PrintSugar Rush: Bespoke Chocolates
The pretzel-covered sea-salted caramel
Behold, a very, very intoxicating bite: the pretzel-covered sea-salted caramel. This little work of art is by Rachel Zoe Insler, one of the most talented chocolatiers in the city. Her first shop, Bespoke Chocolates opened to the pubic a few weeks ago, and already there is a loyal following among regulars. The caramel is doubtlessly my favorite of her offerings, and perhaps the most intriguing chocolate confection I've come across in a while.
From left: Rachel Zoe Insler; Hazelnut praline, strawberry balsamic, and pretzel-covered sea-salted caramel
The single bite, a dark chocolate shell coated in crushed pretzels (local Martin's Pretzels), releases a slow heady pour of dark caramel upon first bite. If you're not careful—and I sure wasn't on my first few—the caramel is bound to slide down the palm of your hand, and oh-so-smoothly upon the wrists, oozing a potent and creamy mass generously touched by sea salt. Salty-sweets are nothing new in our world, perhaps overhyped (another bacon-chocolate combo?), but when done right, there is nothing but moans of pleasure. If caramels aren't your thing, the balsamic chocolate is a winner, along with the richly infused Southampton tea truffle.
Bespoke Chocolates
6 Extra Place, New York NY 10003 (map)
212-260-7103
bespokechocolates.com
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it pleasant. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
10 Comments:
Omigoodness, that photo is to die for!
In Bespoke's two short weeks of existence, I have eaten an embarrassing number of Rachel's bonbons and agree, Kathy: she's the real deal.
The strawberry balsamic truffle might be my favorite—maybe because it was the very first I sampled and it's utterly dreamy. But a close second was the 70% Columbian dark chocolate truffle, which literally melted in my mouth.
I haven't had her pralines yet... gotta get on that.
Sweet Freak at 4:38PM on 02/24/09
Thanks for the report. I was first hesitant about trying this place out as the owner was caught shilling on another website by asking somebody else to write a positive review for her. I know a lot of people do it but it just leaves such a bad taste in my mouth. But based on your review, I think I'll try this place out.
BooRadley at 6:37PM on 02/24/09
BooRadley, I guess I'm a little protective because I've had really great experiences with Bespoke and I want them to succeed, so I want to say that I saw that same piece and the owner wasn't "caught" doing anything...if you read it carefully it's pretty clear she had no shilling intentions. Besides, she doesn't need to- she's been written up a million times.
Anyway, let's move on and focus on the chocolates! I work in the neighborhood and I was introduced to Bespoke when they agreed to make a chocolate donation to a fundraiser for my organization. I've been by a few times since and the people who work there are super nice and doing great things with chocolate. Especially at night, their location leaves something to be desired, but I guess that's also irrelevant- it's all about the chocolate!
EVillSweets at 10:40PM on 02/24/09
You're supposed to eat the sea salt caramel in one bite if you want to avoid getting caramel down your sleeve. I suggest you do just that because the flavor is intense when you one bite it.
Check out my review on Bespoke chocolates for a look at the Southampton Tea, the Praline and the Chai milk chocolate.
http://nycfoodguy.com/2009/02/19/bespoke- chocolates-custom-made-chocolates-equal-swoon-inducing-deliciousness/
NYC Food Guy at 11:49PM on 02/24/09
I actually preferred the single-origin dark chocolate truffle over the caramel one. To each his own.
maggiej at 2:45PM on 02/25/09
That photo at the top is ok... I just wish the photographer had panned back more so we could see Kathy underneath the caramel with her mouth open.
Zach Brooks at 7:53PM on 02/25/09
Please don't let that word get started here. In England EVERY SINGLE DAMN THING is BESPOKE SAUSAGE BESPOKE CHAIR BESPOKE BREATH OF AIR. I can't take it. One this is oh kay. But if any more things are called bespoke I am going to freak out.
avantsweater at 9:20PM on 02/27/09
Oy, Kathy, I couldn't disagree more. I found the pretzel/caramel chocolate aggressively, hurts-your-mouth salty and couldn't finish it. The balsamic strawberry was so imbalanced in its acidity that it tasted pukey. Bespoke's saving grace is the espresso dome, which doesn't really taste like espresso but has a nice caramelly flavor and the most beautiful texture.
@avantsweater I don't object to things being called bespoke unless, as in this case, they're not actually bespoke. When I see the name "Bespoke Chocolates" it makes me think I can go in there, place an order for any flavor I want, and have them custom-make it.
Michele Humes at 6:15AM on 02/28/09
@Michele: Agreed on "bespoke." Lame. A whole to-order pizza at Ray's Famous is more bespoke than these chocolates, since I could walk in and call the shots on what tops my pie.
Adam Kuban at 4:01PM on 03/02/09
I'm sorry, it says "Bespoke Chocolates opened to the pubic a few weeks ago." That's a dangerous typo.
ikamaki at 1:45AM on 05/05/09