Schakolad is SOHO Sweet
Chocolate is one of my staples and pairs so well with two of my favorite beverages, coffee and wine. I have been on a chocolate kick lately and have tried everything from chocolate covered bacon to spicy chocolate rubs for grilling. My current obsession is chipotle chocolate. The contrast of spicy and sweet is inchocolacating.
Yesterday I had to chance to visit Schakolad Chocolate Factory in the SoHo district with my mom and my two bambinos. They are still talking about it. As we walked in, the smell of chocolate filled the air and we were warmly greeted by owner Archie. He was exremely personable and let us try a few samples. I started off with the Italian Amaretto Ganache. Dolce and decadent, it reminded me of a chocolate shop I fell in love with on my last trip to Rome. This would pair nicely with an espresso or cup of Italian roast.
I then spotted the Champagne Ganache and of course, had to try it. The flavors blended so well together. I took a few home and had one with a glass of sparkling wine. Pure bliss!
They have several varieties of truffles and when I saw the Key Lime, I smiled. Since I have lived in Tampa, I have became a fan of key lime and this truffle is outstanding. For a night of summer entertaining, I would serve these with fresh fruit and a nice Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
Schakolad, of course, has an Orange Truffle that is sweet and tangy. This truffle, like the Key Lime, is very Floridian and perfect for warm weather. It would go well with an espresso or a nice glass of Prosecco. My kids loved this flavor and keep asking when we can go back and get more.
While browsing the assortments of chocolates, I spotted a chocolate shaped like a chili pepper and was intrigued. I am obsessed with chocolate chili infusions and wanted to try it. When you first bite into the chocolate, you taste delicious dark chocolate and then your taste buds get a little kick with the spicy chili pepper. My mom and I both loved it. This spicy little number would pair well with a nice Port or even a Margarita made with fresh lime and agave nectar. If you are looking for a little spice in your life, you must try this!
I loved everything I tried and took a box home to enjoy with my mom during the last few days of her visit to Tampa. As I was choosing my chocolates, my daughter yelled, “Mommy, look a shoe, a shoe!” She is almost three and is already taking after me. She loves shoes and chocolate and she spotted two chocolate high heels.
How cute is that! Two of my favorite things combined into a sweet treat. This would be the perfect gift for a shoe lover! My daughter, Gianna, also spotted chocolate flip flops which would be perfect for a beach-themed party. Schakolad can create custom chocolate gifts for any occasion. From baby showers to sports, they have it all.
If you are in sales, they have the perfect item to help you get your “foot in the door” with a potential new client.
How cool is that? They can also print your logo on chocolate for a sweet and tasty way to promote your company. I mean, who doesn’t like chocolate?
So, are you craving chocolate now? I want to give a lucky reader a 1/2 box of their choice of assorted chocolates. To enter, all you have to do is the following:
-”Like” Schakolad-Soho on Facebook by clicking here.
-”Like ” My Other City by the Bay on Facebook by clicking here.
-Post on the wall for My Other City by the Bay that you love chocolate
-Fill out the form below and tell me what your favorite type of chocolate is.
I will pick a lucky winner on July 15th. I am also going to give away a few custom “My Other City by the Bay” chocolate gifts sets to four other readers during the month of July.
Think of how much fun it will be to pick a nice assortment. Here are just a few of the ganaches they offer: Jamaican Rum, Champagne, Cheesecake, Raspberry, Dark Chocolate, Grand Marnier, and Italian Amaretto. Truffles flavors include Key Lime, Orange, White Butterscotch, Dark White, Milk White, Mint, Milk Caramel, Dark Caramel, Cappuccino, Hazelnut Praline, Mocha, Milk Coconut Cluster, Milk Pistachio and many more.
Be sure to visit the web-site for Schakolad-SoHo by clicking here. They are located at 408 South Howard next to Yard of Ale. Owners Archie and Jodie are super friendly and will make you feel right at home.
