NYC - Perfect gift experience for a Chocolate Lover? (Recc. classes, tastings,etc?)
 

Hi All,
My Brother looooves chocolate, and so do I, and okay many do. Anyway I was hoping you experts could recommend something fabulous to do that's chocolate related in New York City-- A class, a tasting, a chocolate brunch, maybe even a chocolate of the month club, etc. This would be a Birthday gift for my Brother. I haven't found much in the way of classes or tastings so I come to you for advice.

The ideas I've come up with so far are--

--tickets to the annual NYC chocolate Show (worth it? He went a few times in the past and started to get bored with the show's repetition-same chocolate places etc., that was 3 years ago though, so I'm hoping there's some new life in the show...is there?),
--Seppi's Chocolate buffet brunch (is it worth it?? I saw some old reviews that were mixed, wondering what the current thought is on the place),
--And something called a giftybox--a sort of a gift certificate that enables you to pick a chocolate experience (except that from what I saw it's a big thumbs DOWN since the actual restaurants/events etc. listed are cheaper to go on one's one rather than utilize the suprisingly much more expensive giftybox.)
--La Maison du Chocolate class (not sure if the class is much more about history of cocoa bean than about chocolate tasting--anyone been to a class?)

Any thoughts on these experiences, or some other fabulous New York City chocolate experience--class, tasting, etc. you would like to recommend?

Would appreciate your insight on this.

How about Jaque Torres shop?

Or, how about hiring a car service and do a 'tour' of the better chocolate shopes?

See's, Serendipity, Godiva, or whatever ones you want to use.

I thought I recall receiving something in the mail about special events at Jacques Torres' shop. Here's the website (which doesn't mention anything at this time). Try and give a call and see if there will be a future event.

I know things slow down at the shop during the summer. You may or may not see Jacques in action.

http://tinyurl.com/nghsl

Hi,
Thanks for responding. I called Jacques Torres and they sometimes have a small (I think free) informal presentation some mornings. Unfortunately nothing to give as a gift. I wish they did do something more elaborate. I like their stuff.

Any more chocolaty good advice?

Frozen Hot Chocolate for two at Serendipity. OHHHHHHHH

From somewhere else on this forum I found out there was a Michel Cluziel bar at ABC Carpet & Home on 888 Broadway.

There's Chocolate Bar at 48 8th Ave. Haven't been, but read their cookbook and the few recipes I tried were very good. From their book, it sounds like have chocolate tastings.

Also, there's Dylan's Candy Bar, conveniently located near Serendipity!

The Chocolate Bar is VERY good, and they have several different items that might work as a gift. You can check out the website for ideas:

http://www.chocolatebarnyc.com/

I don't like the Chocolate Show anymore. Way too crowded and like your brother said - same old, same old.

SQC Restaurant (Columbus Ave near 72nd) has a special chocolate menu around Valentine's Day. I don't know if it was just a one-time thing or if it's offered every year in Feb. They have/had main courses like beef braised in chocolate stout, chicken with mole sauce or chocolate hoisin sauce, etc. I went a few years ago and can't remember all the details of what we had but I do remember that it was very good. They are known for their hot chocolates. I don't know if they offer gift certificates.
http://www.sqcnyc.com/home.html

Not exactly an organized "experience," but I've fantasized about getting a nice big gift certificate at Li-Lac Chocolates in the Village (and at Grand Central). Alternatively, they'll do gift baskets, and if you want to get kind of silly they make specialty items like chocolate Empire State Buildings. They're on the Web.

SQC has just closed, alas, so that is no longer an option.

But I feel compelled to offer a recommendation in the face of negative information. What about a gift certificate to Room 4 Dessert? (Place that serves...desserts).

http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=81364

He can experience chocolate in a myriad of ways--from drink to plate!

I am also looking for feedback on the chocolate brunch at Seppi. I'd like to take my daughter on a Sunday in August. Has anyone been, what is it like?