January 03, 2009
Cacao et Chocolat
The wife is usually not a big chocoholic, but she was intrigued by the mention of this particular French import's Taipei opening, as mentioned on a celebrity blog. Plus she went to some pre-birthing classes which encouraged her to get more active in preparation for labor. So a short walk out to the nearby shop seemed like the perfect destination to get out of the house.
The little shop is tucked away in an alley off of 光復南路, next to a 7-11. The refrigerated glass case displayed the truffles and bonbons in a variety of exotic flavors, directly imported from France. Each were decorated in their own way with edible gold paint. A chocolate fountain was pouring out over itself for the choco-dipped strawberries, etc. Another big glass case in front showed off the chocolate macaroons. The side cases displayed packaged chocolate-coated nuts, candies, cocoas, and various gift boxes. Priced according how you'd expect for French-imported perishables would cost.
NTD 50-60 per candy was a bit too much for just a single bite. But they also offered some cafe-style sit-down options for a few small tables inside the shop. We decided to share a small pot of the chocolat chaud. The intensely concentrated European-style hot-chocolate was plenty to satisfy the both of us. They also offered us some taste samples of the other candies, too. Some fresh whipped cream like Anglina in Paris would've been nice, but that'd be too rich to handle, to be honest. On the other hand, they do throw in a shot of Grand Marnier on the side which you can add to your hot chocolate for an orange-liquer kick. Very nice touch.
So if you ever need to gift someone with expensive chili-pepper-flavored chocolate, this is the place for you!
Cacao et Chocolat
台北市光復南路180巷14號1樓
02-2775-1106