It appears that Melbourne’s appetite for artisan chocolate just keeps expanding – Shocolate is a shiny new chocolatier that has just opened in my hood, near the corner of Brunswick and Johnston Streets.
On a steaming hot Saturday the outdoor tables in the teeny front area where all occupied, but anyway we wanted to escape the heat in the cool and welcoming red and white interior. Our afternoon indulgence – a giant Rocher ($4.50). This ball of goodness is definitely a dessert for two; the dark chocolate encases a thin wafer and an insane amount of rich hazelnut praline. It’s almost like dipping an ice cream scoop into a jar of (high quality Belgian) Nutella.
The counter cabinet holds a colourful assortment of handmade chocolates and chocolate desserts and on the side there is a glass panel where you can peek inside the kitchen to watch the chocolaterier at work. I noted with approval that he uses Cacao Barry chocolate and Callebaut cocoa powder, both ingredients that are in my pantry cupboard (carted back from Brugges).
Indolent Dandy said that Shocolate’s hot chocolate was possibly the best hot chocolate he’s ever had, so I’ll be going back when the weather cools down.
Need more handmade chocolates for your sugar fix? Try Monsieur Truffe, Cacao, Lindt Chocolat Cafe, Ganache, Koko Black, Max Brenner or Brunetti.
- Shocolate, 3/296 Brunswick St, Fitzroy +61 3 9415 6556
I want! Must visit this place when I get back. Best hot chocolate? Say no more
Hi Penny
I think Melbourne is intending to bring us some cooler weather soon, so I may join you for a hot chocolate tasting! Lots of people were ordering iced chocolates the afternoon of my visit, so they might be worth a try too.
Jetsetting Joyce
The giant rocher looks amazing!
Hi Agnes
Yes, amazing is the right word for it! I’m a chocoholic and even I wouldn’t suggest having one to yourself.
Looks like from your blog that you’ve been to Japan recently – now that’s foodie heaven!
Jetsetting Joyce
That giant rocher does look amazing! You should have taken a photo of the inside! I must go and try this place. There are so many chocolatiers popping up everywhere!
Rilsta´s last blog ..Review: Esposito, Carlton
Hi Rilsta
I did actually take a photo of the inside of the giant rocher, but both RM and I thought the closeup of the semi-melted praline looked a bit unappetising, as if I had chewed it and then spat it back out. So you’ll have to go and try it for yourself
Jetsetting Joyce
I would have to agree with the above…excellent chocolates, excellent coffee and excellent service…a must visit for anyone!
Hi Paul
I’ve not tried the coffee there (not being a coffee drinker) – do you know what brand of coffee they use?
Also, a friend of mine (ex-Sydney) says that she’s been unable to find a single place in Melbourne that does a decent iced coffee. I noticed that Shocolate does iced mochas – so presumably they offer iced coffees too? Have you tried them?
Jetsetting Joyce
Love my coffee and am pleased to say that my brand new neighbours make an excellent coffee. They use Di Bella coffee, which seems to be appearing all around Melbourne. The iced coffee is a must try. I have been several times now maybe I am a little biased but the young lady that is there first thing in the morning seems to be the star on the machine.
Hi Mel
Thanks for your comment. I will pass on your iced coffee tip to my friend – I hate to think that Sydney does something better than Melbourne in the food stakes
I will find out the name of the early-morning barista and tell her you proclaimed her powers far and wide on MEL: HOT OR NOT.
Jetsetting Joyce
Hey folks. If you haven’t see the insides yet or what they are capable of, I put this short clip (2-3 minutes) onto YouTube;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R1xAQG35qA
Next up is filming the chocolate making process and having some in-store tasting nights. Jump on the new mailing list if you are interested (in the youtube link)
Hi Philip
Thanks for the link – great video. I’ve signed up to the mailing list too, looking forward to attending some Shocolate events soon.
Jetsetting Joyce