Chocolate lovers listen up! One of the finest chocolates made of sustainable single origin cocoa, local seasonal ingredients and bold flavor combinations is here to indulge. Chococo, a popular chocolatier in the U.K., has landed in America, and bringing its methodically crafted chocolate—and unmistakable cheeky British appeal—to New York City with two new locations.
On May 2, Chococo opened its flagship on the storied Madison Avenue that features an alluring café-style “Chocolate House” concept. This hybrid of a no-fuss eatery and shop has a full menu of tasty hot chocolate, coffee, milkshakes, matcha and premium gelato alongside more than 100 chocolate varieties. The spot—located at 500 Madison Avenue—is a dream location for chocolate lovers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Their other New York outpost is open on the Upper East Side at 1293 3rd Avenue.
Founded in 2002 by Claire and Andy Burnet, a husband-and-wife team, in Dorset, England, Chococo is an independent brand that is celebrated for its direct-trade, single-origin chocolate sourced from Ecuador, Colombia and Madagascar as well as its use of fresh, local ingredients. As a result, their chocolate is exceptional and absolutely worth picking up and sharing with friends and loved ones. Their milk chocolate has a creamy smooth texture that melts in your mouth. It also has a perfect balance of sweetness that offers a mellow comforting flavor profile, while their dark chocolate offers an intense cocoa flavor that’s bitter, fruity and has earthy notes, which is the perfect alternative to overly sweet candies. Chococo even offers vegan customers a box of plant-based chocolates, so there is something for everyone!
Courtesy of Nu Media
What makes Chococo a standout is its innovative treats and packaging. Every piece of chocolate is like works of art. They even have British centric treats that are extremely charming. Our favorite is the chocolate that’s in the shape of the traditional fish & chips meal. It’s a quirky twist on the British classic. A side of white chocolate chunky chips in a paper cone is included with the large milk chocolate fish that’s made with 47% Colombia origin chocolate. It’s all wrapped in Chococo newspaper style packaging and absolutely adorable. Another delightful creation is the highly detailed, three-dimensional milk chocolate lobster that’s about 9 inches. This handcrafted chocolate lobster is wrapped in foil and nestled inside a bright, beautifully designed box that’s irresistible. In regards to their packaging, 100 percent is plastic free and either recyclable or compostable.
At the inviting 1,200-square-foot flagship, customers can browse the meticulously organized rows of chocolates and sample pieces. Guests can also learn about Chococo’s chocolate process by reading the history of the company that is wonderfully displayed on the wall of the café. For those wanting more than chocolate bars, the café offers an assortment of beverages. They have an array of hot chocolate that are all made of fresh, pure, single origin chocolate flakes that are melted into your choice of dairy or plant based milk. They also have coffees, teas, strawberry matcha lattes and milkshakes, which were outstanding.
Courtesy of James Song
As for food, Chococo has chocolate chip cookies that are delicious and heavenly. It was massive in size and filled huge chunks of chocolate chips. For those looking for something less sweet, Chococo has a selection of excellent croissants. The winner was the ham and cheese croissant. The pastry was fresh, butter-rich, flaky and inside it was filled with high-quality, savory ham. We could eat this everyday. It was absolutely delicious.
Chococo’s Madison Avenue flagship is a super enchanting place to satisfy yourself with sweet treats. Guests can even experience chocolate tasting and sample selections from over 100 varieties. Once you visit, you’ll have the most spectacular time.
