February 2008
Sweet Valentine
Aztec ruler Montezuma, Casanova, Madame de Pompadour, and the Marquis de Sade—all were convinced of the aphrodisiac effect of chocolate. That could explain why the “brown gold” from Mexico is such a favored gift on Valentine’s Day. For those hoping to tickle someone’s taste buds on February 14, here is a selection of Munich’s finest chocolate shops:
Götterspeise (ambrosia) at Jahnstrasse 30 calls itself a
Chocolaterie. Indeed, the shop combines the atmosphere of a French café with an extensive assortment of chocolates. The
Pralinen (chocolates) displayed behind a glass counter may all look alike, but take your time with one of Götterspeise’s friendly salesladies and listen to the descriptions of the refined nuances of those filled cuboids. Near Viktualienmarkt at Frauenstrasse 12, Amai is not just a purveyor of
petit fours and
pralines, but a veritable gallery of edible art. Innumerable rows of pyramid-shaped chocolates adorned with colorful patterns are a visual and gustatory delight. Amai also offers an interesting gift opportunity. In addition to selling ready-made products over the counter, the shop hosts one-day workshops in chocolate making. Gift certificates for the workshop can be purchased at the shop for € 99. The next dates will be February 16
and March 15. Just around the corner from Amai, Chocolate & More at Westenriederstrasse 15,
displays an overwhelming selection of chocolate delicacies. From famous Belgian brands to “Choco Lina”—chocolates made from sheep milk—shop owner Christine Luger aims at compiling the best of international chocolate production. Only a few houses onward in house number 21,
the little nook Sama Sama sells fresh and candied exotic fruits, flowers, and chocolates. Observe Wilhelmina Raabe putting her heart and soul into her work in the front of the store, and buy a selection of her baroque creations at the counter in the back. Yves Laporte’s at Heilig-Geist-Strasse 1 completes the wealth of candy stores around Viktualienmarkt. The confiserie tempts dieters even from the street, with a spectacular window display replica of Montmatre’s Sacré-Cœur made out of white sugar. Inside, you will find a counter full of delicious samples of the high art of French chocolate making. Also worth mentioning are Schokoko (Eisenmann-
str. 4), which features
Amedei cioccolati from Tuscany, and Franz (Brunnstr. 5), the only vendor also offering online shopping:
www.kontor-fuer-schokolade.de. <<<
