I met a Man in the Naked Chocolate Café

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Many people say bars are a good place to meet men. Others find dates at their church, the library, art museums and even laundromats.  But on a recent visit to Philadelphia I stopped into the Naked Chocolate Café and met one of the most interesting men I had encountered in years.

If you are wondering, we both had our clothes on. I was hard at work, photographing chocolate and chocolate covered delights. He came over and suggested I change the setting on my flash. (for the record, he was right)

He introduced me to his friend who was a chocoholic. It is always helpful when researching chocolate in a new city to meet a local chocoholic. His friend had the passion for chocolate and traveled the world looking for chocolate experiences. I hope he uses www.chocolateatlas.com for research.

His favorite chocolate place in Phily is the Loras Chocolate Spa. Of course I couldn’t wait to rush over there. But that is another story.

Back to Naked Chocolate Cafe

Entrepenuer Tom Block, co-founder of Thomas Sweet Ice Cream and Chocolates in Princeton, New Brunswick, and Georgetown, partnered with his daughter, 24-year-old Sara Block, to open Naked Chocolate Cafe, a chocolate boutique and dessert café in the summer of 2006.

Naked Chocolate Cafe features cotton candy pink and caramel brown decor, which includes a 32-seat European-style cafe, a lounge area with comfy couches and irresistible chocolates and desserts available to eat in or take home. All confections are made daily in the open kitchen and chocolate factory area.

Naked Chocolate Café had some items I had never seen before even in my extensive (someone has to do it) research on chocolate. The nudos were a pyramid shaped brownie in yummy sounding flavors. And they had chocolate covered pretzels topped with exotic coverings like dried blueberries.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO GO NAKED OR CHOCOLATE

There are naked coolers that are just juice and fruit. Refreshing, delicious and healthy.

I was tempted by the Antioxidant Punch—varietal dark chocolate, Acai, blueberries, Cranberries and coconut water ($4.95)

If you want to know the Buzz on these Brazilian inspired healthy drinks:

Acai is from the Brazilian Rainforest. This fruit tastes like an exotic blend of berries with a hint of chocolate and is packed with antioxidants.

Amazon Cherry is a fruit revered fro its rejuvenating effects and invigorating citrus taste.

Coconut Water is known as “nature’s Gatorade”. It has a refreshing flavor and works to refuel and rehydrate the body.

FOR THE MOST SERIOUS CHOCOHOLICS

I loved the personal fondue with fruit and marshmallows. ($8.00)  Next time I hope to try the chocoholic platter which serves up to four if you can stand sharing. A decadent assortment of truffles, chocolates, and treats from their patisserie. ($16.50)

BEYOND TRADITIONAL CHOCOLATE

The Naked Chef Café offers common and uncommon chocolate teas by Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders and Mighty Leaf Tea Company. Au chocolat teas are the perfect dessert alternative. You can enjoy chocolate mint truffle, Masala Chocolate Truffle, and Mayan Chocolate Truffle by the cup ($2.25) or by the pot ($4.00)

Sipping chocolates are the ultimate Naked Chocolate Experience. Made from the Chocolatier’s selection of single origin varietal chocolates, the intense experience is called a petite ($4.50)

Frozen Drinking Chocolate is available in Classic Blend, Aztec Blend, Mocha Blend, and Fresh Fruit Blend. ($6)

WHAT TO WEAR

I know people always wonder what to wear to a place named Naked. Comfortable, casual clothes are the order of the day.

Naked Chocolate Café
1317 Walnut Street
Philadelphia. PA 19107
www.nakedchocolatecafe.com
215-735-7310
Open Monday to Thursday 10AM-11PM
Friday and Saturday 10AM to 11:30PM
Sunday 11 AM to 9PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION

visit www.gophila.com and check out  the blog www.uwishunu.com  
Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center   (800) 537-7676.

GREAT SAVINGS
www.citypass.com

WHERE TO STAY

Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel
1701 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA  19103
Tel: (215) 735-6000
Fax: (215) 789-6105
www.radisson.com

Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Center City
1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Embassy Suites Center City
(215) 561-1776
www.PhiladelphiaCenterCity.Embsuites.com
1-800-Embassy for reservations

WHERE TO EAT

Philly Falafel Vegetarian
1740 Sansom Street
215-569-8999
Each very reasonably priced entrée allows the diner unlimited trips to the fresh flavorful salad bar with fried cauliflower, minted carrots, coleslaw, beets, pickles, and much more.
(and dining here will absolve you of any guilt for indulging in a decadent chocolate dessert at the nearby  places suggested below.)

BEST PLACE TO GET CONNECTED

Ing Direct does more than just save you money. It gives you a free wireless internet connection. They even have about a dozen computers you can use for free to surf if you are in the neighborhood without your computer.
1636 Walnut Street

FAVORITE STORES

P.H.A.G
Philadelphia Home Art Garden
1225 Walnut Street
215-627-0461
www.thephagshop.com

Show of Hands
a collection of crafts
1006 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-592-4010
Showofhandsphila@aol.com

GREAT GUIDEBOOKS

ACCESS PHILADELPHIA
By Beth D’Addono
Harper Resource
www.harpercollins.com

THE THIRTEEN COLONIES
Travel Historic America
Fodor’s
www.fodors.com