MissZiegfeld

I am a self proclaimed chocolate snob.

I'll be in Brussels for one day next week. Would love to hear some reccomendations on great chocolate. How is Galler? I've tried imported versions of the others found in Grand Place (not a big Godiva fan, Neuhaus is only marginally better than Godiva in my book, but I like Leonidas a lot. However, I don't plan on bringing back chocolate from Leonidas as I could get that right here in new york)

For frame of reference, my favorite chocolate is Valhrona (though the best chocolate I ever had came from a friend who brought some back from Switzerland..i wish i knew who made it!)

Any reccomendations would be greatly appreciated!

coco

How funny...I have this card on my desk to give to a chocoholic friend who will be in Brussels for one day next week (this isn't you, is it?!)

I was there for one day earlier this month, myself, and just stumbled on this place down the street from my hotel (Le Dixseptieme). I only tried the really dark stuff but brought a sampling of just about everything back to my office and they are all still swooning.

La Maison du chocolat artisnal
Grasmarkt 67 (67 rue Marche aux Herbes)

Other stores I saw seemed like something could get here in NYC or at airport.

Have a good time!

111op

Pierre Marcolini is about 1/4-1/3 the price at Park Avenue.

Wittamer.

I don't know Galler or Artisanal, but I've heard of them. A friend told me that the Belgian royals buy chocolates from Galler (not sure if that's the case).

Bush bought chocolates from Mary's.

MyriamC

Galler is a family business and has good quality chocolate.

yk

On my recent trip to Brussels (May), I bought chocolates from:
Wittamer
Galler
Pierre Marcolini
La Maison du Chocolat Artisanal

Of the 4, I'll rank them:
PM
Galler
Wittamer
LMdCA

I was completely underwhelmed by LMdCA.

Didn't make it to Mary or Manon.

laure

Check out *Condé Toison d'Or* (especially for the truffes!): they have a store on the Grand'Place. *Galler* is excellent for the standard chocolate bars (which you can find in Belgian grocery stores), but they've expanded recently into all sorts of chocolate-based things which are average at best, and rather expensive.

KT

I think Laure means Corné Toison d'Or.

hanl

The consensus among my friends here in Brussels is that Pierre Marcolini (place du Sablon or at the Conrad Hotel on Avenue Louise)is the best. I concur! The chocolates are much more refined and delicate than those I've tasted from other chocolatiers. Also, the squares of different kinds of plain/milk chocolate (Venezuelan, Ecuadorian, etc.) make great gifts.

I have also heard about a very small, exclusive and delicious chocolate shop somewhere near the parc du Cinquantenaire, but I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it. Perhaps someone else can help...?

MyriamC

I always liked Marcolini's patisserie because it looked so nice and was made with much fantasy but I didn't think their chocolates were anything special. Now they seem to specialize in chocolates more, so I'll have to try them again.

111op

You should try Marcolini again, Myriam, especially when chocolates are so cheap there.

There's a new summer collection that's interesting. I went to their store in Paris a few weeks ago, and I also tried them in NYC (but much more expensive).

Is there a La Maison du Chocolat (not Artisanal) in Brussels?

stardust

I LOVE Pierre Marcolini. A 250gr gift box was 13€ last time I was there (if I remember correctly). The thing with these chocolates is that they are so refined and so full of flavour that if you eat one, the taste stays in your mouth for like half an hour and you're not tempted to just eat and eat, so a box lasts quite long and it's better for your figure
Lots of his fillings you won't find in any other chocolaterie, like violet, or thee flavours (ok, some are trying to copy him nowadays).
Don't forget to take some stomach pills with you

MyriamC

OK, you convinced me. I'll go into the city this weekend and buy some Marcolini chocolates. I'll think of you all while enjoying them.

MyriamC

No idea whether there's a Maison du Chocolat in Brussels. Not in Antwerp anyway, which is were I live.

111op

Maybe you should buy some Del Rey ones too, Myriam. It's nice to compare.

MissZiegfeld

wow, thanks everyone! I love this group..mention chocolate and it brings everyone together!

can't wait to get to brussels.

Budman

Don't forget to try the fresh cream chocolates.

travfirst

One of my favorites is Cote d'Or Noir de Noir Intense Bittersweet Chocolate (70%). For some other brands and history check http://www.chocosphere.com/