October 28 is National Chocolate Day, so what better way to celebrate than with some of the sweet stuff. And although they frown on trick-or-treating after a certain age, you can get some chocolate into your diet with these 8 very adult-focussed, chocolate fuelled desserts.
Passione Gelato
5 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 652-3915 or passionegelato.ca
The new gelato shop by hotel and casino property Parq has a new limited-edition gelato flavour. Named after Parq in celebration of their second year anniversary, the “Parq autumn gelato” is Bulleit bourbon whiskey and French Valrhona chocolate, garnished with candied orange. A rich and warming treat with the smokiness from the spirit, and slight bitterness from the quality of dark chocolate used.
Foret Noire Patisserie
236 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
(236) 521-3640 or foretnoirepatisserie.com
This West Broadway patisserie offers croissants, macrons, and individual cake. Their signature dessert is a boozy Black Forest cake made with levels of chocolate. An almond Guanaja sponge, Valrhona dark chocolate, white chocolate kirsch, crémeux, amarena cherry in kirsch, and chocolate streusel. With chocolate pine trees this is an edible winter wonderland.
Perverted Ice Cream
797 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 684-6914 or pervertedicecream.com
Name alone, this one is catered to the adults. From the organic ice cream purveyors that brought you cones topped with condoms, they have something new for Halloween. For a limited time only you can get your hands on their “Rocky Horror Red Velvet” soft serve topped with a black white chocolate drizzle and cinnamon lips, all in a chocolate cone.
Yew Seafood + Bar
791 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 692-4939 or yewseafood.com
How about a trick and treat at Yew? Located on the second floor of the Four Seasons Hotel downtown, this seafood restaurant has a dessert that is just as much a show. Their “Yew Hazelnut Rocher 2.0” is flambéd at the table; it uncovers a praline chocolate mousse, with liquid caramel, and hazelnut ice cream, hidden within a chocolate shell.
Koko Monk Chocolates
849 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC
(604) 708-3366 or kokomonk.com
This hot chocolate lounge serves more than just chocolate and milk. Hot chocolate made with flavoured chocolates and spices like cardamom and ginger. All original on to themselves, like the “Brunette Bangle”, a curry hot chocolate with a dash coconut liquor Trafiq. This Main Street artisanal café & bakery specializes in delicious layered cakes. Everything is made in their bakery, including their “Chocolate decadence cake”. A perfectly baked chocolate sponge layered with a light and creamy chocolate mousse, a silky chocolate ganache, and an elegant chocolate glaze.
Steamworks
375 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8
(604) 689-2739 or steamworks.com
This landmark restaurant, bar, liquor store, and the brewery has brought back their salted chocolate porter. A dark beer with the aromas of vanilla and chocolate, finished with a pinch of sea salt. For those who want chocolate, but like their’s a little bitter this one is for you.
Bella Gelateria
1001 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 569-1010 or bellagelateria.com/
At this popular downtown ice cream hot spot, though the weather might be cold, they are giving you many ways to be able to enjoy their artisan ice cream warm. Add your choice of gelato into a cup with either espresso for a affogato; white, milk, or dark chocolate for a hot chocolate; or blended with milk for a frappé. And with flavours like Whisky Fudge Chocolate, Chocolate Amarena Cherry, Chocolate Belgian Brownie, and the Dark Side of the Moon that uses 99% cocoa; the possibilities are endless.
Trafiq Cafe & Bakery
4216 Main St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 648-2244 or trafiq.ca
This Main Street artisanal café & bakery specializes in delicious layered cakes. Everything is made in their bakery, including their “Chocolate decadence cake”. A perfectly baked chocolate sponge layered with a light and creamy chocolate mousse, a silky chocolate ganache, and an elegant chocolate glaze.
Featured Photo by Charisse Kenion
