Friday, December 26, 2008
Restaurants Cheap Eats: Cacao Laboratoire du Chocolat and Boutique
Posted by Jennifer Zyman on Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 5:48 PM
You may recognize Kristin Hard's name from her K Chocolat line of handcrafted artisanal chocolates with holistic claims. Until recently, the chocolates were only available at select locations, but her new Inman Park store, Cacao Laboratoire du Chocolat and Boutique (312-C North Highland Avenue. 404-221-2626. www.cacaoatlanta.com), grants fans more accessibility. The boutique is minimalist but luxurious thanks to feminine touches such as an opulent glass chandelier wrapped in a fabric shade and elegant packaging imprinted with silver wings.
Hard's products showcase a mash-up of her traditional French training, premium ingredients—sustainable and local when possible—and creative flavor infusions. The chocolatier obviously favors dark chocolate (which is purportedly healthier), since every item is made with an intense rendition of the stuff. Truffle names such as "Protect" aren't cheap marketing tactics. Hard deeply believes in the health benefits of her wares - she suggests the chamomile in the "Inner Calm" to help a nasty cold ($2.25/piece). Peppermint patties are offered in a metallic wrapper ($3) or a chewier lollipop version dotted with 24-karat gold dust and silver leaf ($3). The Aztec Aphrodisia Sipping Chocolate is drawing praise for its depth of flavor and slight piquancy from the secret blend of chiles and spices. Hard tops it with a homemade marshmallow and serves it in a vintage silver cup on a silver tray. Fruit draped in chocolate—such as frozen bananas encrusted with cacao nibs ($4.50) and dried pear slices ($6.50)—show chocolate's ability to elevate the humblest of ingredients.
(photo by Jennifer Zyman)
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