Dé-k-dnt. According to Merriam-Webster, decadent means “characterized by or appealing to self-indulgence,” a phrase in which we feel Messrs. Merriam and Webster strike an unnecessarily preachy tone. Sure, they might have realized that these chocolates wouldn’t appear in any USDA nutrition pyramid (should one have existed in 1840), and, truth be told, no sane accountant would sanction such extravagant, non-nutritive food purchases.
But what do we care about two fusty, dead grammarians? We know that your hard work deserves a little payback. With that in mind, we give you full permission to relax and luxuriate in these edible indulgences.
Louboutin Shoes
Ladies, when we say Louboutin, you know what we’re talking about: impossibly tall stiletto heels that flash sexy, lipstick-red soles. Chocolations’ ruby-soled versions have not emanated from Asian sweatshops; they’re faithful ladies’ size 7s rendered in pure dark, white, or milk chocolate. Offered singly (or in pairs), they’re just the thing(s) for that chocoholic fashionista and can be custom-designed with iridescent glitter and bows.
Chocolations
607 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck (914) 777-3600
Venchi Cuba Cigar
These fat, weighty stogies are just right for posing with around the boardroom. They’re made with Italian tartufo nougatine coated with luscious milk and dark chocolate. Inside, look for the crunch of yummy caramelized hazelnuts from Piedmont.
Tarry Market
179 N Main St, Port Chester (914) 253-5680
Mast Brothers Chocolate Bars
The truth is that when we say “chocolatiers,” we usually mean “melters,” since most local manufacturers simply buy bulk chocolate, melt, flavor, and reshape it. In contrast, the purist Mast Brothers start with raw cocoa nibs sourced from all over the world, then they roast, crack, winnow, and refine them in small batches in their Brooklyn factory. This is the cult chocolate bar among real foodies—though, sadly, its high price reflects its high quality.
Blue Hill Café
630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills (914) 366-9600 x 230
Studio Collection, Oliver Kita
Straight outta Rhinebeck, New York, these chocolates could be Hudson River School paintings, and even the names of the bonbons hint of perfumed, 19th-century opulence—Palet d’Opium, Palet d’Argent, and Palet d’Or, just to name a few. With this kind of edible decadence, we feel you might as well get the big box.
Oliver Kita Fine Confections
6815 Rte 9, Astor Sq No. 8, Rhinebeck, NY (845) 876-2665
Truffles, Dina’s Organic Chocolate
These low-sugar, low-glycemic, vegan and gluten-free chocolates hide a dirty secret: they’re also delicious. They’re deep-dark, rich, and intense, and perfect for any ethical chocoholic. Dina’s chocolates are Fair Trade Certified and 100-percent organic. Drop into Dina’s pretty Mount Kisco store, or place your order online.
Dina’s Organic Chocolate
39 Smith Ave, Mount Kisco (914) 242-0124
Hand-painted Lemon-Thyme Chocolates from Christopher Norman Chocolates
These ultra-sophisticated bites come under hand-painted square caps that simultaneously evoke stained-glass church windows and contemporary art. Beneath their shells, you’ll find intensely flavored fillings, like our favorite, lemon-thyme, which manages to be both chocolatey and intensely herbal.
Whole Foods Market
110 Bloomingdale Rd, White Plains (914) 288-1300
Hot Monkey Love, Azure Chocolate
We love sweets when they show a sense of humor, like this edible version of Elvis’s Jungle Room by Long Island-based Azure Chocolate. Each little sphere packs a world of flavors—and this particular jungle-themed favorite sports caramelized bananas, whiskey and cayenne, then is rolled in dark chocolate and topped with cayenne and crushed banana chips.
Whole Foods Market
110 Bloomingdale Rd, White Plains (914) 288-1300
Hand-Painted Lemon-Thyme
$1.59 per piece at Whole Foods Market
Louboutin Shoes
$50 per shoe, $100 per pair
Hot Monkey Love
$1.59 per piece at Whole Foods Market
Studio Collection, Oliver Kita
$72 per 32-piece box
Truffles, Dina’s Organic Chocolate
$22 per 16-piece box
Venchi Cuba Cigar
$8.99 at Tarry Market
