Hello all -- <BR> <BR>Just wondering what, exactly, was the fixation with Verbeke's boutique in Brugge? Is it a must-do just because a few guidebook writers have given it accolades? <BR> <BR>IME it's absolutely impossible to find substandard chocolatiers in Europe. So obvious when you step into a family-run shop that they're proud of their handmade chocs . . . I've nibbled my way from Brugge (try Chocolatier Dumon) to the Bahnhofstrasse in Zürich. <BR> <BR>Just encouraging travlers to think out of the box (& the guidebook) - don't be a lemming, you'll find your own favorite shops! <BR> <BR>HTH <BR>T

Thanks everyone... <BR> <BR>Chocolate is so important.. I feel a lot better now that it's "everywhere". <BR> <BR>Will check them all out if possible. Can't wait.

Some of my favorite chocolate in Europe are the simple Milka bars in the purple wrapper. They seem to usually be made in the country you are in at the time and can be found in any grocery, supermarket, newstand, etc. As for being in Brugge on a Monday, you may be suprised and end up there on a completely different day then you planned so you may get to go to Maitre Chocolatier Verbeke (I assume that's some sort of chocolate factory?) after all. Nevertheless, there is chocolate in every other store in Brugge. <BR> <BR>Off the topic for a moment: Don't have your heart set on whatever itinerary you plan because more than likely your plans will be severly interupted for any number of reasons and you will be off your intinerary before you know it. That's why I mentioned that you may not necessarily end up in Brugge on a Monday.

My opinion is that Godiva might be a little bit better than Leonaidas, however I believe the cost is not worth it and I go with Leonaidas when I'm in the Belgium area. (although they have outlets all over, including in London at Victoria Station) <BR> <BR>The Mozart chocolates are available in every super market, and quite frankly go there to buy lots of everyday chocolates that will be as good as many of the other "boutique" brands. <BR> <BR>But here's a special tip since you said you'll be in Munich. There's a *fabulous* confisserie just north of Marien Platz on Residenzstrasse. (this street is small so if you can find the street, you'll be able to find the place) It's called the Rotten Hofer and is paired with the Cafe Hag coffee shop nextdoor. I particularly suggest a house specialty, the hand dipped "Bayrische Knodel". If my German serves me correctly, the lady said they were a marzipan center, dipped in brandy, covered with hazel nuts and dipped again in your choice of white, dark or light chocolate. They're 2 marks a piece last I knew, but I fed these to my sister in law's brother in law and would die so much for them that I have a standing order from my sister in law's sister to buy more anytime I'm there. <BR>

Thanks Geoff. <BR> <BR>You have my mouth watering now. I will definitely add that to my itenerary and will take a copy of these posts along too. <BR> <BR>

Hi Amanda, I believe the place where parisians go for chocale is: <BR> <BR>ANGELINA it is super famous, and excellent, 226 Rue de Rivoli, this is a real French tea salon with the best chocolate in town. <BR>For the best chocolate ice creams try the famous, also famous, Berthillon at 31 Rue St Louis in the Ille St Louis. <BR>Just in case double check the address of Angelina, at your hotel. Bye.

Hi Amanda, I believe the place where parisians go for chocale is: <BR> <BR>ANGELINA it is super famous, and excellent, 226 Rue de Rivoli, this is a real French tea salon with the best chocolate in town. <BR>For the best chocolate ice creams try the famous, also famous, Berthillon at 31 Rue St Louis in the Ille St Louis. <BR>Just in case double check the address of Angelina, at your hotel. Bye.

IMHO, the two best chocoholic spots are: <BR> <BR>1) Zurich - You can't go wrong eating chocolate in this town! I remember the chocolate coffe-house on the Banhoffstrasse. The major chocolates are here, including what I think is the finest chocolate on earth - Teuscher. Their champagne truffles are to die for! You can buy them at their shops overseas (several here in the US), but they cost an arm & a leg ($48/lb last Valentine's Day). <BR> <BR>2) Perugia - home of Baci. The factory is outside of town, and they do give tours. But even if you don't get there, the Baci you buy in town are fresher than any you have ever tasted. My girlfriend complains that the ones she buys here in the US are stale by comparison!

Amanda <BR>I've also been hunting for Chocolatiers in Paris - here are three: <BR>FOUQUET: 36 rue Laffitte, Paris <BR> 22 rue Francois, 1er Paris <BR>e-mail: [email protected] <BR> <BR>REGIS: 89 rue Passy, Metro: La Muette <BR> <BR>A la Petite Chocolatiere: 66 av La Motte Piquet, Metro: La Motte Piquet Grenelle <BR> <BR>Hope this helps <BR>

Oh wow.. thanks. <BR> <BR>Can't wait to try some chocky when I'm there. Actually found a local Dutch place which sold Veerkande chocolate and that was very nice.

Have very ;much enjoyed this controversy about ;the BEST chocolate and being a chocolateoholic myself, can understand it. However after being in Europe several times and tasted some different SPECIAL ones, ;such as Godiva and Cadbury (ugh), I personally still prefer good old Hershey, however that is because that is what I am ;used to. However having enjoyed HOT CHOCOLATE in Europe in Italy, Malta, Spain, many times find ;that it is heavenly and WHY NOT, it ;is made with whole milk(which at home I am reduced to skin or 1%) and found after ;having it every morning in Spain for 2 months, decided to buy a bag of exactly what they served in ;the dining room, brought it home thinking I HAD IT only to find that at home, without the whole milk, ombianse (spelling, atmosphere) it was not nearly the same. So part of it is MENTAL. However stil I LOVE CHOCOLATE. Enjoy. Mary Jayne <BR>

Amanda, <BR> In my opinion, the best place for chocolate in the world is in Belgium. I've had chocolate in several European countries and Belgium has the best! There must be someplace in Bruge that you can get chocolate on that day. Believe me, It's worth the trouble.

Just scanned this thread, so maybe someone else mentioned it (although it's a bit off of your itinerary), but I was astounded by the chocolates from Russia. Don't know what they're putting in them, but they were simply devine. Has anyone else had them, and what did you think? The chocolates I had were from Moscow, but I couldn't tell you who made them. Pure delight.

Hi Kristy!

My favorite chocolates are found at Wittamer's. I know there are shops in Brussels. Love the 'Pyramids'!!! There may be a shop in Bruge.

Milka (by Suchard) is failsafe - short of this try the Swiss extra-fine varieties. <BR>At Teuscher, Zurich, try champagne truffles, but insist on fresh ones. Check out Sprungli. <BR>In my opinion, Leonidas is superior to Godiva - try the superlight whipped cream fillings. But freshness is key. <BR>Better do some hiking to walk this off! <BR>ave a good time. <BR>

Check out www.chocosphere.com. My husband bought me some Belgian Cafe-Tasse for Valentine's Day there. These were great idividually wrapped bite sized so pre-proofed for over-indulgence/OD. They have an assortment of Belgian and French chocolates.