Sugar Rush: Bespoke Chocolates

Posted by Kathy YL Chan, February 24, 2009 at 4:00 PM

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

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Tags: Bespoke Chocolates, chocolate, desserts, East Village, Sugar Rush