Sweet Moses, Cleveland, Ohio

In most depictions, Moses Cleaveland is frowning.  Since it's too late to correct the mis-spelling of his last name, why not give him another reason to smile?  The Sweet Moses Soda Fountain and Treat Shop does just that, bringing the old-style soda fountain and marble-top sweet counter to Cleveland's Gordon Square Arts District. 

If sugar is your jam, there's something for you there-- sip on home-made root beer out of the barrel, chew on home-made sweetened pop-corn, or taste one of their and nutella-filled chocolate truffles. Sweet Moses has even created something I'd cringe to try-- a triple-decker, chocolate-dipped, marshmallow popsicle. 










If you are leaning more towards something classic, you might find the perfect gift at the online shop, such as the Sweet & Salty treat box that comes in an old-fashioned cookie tin. 

But by far the best reason to stop by Sweet Moses is the home-made ice cream-- the coconut-based, vegan Belgian chocolate was a reverie to remember.

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www.SweetMosesTreats.com

Mast Brothers, Brooklyn, New York

 
I can't quite explain it, but the moment I find myself in Williamsburg, a powerful force overtakes my legs and walks me down 7th to Mast Brothers.  If you have been there, you understand.


If you haven't, conjure this--  Stumptown Brownies, Chocolate Beet Cake, an all-pervading smell of melted cacao, and... free samples.  Now do you understand?

Mast Brothers produces an American Craft Chocolate, single estate and single origin chocolate from all over the world.  Even if your own craving is sated, the ribbon-wrapped pile of five bars always makes a sweet gift.

www.mastbrothers.com

Madécasse, Madagascar via Brooklyn

Seven years ago, something special happened in Madagascar.  No one tells their story better than they:

We were Peace Corps volunteers in Madagascar. We fell in love with the people and the country and wanted to do more.  So we started making chocolate there. Even though 70% of the world’s cocoa comes from Africa, no one had ever really done this before.

The result of their inspiration, Madécasse operates out of Brooklyn, New York, distributing fair trade chocolate bars made from bean to bar in Africa.  

If the refreshing taste of sweet coconut brings you to tropical paradise, then a square of the Toasted Coconut bar is your ticket to a momentary getaway.

http://www.madecasse.com/

Habitual Chocolate, London, Ontario

    
   A visit to the Fire Roasted Coffee Co. in London, Ontario, will set you up with a rich coffee, a fresh and healthy lunch, and assorted baked goods-- if it's your lucky day you may even get to steal the last piece of chocolate-dipped espresso shortbread.

     Step into the back room and you will find the place where the chocolatier transforms Fair Trade, organic cacao beans into Habitual Chocolate bars, unveiling vibrant flavors from around the world.   If dark and natural is what you like, peruse the shelves for 2 different bars made of 100% cacao.

www.fireroastedcoffee.com

www.habitualchocolate.com

Hope Outdoor Gallery: Austin, Texas

Amid a mix of graffiti and tagging on the cement walls of the Hope Outdoor Gallery in Austin, Texas, a few pieces stand out in refined style and message.   Quite notable are those by G52CUBE, and a diverse collection of pieces by local artist El Federico on the adjacent Good Will building. 

 

 

  

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www.g52cube.com
www.cargocollective.com/federicograffitiwestern

Ritual Chocolate, Denver, Colorado

Introducing Ritual Chocolate, providing single origin, organic chocolate bars crafted locally in Denver.  Try it-- one bite of the Belize bar is an erruption of flavor, with hints of raw fig, sharp cherry, and a potently fresh taste of cacao.

  

 

 

www.ritualchocolate.com/

Street Art, Detroit: Eastern Market

The Hollis Chocolate Barn

 


Look what popped up in Hollis, New Hampshire, just a short walk from the four corners and town center: The Hollis Chocolate Barn.  Currently the barn is only open two days per week, but it may still be evidence of the projection that the US chocolate industry will grow to reach $19.3 billion in the next five years.

In addition to colorfully-decorated, home-made chocolate pieces, the barn also sells a line of Maine-imported chocolate sauces, "Maine Mud," and "Healing Touch Pottery," hand-made pottery  uniquely crafted with healing energy.

Among a wide variety of local favorites such as maple truffles and mint chocolates, the barn offers several flavors of the Italian-originated gianduja, a chocolate confection filled with hazelnut paste.

 

 
So, for the record-- Friday or Sunday between 11am and 4pm is a perfect time to find yourself driving through Hollis.

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www.hollischocolatebarn.com