My favourite time of year is fast approaching! And no I don’t mean Christmas. Here are my top 10 ways to indulge your deepest and darkest cravings during National Chocolate Week – which this year runs from October 12th-18th. Enjoy!
1. Sweet and Spicy Chocolate Tea!
Enjoy Chocolate Week with a beautiful brew from The London Tea Company who have blended sweet Fairtrade Rooibos with cocoa nibs and a sprinkling of chilli flakes to make a wonderfully warming and rich Chilli Chocolate Rooibos brew. Simply pour hot water over one of the bags, leave to brew for one to three minutes and enjoy with or without milk for a delicious and healthier alternative to the classic hot chocolate. This relaxing yet vibrant fusion is bound to ignite your taste buds and warm your insides this autumn!
2. Latin America does Chocolate week!
For a Latin American twist on Chocolate week, head down to Las Iguanas to try their outstanding Cinnamon-dusted Churros! They come accompanied by a rich and gooey chocolate ganache dipping sauce to fulfil all your chocolate dreams!
3. Chocolate Cocktails at Rocket!
Rocket restaurants (Holborn, City, Bishopsgate, Canary Wharf) are offering three must-try cocktails to celebrate National Chocolate Week; the CHOCOLATE ORANGE which incorporates a tasty mix of Mozart Dry Chocolate, orange curd, Orange infused Beefeater – topped off with lemon juice – £9.50. For those who enjoy their chocolate with a coffee kick, allow us to introduce the TIRAMUSU which boasts Cazcabel Café, Mozart Dry Chocolate, sugar & mascarpone with that all important shot of Espresso – £9.50. Also on offer is the ever popular ESPRESSO MARTINI, encompassing Absolut, Kahlua, crème de cacao & a shot of espresso – £9
The chocolatey trio of dessert cocktails will also be available on the happy hour menu during National Chocolate week which boasts two cocktails for £12
4. Chocolate Madeleine’s at Halva Bakery!
Halva, Fulham’s go-to independent bakery and patisserie are celebrating National Chocolate Week with a firm French favourite; Chocolate Madeleine’s. These bespoke madeleine’s, baked fresh every day in store using the finest French ingredients, are priced at £1 each. We guarantee these chocolate madeleine’s are NOTHING like you’ve tasted before, and according to local residents, extremely irresistible.
For more information on Halva’s delightful offerings, sweet or savoury, visit: halvabakery.co.uk
5. Chocolate and Porter Cake from The Hour Glass!
Indulge yourself this Chocolate Week by coming down to South Kensington’s newest pub The Hour Glass – an intimate, neighbourhood pub serving great pints and fantastic food. Chocoholics will adore their “Chocolate and Porter Cake” served with a delectable cornflake ice cream and honeycomb – the perfect way to finish any meal during Chocolate Week or any other week for that matter!
6. Double the Chocolate with Avista!
As if the rustic yet contemporary Italian food and extensive list of fine wines and cocktails wasn’t enough to lure you into Avista, Executive chef Arturo has just announced two deliciously chocolate desserts which feature within their brand new Autumn menu, just in time for Chocolate week: Tiramisu with hazelnut crumble and chocolate (£8.50) and Dark Valrhona chocolate 70% sphere, pistachio and mandarin (£9.50).
7. Japanese-Style Chocolate Mousse!
Kurobuta takes inspiration from the Izakayas of Japan, where exceptional tapas-style plates are served to accompany drinks in a casual setting and chilled out ambience. Why not indulge a little during National Chocolate Week and try the Kuro Mori – an amazing twist on the traditional chocolate mousse: super Light Hot Choc Mousse with Cherry-shochu Sorbet, Boozy Cherries, Vanilla Crème and Green Tea Crunchy or perhaps a Mr Whippy served with White Choc Liqueur and Candied Nuts will hit the spot!
8. Chocolate Rolos and Wagon Wheels at Parlour!
Why not head to Parlour in Kensal Rise this Chocolate Week where the brilliantly talented Head Chef and Owner Jesse Dunford Wood will dazzle you with his culinary delights! Firm chocolatey favourites include:
· Salted Caramel Chocolate Rolos – a gooey caramel centre encased in a chocolate sphere
·Chocolate Marshmallow Wagon Wheel – a homemade version of the classic ‘wagon wheel’. This dessert is created before your very eyes at the table. Chocolate is slathered over 2 cookies, marshmallows are then melted on top with a blow torch and all is squished together to create a deliciously indulgent after-dinner treat!
9. Sweet Things!
Sweet Things, the award winning bakery and cake shop in Primrose Hill is launching a new Chocolate Truffle Cupcake especially for Chocolate Week (12-18th October). The cake will have a chocolate sponge topped with velvety dark chocolate ganache and a dark chocolate truffle on top. sweetthings.biz/the-shop-bakery
10. La Dolce Vita!
Enoteca Rabezzana (EC1A 9EJ) bring you a slice of La Dolce Vita with this traditional Italian dessert with a chocolate twist!
Cannoli Siciliani (£6.00) is a typical Sicilian Dessert stuffed with Ricotta, Candy Fruit and Chocolate. Eating at Enoteca Rabezzana is like being instantly transported to the Italian Riviera thanks to their carefully sourced ingredients and authentic Italian dishes. This chocolate treat is the perfect way to indulge yourself, especially when accompanied by one of their hand selected Italin wines (over 150 available by the glass)
Main image above copyright: FreeImages.com/Konstantinos Dafalias
