Need a last minute box of superb chocolates to complete the
trifecta
of gifts (roses, chocolate, and jewelry) for Valentine's Day? Try Schakolad on 41st Street
in Miami Beach. Its
charming
exterior is the work of co-owner Raquel Schachter, who runs the place with her son Eli.
Schakolad
specializes
in European-style hand-dipped chocolates delivered as
truffles or molds such as footballs, high heels, tool
boxes, and pool tables. the store also sells heart-shaped boxes ($60 for the
large,
scaling down to $18 for the smallest). The molded creations can be
personalized. Raquel said that people have given her rings and had her
inscribe chocolate boxes with "Will you marry me?" She happily notes,
"People
have proposed with our chocolate!"
Raquel
and Eli
opened their doors in September 2009, serving 100 percent
kosher
chocolate. Additionally,
they offer Cholov
Yisroel, chocolates, which are created using a specific kind of milk under the strictest
kosher guidelines including supervision of a rabbi in a separate
kitchen. The
Cholov Yisroel mocha ganache was a smooth, very creamy truffle that
melted almost
instantaneously in my mouth. Prices: half-pound box: $18.50, one pound
box:
$36, two pound box: $70. Non-Cholov Yisroel prices are: half-pound
box:
$17, one pound box: $33, two pound box: $6.
There
is also a
dairy-free, or parve, collection of
chocolates that Raquel says many of her vegan customers choose. Her
kitchen
and work area behind the counter are spotless and extremely organized,
with the
molds color-coated depending upon the chocolate that they can be used
for.
Schakolad
also
features a small gelato counter with flavors such as
gianduia
(hazelnut chocolate), Belgian dark chocolate, strawberry cheesecake,
mojito,
and peanut butter. A small, one scoop, is $3.50. Two
scoops (large) cost $5. A pint goes for $10.
Toppings are 50 cents.
Milkshakes
and
smoothies (16 ounces) are $6.50. Other drinks include frappuccino
($3.50) and
chococcino ($4.25).
Raquel
says they offer chocolate parties for birthdays and showers.
There is
a minimum of 12 people and a maximum of 25-30. Schakolad also offers
tours
(minimum of 12 people). People are given the
opportunity to
put on a pair of gloves and dip their own chocolate. It's $12 per person
for
the tour and $18 per person for parties.
"We
(Schakolad) can
serve all purposes. People come here for celebrations. They have
chocolate when
they're sad. I had a woman come in to treat herself to our chocolate
after her
divorce... They also come here to celebrate births," says Raquel.
And as I
was on my
way out, a woman came in, confessing, "I'm addicted to your
chocolate." Add my valentine and I to that list!
Factory
456 41st
Street, Miami
Beach
305-532-4949
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