ChocolArts: Handcrafted Chocolates, The Rocks, Sydney (26 Mar 2013)

75 George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000

http://www.chocolarts.com.au

Handcrafted sugary delights

“At ChocolArts we believe that the best ingredients make the best chocolates. We use premium Belgian and French couverture chocolate and no artificial ingredients or preservatives. All our chocolates are handcrafted in true Artisan fashion using traditional European techniques.”

With Easter just around the corner ChocolArts in The Rocks will surely attract a few devoted chocolate lovers eager for handcrafted goodies. Where else can you get a Prince Charming chocolate frog, a Chocosaurus or Chocolate Stilletos in Sydney besides their Gladesville shop — although they do come at a special price for being unique. I chose to try the more affordable flavoured chocolates displayed in the long clear counter which runs the length of the shop. For seven chocolates is came to $8.15 which I thought was OK for such nice looking chocolates even though $110/kg does sound like a lot. Thankfully they don't way too much to be able to try a few flavours without breaking the bank too much. The Rose with rose flavoured ganache and the Orange with blood orange ganache and Cointreau  were my favourite out of the bunch. The Mint with fresh local garden mint infused ganache was also quite enjoyable as an alternative to others which can taste a bit artificial like minty toothpaste. Strawberry Cream, Passionfruit and Pistaché also had distinctive flavours and a smooth texture on the palate. The Hazelnut Latte with Brazilian Coffee, Tia Maria and hazelnut praline was nice although I think could have been better if the hazelnut on top was more roasted or caramelised.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Nicely presented chocolates, Interesting and themed chocolates for something a bit different, Friendly and helpful service

CONS: Too easy to spend a lot in this shop if you love flavoured chocolates, Good quality chocolate doesn't come cheap

MUST TRY: Rose, Orange and revisiting to try other flavours

VERDICT: If you're looking for a special chocolate gift or simply love nice chocolates then this shop might be worth a visit

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Rose: A light, rose flavoured ganache with a dark chocolate shell

WORTH TRYING :-)

Orange: A fruity blood orange ganache with Cointreau in a dark chocolate shell

WORTH TRYING :-)

Mint: Fresh, local garden mint infused ganache with a hint of thyme in a dark chocolate shell

WORTH TRYING :-)

Strawberry Cream: A strawberry cream ganache with Kirshe liqueur in a dark chocolate shell

Passionfruit: A punchy, passionfruit ganache in a white chocolate shell

Pistaché: A smooth pistachio and Grand Marnier layered ganache in a dark chocolate shell

Hazelnut Latte: A Brazilian Coffee, Tia Maria and hazelnut praline enrobed in a dark chocolate

Bill $8.15 for 7 chocolates weighed at $110/kg

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