National Chocolate Day is October 28th and there’s no shortage of sweet tooth spots to celebrate around South Florida.
Chocolate’s rich (no pun intended) history began over 4,000 years ago in what is now Mexico, when the cacao plant was first discovered. Ancient civilizations used the delicacy in several ways, even using cacao beans as a form of currency. Over many centuries, the confection continued to spread across the continents, and by the 1820s, the cocoa press was invented, allowing the delight to be produced more efficiently and in much larger quantities. Hence, the modern era of chocolate was born.
According to research, over 80% of Americans report liking chocolate, and 50% stated they cannot live without eating it every day. For those who find themselves in the vast majority, here are seven local options where you can nibble on National Chocolate Day.
Atlantic Grille
The Atlantic Grille at The Seagate Hotel is the go-to date night spot for local lovebirds. Fan the flames with an après-dinner goody like the Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse Bar ($14), a delicious slice of heaven with Gianduja crunch, dark chocolate mousse, candied cocoa nibs, and toasted hazelnuts.
Atlantic Grille is located in The Seagate Hotel at 1000 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 665-4900 or visit seagatedelray.com.
City Oyster
The people watching at City Oyster is almost as stellar as executive chef Jordan Stilley’s extensive surf and turf menu. Don’t pass up the equally incredible desserts, like the Ice Cream Sundae ($14.50) with hazelnut and vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, bourbon candied walnuts, whipped cream, and a filthy cherry.
City Oyster is located at 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 272-0220 or visit cityoysterdelray.com.
Elisabetta’s Ristorante and Louie Bossi’s Ristorante
These sister restaurants know what they’re doing when it comes to a scrumptious Italian dessert. Both menus offer Budino al Cioccolato ($10), a rich, smooth baked pudding, adorned with hazelnuts, caramel, and fiore di sale.
Louie Bossi’s has two locations in both Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. The Boca location is located at 100 E. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton. The Fort Lauderdale location is located at 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call (561) 336-6699 (Boca Raton), (954) 356-6699 (Fort Lauderdale) or visit louiebossi.com.
Elisabetta’s has two locations in both Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. The Delray location is located at 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. The West Palm Beach location is located at 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 560-6699 (Delray Beach), (561) 342-6699 (West Palm Beach) or visit elisabettas.com.
Keywa’s
Keywa’s owners Julian and Tania Sierra pride themselves on their irresistible crêpes. Located in The Mall at Wellington Green’s food court, Keywa’s features five sweet crêpe options, including the Choco Crêpe ($11), a kid-friendly crowd pleaser stuffed with M&M’s, brownies, vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with chocolate and caramel syrup.
Keywa’s is located in The Mall at Wellington Green at 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 808-9796 or visit keywas.co.
Le Colonial
Le Colonial offers upscale, French-Vietnamese cuisine. Finish your meal at this exquisite spot with an enticing dessert, such as their mouthwatering Warm Chocolate Cake ($14.50), with Valrhona Guanaja Dark Chocolate, smooth vanilla ice cream, and a Flambé of Puerto Rican Rum.
Le Colonial is located at 601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 566-1800 or visit delraybeach.lecolonial.com.
