| Naked Chocolate Café in Philadelphia By Andrea K. Hammer, founder and director of Artsphoria Why naked? Sara Block, co-owner with father Tom Block, of the European-style dessert café in Center City Philadelphia says, “Because of its purity.” Greeting visitors with a wide smile as they gape in astonishment at oversized chocolate-shaped Eiffel Towers, carriages, and pianos, Sara patiently asks if she can answer any questions. Customers, inhaling the intoxicating aromas, struggle to select just one treat. They swoon at the beautifully displayed desserts and the prospect of sipping espresso in polka-dot demitasse serving cups. The energy in the elegant space, decorated in milk chocolate and butterscotch tones, is palpable. Gently swirling ceiling fans keep the chocolate boutique especially cool, drawing visitors’ attention up toward the wood-carved flowers overhead. Every detail, down to the logo on gold labels adorning bags filled with take-home goodies, has been selected with careful attention. Sara says that her father, co-creator of Thomas Sweet Ice Cream—also served at Naked Chocolate—travels from New Hope to their Center City location every day. In addition to New Hope, Thomas Sweet Chocolates & Ice Cream is located in Princeton, N.J., and Georgetown in Washington, D.C. “He’s amazing,” Sara says with admiration, as she watches him oversee the busy preparation area nearby. All of the chocolate and desserts at the café are created each day in the open kitchen area. Some of the heady treats include chocolate ganaches and truffles made from the finest milk, dark, and white chocolates. The truffle collection features praline, hazelnut, caramel, red wine, and “heart-healthy” dark chocolate with antioxidant blueberry, pomegranate, and green tea. The hot and cold "drinking chocolates" include European- or American-style hot chocolate in Aztec, spicy, and bittersweet. In addition, frozen drinks are all made from melted chocolate. As customers slowly carry their oversized and overflowing glasses to cushy couches in the 32-seat café, newcomers gawk openly. “What is that?!” one woman squeals across the room. Another customer asks about the "cocktail collection," which includes champagne, single malt, cognac, and dark rum-flavored chocolates. Exotic flavors such as sweet Indian curry, lemon verbena, thyme, wasabi, chili pepper, and lavender are also featured. Some of the popular desserts at Naked Chocolate Café are “Nudos,” or chocolate-iced pyramid-shaped brownies filled with peanut butter or chocolate and hand-iced cupcakes, including carrot cake, with buttercream icing. Others include chocolate mousse, butterscotch pudding, macaroons, cheesecakes, homemade tortes, creme brulees, chocolate fondue, and sundaes and milkshakes made with Thomas Sweet Ice Cream. As visitors continue to flow in a steady stream into the café, Sara welcomes each one as if they were visiting her at home. And for chocoholics of all ages, Naked Chocolate is the place to revel in one of life’s great pleasures. Copyright 2006 Artsphoria |
| Date of Birth: January 23 Place of Birth: Washington, DC Sign: Aquarius Occupation: Actor, Singer, Dancer Education: Attended School of American |
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| Naked Chocolate Cafe in Philadelphia by Andrea Hammer, founder and director of Artsphoria, which is linked at www.nakedchocolatecafe. com. Don't miss her recent Philadelphia Inquirer. New City Editions The Philadelphia and Swarthmore, Pa., editions of Artsphoria are now posted. Check back regularly for many forthcoming city editions. See information about subscribing and submitting newsletter and web-site displays to reach a wide audience today! Arts-Lovers' Gift Baskets For creative gifts, order customized arts-lovers' gift baskets. See samples (scroll down to bottom), and call (484) 326-9109 today! |
| LEARN MORE Naked Chocolate Cafe, 1317 Walnut Street in Philadelphia (215-735-7310), delivers desserts and chocolates to locations throughout Center City. For more information, visit www.nakedchocolate cafe.com. |
| LEARN MORE Naked Chocolate Cafe, 1317 Walnut Street in Philadelphia (215-735-7310), chocolates to locations throughout Center City. For more information, visit www.nakedchocolate cafe.com. |
| LEARN MORE Cafe, 1317 Walnut Street in Philadelphia (215-735-7310), delivers desserts and chocolates to locations throughout Center City. For more information, visit www.nakedchocolate cafe.com. |
