How many different ways can you serve chocolate?
Well, stopping by the Naked Chocolate Cafe is a good place to find out.
Tucked in at 1317 Walnut Street, the Naked Chocolate Cafe opened in August of 2006 and since then has become a favorite meeting place and coffee stop of many. The owner, Tom Block, said he already has noticed some regular customers.
After a brief tour, my guest and I started off with two steaming hot chocolates ($3.50) topped with whipped cream. We both chose the "classic" blend of dark and milk chocolates, but there are also three other more exotic blends availible. The sizes of the drinks are also cleverly named - petit, indulgent and we'll never tell.
Under the glass on the counters, you will find an extensive selection of chocolates, most of which are made right on premises. There's a large window towards the back of the shop where you can peek in the kitchen and see the production.
If you need a quick gift idea, the chocolates can be boxed and shipped out as well.
Further down the counter are the real treats - the speciality deserts.
I choose to sample a chocolate-covered Belguim waffle and chocolate covered pretzels.
My friend selected a dessert called "junk in the trunk", which was an interesting pastry combination of coconut, peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Other desserts include giant "stuffed" cupcakes, apple streutsels, Nudos, a type of brownie, and cheesecakes, of which Block said we "can't keep them in stock."
Most of the desserts range in price from $2-$5, making indulgence very affordable.
Block said he came up with most of the pastry recipes himself. Prior to opening the Naked Chocolate Cafe, Block ran similar establishments in Princeton, N.J.
The cafe just doesn't stop at chocolate specialities. It also offers a wide selection of coffees and teas, that can also be purchased for brewing at home.
So the next time you want to get together with a few friends, the laid-back atmosphere and modestly priced desserts and hot chocolates make the Naked Chocolate Cafe the perfect place.
