject to change.  750 Pine St. Tel.  802-864-1807.

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