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Five of the Best Desserts in Melbourne

April 13, 2016 / Australia, Melbourne, Travel, Victoria / 0 comment

Melbourne is home to excellent food, particularly of the sweet kind. I didn’t have to look far to find these five delicious sweet desserts and sweet treats in Melbourne. While there are countless other amazing places to find handmade chocolates of exquisite desserts, these five are all in Melbourne’s CBD, making them easy to stop by if you’re only in town for a short visit.

Haighs
Established in 1915, Haighs is Australia’s oldest chocolate retailer. The fourth generation, family owned company has locations around the country, with its flagship store located Melbourne’s historic Victorian building, The Block Arcade. Haighs are renowned for their high quality chocolate and related products. I can’t go past their Aprichocs (apricot covered by delicious chocolate) and their trademark chocolate frogs. Yum.
Haighs, Shop 7-8 The Block Arcade, 282 Collins Street, Melbourne

Chocoamama
This new store specialises in locally-made Australian confectionary and premium chocolate. Their specialities include chocolate shards with salted caramel, chocolate-covered raspberry lollies (so good!), and hand-made Turkish delight. Kids will love their “pick and mix” section, where you can choose your own lolly and chocolate mix.
Chocamama, 6 Degraves St, Melbourne

Doughnut Time
I’ve been a convert of Doughnut Time for a while now. They are best know for their crazy doughnut flavours like maple bacon and nerds, as well as their funny names: the “Veruca Salt”, for example, is their salted caramel doughnut. Doughnut Time hand-dip their doughnuts in small batches so they are always super fresh. At $6 a pop they’re not cheap, but they sure are good!
Doughnut Time, 5 Degraves St, Melbourne

Hopetoun Tea Rooms
Lovers of tea and cake have been lining up for a seat in this tiny tea salon since it opened in The Block Arcade in 1891, when it was set up for the Victorian Ladies Work Association. The tea room is a throw back to world of elegance and grace, with white China, delicate teas and exquisite cakes. We had a slice of pavlova and vanilla slice and they were perfection.
Hopetoun Tea Rooms, The Block Arcade, 1-2/282 Collins St, Melbourne

Koko Black CBD
A Melbourne-based family-owned business, Koko Black are chocolatiers who produce premium handmade, chocolate and gourmet desserts. As well as being a chocolate store, Koko Black is also a chocolate-focused cafe, serving up baked treats, a sweet degustation and high teas. While you can choose from their 7 locations across Melbourne, the CBD store on Collins st is very convenient.
Koko Black, 52 Collins Street, Melbourne

What’s your favourite sweet spot in Melbourne?

Sydney’s Best Chocolate Shops: Coco Chocolate Kirribilli

October 12, 2015 / Kirribilli, North Shore, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

I love chocolate sooooo much. I particularly love handmade chocolate made with high quality ingredients – it just tastes that much better.

One of my favourite places to buy chocolate in Sydney is Coco Chocolate in Kirribilli. Coco Chocolate specialises in handmade, graded organic chocolate of the finest quality.

If you stop by the Kirribilli shop front you can sample some of their chocolate that’s filled with amazing ingredients like lavender, nuts, fruits and liquors. You can also have what I think could be the best hot chocolate in Sydney. Coco Chocolate has 12 types of hot chocolate on offer, as well as Sacred Grounds organic, fair trade coffee.

My personal favourite is the May Gibbs collection. Coco Chocolate have the exclusive license to produce these amazing chocolates using Snugglepot and Cuddlepie images. Even better, every May Gibbs Box by Coco Chocolate sold raises donations to Northcott, providing services and support for people with disabilities, their families and carers

These pink champagne truffles run a close second. Amazing.

Near the store is Bradfield Park, home to this extraordinary view of Sydney, lots of room for kiddos to run around, and a covered, fenced in playground.

Coco Chocolate
3a/9B Broughton St,
Kirribilli NSW 2061
Phone: (02) 9922 4998
Prices: $$$
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions

Easter Saturday at The Grounds Of Alexandria

April 4, 2015 / Cheese, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Our first Easter back in Sydney we have been enjoying everything Easter-y possible. It’s no secret that the chocolate holiday is one of my favourite times of the year, and I like to indulge in it – not just eating too many chocolate bunnies, but also enjoying Easter egg hunts, craft days and whatever activities I can find.

I found out The Grounds of Alexandria were hosting an Easter Fair and put it straight on our calendar. Even the prospect of an 8am start didn’t deter me. Nor did the weather when we woke up and it was pouring rain. It didn’t deter many people, it turned out, as the Grounds was packed with many other soggy families determined not to let the rain ruin their Easter.

The wonderful folks at The Grounds had gone to a lot of effort to make the place special for Easter. We visited a few weeks ago on a sunny day and took some photos of their new bunny, “Kate Moss” and the other decorations. I’m using them here because it was way too wet this morning to post for photos.

This morning, however, looked a bit different. The Grounds staff had hidden 5,000 Easter eggs all over their backyard, including one special golden egg that I don’t think anyone had found when we left later in the morning.

They had also created Australia’s biggest chocolate Easter egg, which will be cracked open and shared tomorrow afternoon.

After a bit of waiting around (it turned out Channel 9 were there to film the hunt, so everything was a bit delayed), the Easter egg hunt began, and, despite the rain, it was a really fun morning for all of the families who made the effort to go.

The eggs were liberally spread everywhere, including all over the ground. Pro: everyone went home with plenty of eggs. Con: people were treading on the eggs. I didn’t pity the guy who had to clean up the squashed remnants of chocolate on the round at the end of the day!

While the Grounds folks had the most adorable little pails for kids to use, Cheese brought her old favourite from home.

After the egg hunt was over (it was over when Cheese decided she had enough eggs – there were still eggs strewn around everywhere!), it was time for face painting and crafts. Channel 9 were there to film the festivities too.

And then it was time to take our sodden selves home!

Happy Easter Saturday to you and yours! What are you getting up to for Easter this year?

Artisanal Chocolate & Exquisite Tea: MarieBelle Cacao Bar and Tea Parlor in SoHo, New York

August 18, 2014 / Manhattan Munchies, New York Food, SoHo / 0 comment

What started as a small collection of rare and delicate chocolates and confectionary in 2000 is now a thriving high-end chocolate bar, tea parlor and retail store. MarieBelle‘s creator, Maribel, grew up around cocoa fields in Honduras, which inspired in her a passion for chocolate. Maribel is both a chef and designer — each skill on display in her beautiful tea parlor and store — from the exquisite chocolate pieces on display in the store, to the rich European-inspired styling of the salon. With glittering crystal lights, antique furnishings and deep brown and gold panelling in the parlor, a trip to MarieBelle is a delight to all the senses.

Entering from the street, we walked through the retail store to the cafe in the back for a sit-down tea service. Friendly staff greeted our party, which included one rowdy toddler (bull, meet china shop!). Our waitperson clearly liked children, and made us feel extremely welcome despite our pint-sized companion constantly wriggling in and out of her fancy chair. Luckily, we came for quick treats (rather than a tea service), and there are few things that keep my toddler sitting still like an iced chocolate drink. Chocolate is the speciality here, and when ordering a hot or ice chocolate, you can choose from various chocolate flavors.

Since I have a mild palate, I went with the classic Ice Chocolate (you can also choose flavors like Aztec or Spicy, as seen in the photo below). Alec ordered a simple tea, which arrived in a beautiful silver tea set, and we ordered a madeline for E (her favorite treat) and a caramel crème brulee to share. As you would expect from a speciality tea and chocolate cafe, everything was delicious. The ice chocolate was not too sweet, and the crème brulee was a twist on the traditional kind, with a caramel base and crème on top. Before leaving the cafe, be sure to wander through the retail store and take home a few chocolates for later. While some of the MarieBelle chocolates are sold in speciality stores elsewhere, some of the creations are only available from the store in SoHo.

Last Bite: Bring little chocolate-lovers for an especially sweet outing.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Minimal — bring an umbrella stroller or carrier.
Easy access: No. There are a few steep steps to get in.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

MarieBelle
484 Broome St.
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 925 6999
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Thur 11am-7pm, Fri-Sun 11am-8pm
Get Directions

Mother's Day Traditions to Inspire You

May 6, 2014 / New York Food / 0 comment

Rejoice! It is almost Mother’s Day! The Brunch With My Baby team hopes that you’ll be spoiled rotten by your family, and get to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.

Haven’t decided on where to go yet? We asked some of our favorite blogger friends for their Mother’s Day plans to give you some last-minute ideas.

Kristin Strange of My Strange Family
This year I will be celebrating my 4th Mothers Day. Every year, my Mother’s Day is divided between “me” time and “family” time. We always have a nice brunch at The Harrison restaurant in Tribeca (which we originally picked because it is my son’s name). After brunch we make our way tonearby Washington Market Park for some running-out-the-crazies and slide time. During nap-time on Mother’s Day, I usually sneak out of the house and have a nice spa afternoon at the Langham Place Spa in Midtown. It is a perfect mix of activities for a perfect day of celebrating me as a mom. (The photo is from last year at Washington Market Park, when Kristin was 8+ months pregnant!)

#mothersday #traditions via brunchwithmybaby.com

Allison Cooper of Project Motherhood
For our family, Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day!) have become days that we always spend together as a family, but the rule is that my husband and son are in charge of planning something they know I will enjoy (we do the same for Father’s Day, but with me as the planner). Last year, we spent a wonderfully sunny day at Prospect Park Zoo, which we love because it’s so intimate and friendly. We also do small gifts, which is always fun to look forward to. As my son gets older, many of the gifts become homemade treasures that I value more than anything!

An Interview with #Brianne Manz from #strollerinthecity - brunchwithmybaby.com

Brianne Manz of Stroller In The City

My absolutely favorite thing to do in NYC on Mothers Day is to go to a wonderful brunch with my family! It’s so important to me to spend the day with my 3 children and husband. This year we are actually heading to Langham Place for a fun, family-friendly sing along. I think the kids (and us parents) will have an absolute blast!

Jory Lieber of Teeny Tiny Foodie
For Mother’s Day, I like to go out for a nice meal with my husband and daughter and enjoy time outside if the weather permits. The restaurants we like (with the perk of outdoor seating) are Du Jour Bakery and Stone Park Cafe. However, I also like to celebrate by taking a little time for myself and getting a manicure and pedicure too! We love the JJ Byrne Playground in Park Slope for outdoor fun, and we also like to go to the Prospect Park Zoo or just for a neighborhood walk.

#mothersday #traditions from @foodballfoodandmotherhood via brunchwithmybaby.com

Stephanie Barnhart of Football Food and Motherhood
It’s become tradition for us to go to Freeport in Long Island for Mother’s Day — they have the nautical mile which is lined with outdoor ocean/seafood restaurants. You can sit outside on the harbor and have a cold beer and fresh seafood. This year however, we are opting against it since Maximo is so wild and will probably fall off the dock. Stay tuned to see how that plays out! Typically we eat at Otto’s Sea Grill or Rachel’s Waterside Grill. (Check out Stephanie and Maximo last Mother’s Day at Freeport in the pic above!). The Freeport area was significantly damaged during 2012’s hurricane and only re-opened late last year, so the businesses would love your support!

#mothersday #traditions to inspire you via brunchwithmybaby.com

Serena Norr, Managing Editor of Momtrends and The Shopping Mama
With all of the busyness in my life, I love Mother’s Day as a time to spend time with family. Since I grew up in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, we usually go there to meet my mom and my sister for an early dinner and to visit to the local parks afterward. I also love waking up to the sweet and precious handmade cards that my girls usually make me. There is nothing better (to me) on Mother’s Day then the simplicity of shutting off, eating great food and being with my family.

If these ideas don’t inspire you, here are some of our fave restaurant and outing picks:

Lunch at DUMBO’s Superfine and something sweet from Jacques Torres

Fancy SoHo lunch at Mercer Kitchen

People-watching while dining al fresco at Isabella’s on the Upper West Side

A walk around Union Square and lunch at the Blue Water Grill

Playing in Washington Market and brunch at Sarabeth’s

A day trip to Blue Hill Farm

Touring the gardens at The Cloisters and lunch at New Leaf Restaurant

Enjoy!!!

Chocolate Attack at Jacques Torres; Kid-friendly Places To Eat, DUMBO, Brooklyn

March 10, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, DUMBO, New York, New York Food / 2 Comments

Admission: I have a huge chocolate addiction. After a sunny day turned cold, we head to our go-to place for delicious chocolate in DUMBO, Jacques Torres. Here’s what you need to know about Jacques Torres. The hot chocolate is so think it’s like mud. Delicious, but there is a high chance you’ll feel ill after drinking it. Don’t be weak though, order it while the weather is still crisp. The signature cookies are amazing – huge chunks of chocolate and minimal actual cookie. Planning to take home some chocolate for later? Try our favourites, the chocolate-covered almonds. They’re so moreish that they won’t last the subway ride home.

Take home hot chocolate mix or a giant Easter bunny.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: No. There are a few steep steps to get in.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Jacques Torres
62 Water St,
Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 875 1269
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm Sun 10am-6pm

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Nunu Chocolates; Kid-friendly Places To Eat, Downtown Brooklyn, New York

February 25, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, Downtown Brooklyn, New York, New York Food / 0 comment

On a day with torrential rain and a toddler with cabin fever, we ventured out for hot chocolate and snacks at the nearby Nunu Chocolates.

It’s not exactly the most kid-friendly establishment around, but the owners are lovely and adore kids, so made us feel totally at home. Sure we could leave our giant stroller infront of their register. Sure they could fit us at a table (we then watch as they kick their employees off a long bench to continue whatever they were doing elsewhere). We love you too, Nunu!

Nunu Chocolates are sold all over the city, and made right here in their flagship store in Brooklyn. They serve a limited menu of beverages, chocolates and pastries, but what else do you want from a chocolate shop?

Cheese adored the hot chocolate – it turned her mood from feral toddler to charming kid. She also loved grabbing the teaspoon and feeding herself the hot chocolate. Bring wipes if you’re going to attempt to give your small child freedom with chocolately beverages.

Letting Cheese go to town on my hot chocolate.

We had a wonderful break from the nasty weather at Nunu Chocolate, and felt so welcome that we will most definitely return over and over again. Don’t let our low baby-friendly rating stop you from bringing your small kids. Despite physical limitations, it’s a real find for families in the neighbourhood.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Minimal. Bring a folding stroller or carrier if possible.
Easy access: No – several steep stairs.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Nunu Chocolates
529 Atlantic Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (917) 776 7102
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am–9pm Sat-Sun 9am–9pm

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Appreciate Chocolate? – Yes I Do

July 11, 2010 / Sydney Food / 3 Comments

I attended another of Signorelli’s cooking classes for Greg’s birthday. The chocolate-lover’s birthday fell on the day of the course, so we considered it a sign from above that we were meant to be there.

This time, it was Appreciate Chocolate with Kakawa Chocolate‘s Jin Sun Kim and David Ralph. The class consisted of a master tasting session, history of chocolate and demonstrations of how to temper chocolate, make ganache and create truffles.

The evening started with a platter of delicious fruits and dipping chocolate, and some potent Toblerone cocktails.

Nothing says welcome like a tasting platter…

… and cocktails.

Hello there birthday boy.

Ohhh, pretty things waiting to be tasted.

The husband enjoys his chocolately goodness.

As do I!

Kakawa’s David Ralph spouts wisdom.

Ground up cacao beans – not especially tasty.

Dark chocolate – not my favourite, but not bitter like most generic dark chocolate is.

White “chocolate”. Mmm sugary…

Blend of milk chocolate – love it. The markings are from bubble wrap.

Champagne truffles.

Basil truffles. Not for me, but very shiny.

Passionfruit/mango truffles. Amazing.

Almond slivers in milk chocolate.

Tempering chocolate.

Mmmm I’d like to lick the chocolate off the slab. Who cares about truffles.

Hello master bar tender. Thank you for the exquisite beverages.

Why birthday boy, whatever do you have there?

The class was excellent and I learned a great deal about chocolate. I was also given a huge amount of chocolate to taste and then take home. I have a high tolerance for chocolate, but still felt ill after eating so much chocolate. I can’t wait to go to Kakawa’s store eat more of their chocolate!

SIGNORELLI GASTRONOMIA
Ground floor of Accenture/Google Building
Trouton Place Pyrmont NSW 2009
(opposite Metcalfe Park)
P: 02 8571 0616

Chocolate Tasting TGIF

October 15, 2009 / Sydney Food / 1 Comment

The only TGIF I’ve been to in about a year. Our friend Greg ran a chocolate-tasting session where we were given 14 chocolates and matching wines.

This is what 1400 chocolate pieces look like.

My selection.

Smelling the chocolate – the correct way to sample!

Mine, all mine!

Mexican + Chocolate

October 10, 2009 / Sydney Food / 0 comment

Dinner – Mexican! Great vegetarian burrito in Glebe, followed by chocolate overload at San Curros. Yum! Why is the Glebe SC better than the Chatswood one? It’s a mystery!