My Philly Dessert Guide (always changing as I indulge in more yummy research!) **note prices may change**

Updated 13 February 2019

Philly Dessert – The Philadelphia Cookies

If you have a cookie monster in your life (like me), they will be very happy munching on cookies from Hope’s Cookies.  I’ve been sending cookie love in over 20 flavors for more than 20 years now. In fact, their bake at home Triple Chocolate cookie dough is in my freezer now for when I can’t get to the store and want my house to smell like chocolate happiness. They offer shipping throughout the continental U.S. – I suggest ordering online Sunday/Monday/Tuesday to get the cookies 2-3 days later.

If you have a cookie snob in your life (like me), they will surely be impressed by the flavors and texture combination in one cookie, The Sour Cherry Sea Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie from Metropolitan Bakery.  A dozen cookies is $19.95 (before shipping).  Metropolitan Bakery also sells bread online, granola, popcorn and for the special dog in your life, homemade dog treats.

Philly Dessert – Philadelphia Chocolate

Spoiled by Chocolate choice here in Philadelphia, we have a handful of locally made by hand small batch chocolates all of which go well with a glass of red. You can order online or find all vendor varieties at the Pennsylvania General Store in Reading Terminal Market in Center City.

The Husband & Wife Team at John & Kira’s – they source local ingredients (or grow their own) and hand make/paint their chocolates (a labor of love) to turn out Salted Caramel Bees, Chocolate Ganache Ladybugs and Grown Up Fruit Squares (just a few of my favorites). I met a woman in Chicago who went I said I was from Philly told me that she has been ordering John & Kira’s Chocolates shipped to her Wyoming home for years. With shipping specials and holiday collections, this is the chocolate to impress your friends, family and Valentine.

Asher’s Chocolates – The Chocolate Covered Pretzels from Asher’s are addictive for me and it wasn’t until recently that I learned my mom lives five minutes from the Asher’s factory now she brings them to all family events and all my gym time goes out the window!  If you ever need to pry secrets from me – these are a good starting point.

The Love Bar, John & Kira’s Urban Garden Bars, Lore’s and Eclat Chocolate – locally made chocolate bars available at the Reading Terminal Pennsylvania General Store. They also have a few more options but those are bespoke and need to be bought in person at the PA General Store.

You can also check out the new Belgian Chocolate vendor, Chocodiem, at The Bourse Philadelphia Food Hall.  They have a chocolate bar, truffles on site and online ordering to ship in the U.S.

Philly Dessert – Ice Cream & Sorbets

Wait, you can ship ice cream and sorbet?  Yes, you can.  I read a post on a forum about a man who lived in Vancouver and shipped Bassett’s Ice Cream from Philadelphia to a friends’ house in Seattle (they ship U.S. only) and drove down to pick up his ice cream.  That’s devotion! Bassett’s Ice Cream is the oldest in the City of Philadelphia with a stand in Reading Terminal.  The pints can be ordered and shipped to your home – minimum of six pints for $59.99 plus shipping.

Philly Dessert – Cannoli, Cupcakes, Macarons and Budinos

The Salted Caramel Budino from Barbuzzo.  Sadly this gooey salted caramel dessert in a mason jar can’t be shipped but you can order it to go at the restaurant (order at the bar) or next door at Verde.

“Leave the Gun, take the Cannoli” a famous line from “The Godfather”.  This Italian pastry is popular year round but more in demand during the holidays.  Termini’s Bakery in South Philadelphia can ship you the cannoli shells and the bags of filling to fill your own cannoli.  Small packages (6 cannolis are $45) and large (12 cannolis for $70) plus shipping costs can be sent to only a handful of states.

Cupcakes from Whipped Bakeshop.  They will deliver locally in Philadelphia neighborhoods but do not ship nationwide.  You can deliver to your hotel room (a minimum amount + delivery fee) or you can visit the shop in Northern Liberties (a cab ride away).

Macarons from Parc.  No shipping, these are a bit of a secret treat as they are not on the menu.  The server will know if you ask, they are sold in small packs of six macarons (chef’s choice of flavors – each lovely).

Philly Gift – A Taste of Philadelphia Baskets

Want a mix of this, that and the other?  All of which are favorites?  Then the PA General Store in Reading Terminal is your go to.  Easy to order online with local delivery or shipping.  A tray of Asher’s Chocolate Covered Pretzels?  They have them. Hope’s Cookies?  They are the only store in Philadelphia to sell them as Hope’s is located on the Main Line in the suburbs.  Want butter cookies from the Melrose Diner in South Philly?  They can add those too.  Amish pretzels?  Yes, those too.  In person, the small stand sells Amish quilts and other handmade local Philadelphia items including LOVE souvenirs.

Warning:  The Philly dessert treats are so good, your friends and family may just expect them in the future. Not responsible for weight gain or dessert addictions

It’s no secret, I’m a chocoholic.  I developed this chocolate sweet tooth later in life and as I get older, I’m definitely more selective in what I choose to indulge in.  So when I planned my last-minute trip to Rotterdam and Belgium (Bruges and Ghent), I knew I needed to leave room in my suitcase to bring home chocolate – a lot of Belgian chocolate.  When I started researching Chocolate in Bruges, imagine my surprise to learn there are over ninety (yes 90!) chocolate shops (the Visit Flanders Chocolate Brochure press material lists over 300 chocolate shops in the region) which doesn’t include donuts, cookies and bakery shops selling chocolate flavored treats. In addition to my research, I asked for recommendations.  I would need to eat a lot of chocolate over my three days to find my best chocolate shops in Bruges.  While these are my three favorite chocolate shops, I would urge you to also explore the many local shops to find what you like best.  There is literally every flavor you can imagine, textures and options in milk, dark and white chocolate.

Life Before Posh Chocolates

Growing up in the U.S. on Hershey’s, M&M (Mars) and Nestle (to name a few) plus my love of Twix, I didn’t know any better – I didn’t know the world of chocolate that existed outside of the name brands at the supermarket, pharmacies and Wawa. My Halloween pillowcases were full of KitKat, Nestle Crunch, Hershey bars and kisses and a whole lot of Reese cups.  That’s the chocolate of my youth – the chocolate that my dad introduced us to as my mom hated chocolate (I don’t understand this either).

My parents were shocked when I started spending more than $7+ on a chocolate bar from Vosges (Chicago) or Éclat (Philadelphia) or came home with bags of posh chocolates from Europe (or the very different tasting Twix and Kit Kats).  I still remember how crushed I was when I brought my dad a fancy box of chocolates from Paris and with his first bite, his face said it all and then he his words matched his face with “yuck”.  He had only ever eaten US milk chocolate so wasn’t ready to jump into other types of chocolate.   The dark chocolate and creamier milk chocolates in Europe (and beyond) were definitely flavors and textures that I needed to learn to appreciate with a lot of tasty research. Pairing with local wine made the chocolates even better. Some people like to travel and shop for clothes, I like to travel and shop for chocolate and wine, my way to taste the destination.

Belgian Chocolates

What makes Belgian chocolate so coveted and tasty?  I learned a few things during my tour of the chocolate museum – a Choco Story Bruges – which traces chocolate from the Aztecs and Mayas to European chocolate. Belgian chocolates have a high cocoa content, use 100% cocoa butter and are credited with creating the classic praline.  Belgian chocolate is exported (over 60% of production) around the world via brands like Neuhaus, Leonidas, Callebaut, Belcolade and Godiva to name a few. There are so many more award-winning chefs and chocolatiers throughout the country creating new chocolate varieties, flavors and tastings for everyone to enjoy. There is also the Salon du Chocolat each year, celebrating all things chocolate (add that to your festivals list – who needs a music fest when you can have a chocolate fest?).

Bruges Chocolate Shops

For my visit to Bruges, I focused on the smaller chocolatiers in the city.  In my short visit, I visited ten chocolate shops over three days buying small samples and then going back for larger purchases to bring home with me to the U.S.  These were my favorite three chocolate shops in Bruges (alphabetical order).

Chocolatier Dumon Bruges

Chocolatier Dumon is a cute little shop located a few yards away from the central market square.  When I entered, I was immediately overwhelmed (in a good way) by the smell of chocolate and the vast choice of shiny chocolates in prepared packages or made to order.  The chocolates are not labeled and the store is geared for tourists who order boxes based on size (number of pieces) and price and need only say “nuts or no nuts”.  The associates will then choose a sample for you.

Me being picky me, wanted to know what each chocolate was filled with.  The store was empty so I didn’t think it was too much to ask for what I wanted.  One woman was a bit annoyed by me (if she only knew my much pickier chocolate friends) and did the “nuts or no nuts” while her colleague indulged my curiosity.  The chocolates are quite creamy and filled with classic crèmes, caramel and fruit flavors.  My box of 12 pieces was a nice mix and surprisingly very affordable (under 10 euro) as were the prices of prepackaged options on the shelves.  The store sells ice packs for the chocolates if you are there on a hot day or transporting the chocolates home.   I ate the chocolates during my visit to Bruges – they are easy to enjoy but very rich so you can’t eat too many at once (I tried).

Verdict – There are no surprises at Chocolatier Dumon Bruges – this is the classic chocolate shop with affordable chocolates to please everyone on your list.  Note that as they are handmade and fresh, the shelf life is not long (maybe a week or less) for optimal tasting enjoyment.

Pierre Marcolini Bruges

The small chocolate shop is on the market square (next to Godiva). The Pierre Marcolini window was so pretty that I was face pressed to peer into the closed shop window featuring the artwork in cake. I would research the shop back at the hotel and plan my morning visit for the next day.

The pretty cakes in the window were what originally called to me. Once inside the store, I was lured by the boxes of hearts, the handmade jellies and so much more.  Unlike Dumon, Pierre Marcolini has everything in boxes and collections as well as offers individuals cakes and ice cream options.

It was like walking into a luxury store that you could actually afford something – if not a boxed collection, a cake, if not a cake then ice cream or ice cream bar. The saleswoman hadn’t even taken the covers off of the glass cases when I arrived ready to buy as quickly as possible.

I took the chocolate mousse cake with me to Ghent 1898 The Post Hotel to enjoy with a glass of wine (perfect combination).  I brought boxes of chocolate hearts, chocolate sampler and fruit jellies home for my family to enjoy. Pierre Marcolini has been called a “taste designer” in search of creating a better and lighter chocolate experience.  I’d say he’s definitely succeeded with the taste and experience.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Pierre Marcolini creations as did my family.

Verdict – This is a luxury chocolate shop for fancy chocolate gifts hence “Haute Chocolatier”.  It is also a social media goldmine of colorful cakes (almost too pretty to eat), ice cream and chocolates heart in flavors that you already love – raspberry, caramel, passion fruit, praline, lime and pistachio. Stores are located around the world, weirdly the only U.S. store is in Hawaii?!

The Chocolate Line Bruges

The Chocolate Line is a five-minute walk from the Belfry and market square past the many shops.  You’ll see a tree-lined pedestrian area on the left hand side in the middle of the road as well as fast food and fast casual cafes on either side. The Chocolate Line shop is by the award-winning chef Dominique Persoone. His creation of chocolates in over 40 flavors, tree to bar chocolates and single source chocolate bars will overwhelm you with choice in Bruges and Antwerp. The shop had just opened at 9:30 am and the chocolates were stacked to the top ready for the swells of customers, tour groups and locals. I was customer number one that morning and the associate was more than willing to indulge my questions to ensure I chose the best chocolates for me that represented The Chocolate Line.

The chocolates are all labeled to make it easy to navigate (their website is quite nice with ingredients and allergens).  With so many choices, it’s hard to narrow down what you want to add to your purple box.  I chose a box of 18 (gluttony embraced) pieces as my research box.  I started off with my comfort zone of raspberry, nuts, caramel, chocolate fillings before indulging in flavors like the miss piggy (chocolate ganache, almond praline, bacon and quinoa), apple, liquor filled options (Zapata rum, vodka, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bombay sapphire gin in red lips) and other interesting flavors.

I added in single source chocolate bars to taste the flavors of Costa Rica, Peru and Ecuador, just a few of the nine countries represented by chocolate bars.

The Chocolate Line uses ingredients others may be surprised by – onion, sake, beetroot, Havana leaves, basil, rice vinegar, sansho pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, chili pepper, wasabi, hemp seeds and poppy seeds.  You may enjoy the espresso coffee, lavender, mint leaves, passion fruit, banana, raisin and marzipan.  There is a bit of rock star glamour to the chocolate involving showing the Rolling Stones how to sniff the chocolate powder in the shooter. Persoone also created a chocolate lipstick and other offshoots with chocolate.  The Chocolate Line is about flavors, adventure and pushing chocolate comfort zones in a variety of ways.

Verdict – If you are an adventurous chocolate lover, The Chocolate Line is your happy place.  If you are just a simple chocolate fan, you’ll find a lot to love here as well from chocolate bars, origin chocolate discs and souvenir boxes sorted by type (fruit, nuts, etc.). For individual chocolate pieces,  try to eat within a week to fully enjoy the experience.  

Non-Chocolate Options in Bruges

Ok, maybe you’re like my mother who had a negative chocolate experience growing up or you prefer other types of desserts/treats.  Don’t despair, Pierre Marcolini has fruit jellies that are gorgeous to look at and eat.  There are other sugar options in the city of Bruges. You can enjoy donuts at Hill’s Donuts, cookies at Juliette’s or pastries/croissants at the many bakeries in town. You might even want a Belgian waffle with ice cream (Mom’s favorite).

More Chocolate Shops in Bruges

There is a chocolate shop for everyone in Bruges.  If you want cute animals, naughty bits and sayings, packaged Bruges souvenirs.  There are chocolate dusted truffles in bins, chocolate by the kilo, chocolate by the piece, bricks of chocolate that are hammered into pieces.  If you have a sweet tooth, Bruges is the place to (over) indulge.  It’s ok if you just want to eat chocolate all day – there’s even a museum with all you can eat chocolate discs while you tour at the Choco-Story Bruges.

There are chocolate tours in Bruges as well as classes on making/working with chocolate. Since I’ve done chocolate classes at home and have done behind the scenes pastry tours of chocolate I wanted to run around the city on my own tasting chocolate croissants, chocolate donuts, chocolate truffles, chocolate cookies and chocolates.

Final Thoughts – Chocolate Shops in Bruges

The Belfry in Bruges has 366 steps to climb to the top and 366 steps back to the bottom.  In my mind, those stairs helped negate some of the chocolate calories consumed (let’s not get technical and point out that I probably burned enough calories for only one truffle). Thankfully, you gained no weight reading this post (I can’t say the same) as I had a lot of fun with the blog research into my three Best Chocolate Shops in Bruges. Note that because it was a hot summer day, I skipped the drinking chocolates and hot chocolate options – those will need to wait for my next visit along with the other 80 chocolate shops!

Do you have a favorite chocolate shop in Bruges? A favorite Belgian chocolate brand? Share in the comments please so I can add to my list of chocolates to research next time.

Bouchon Bakery Las Vegas – Palazzo Hotel

I fell in love with the Bouchon Bakery in New York City’s Rockefeller Center year ago so when I discovered the Las Vegas location I went in search of bakery goodness.  Hidden behind the escalators at the Palazzo, it took a bit of time to find this kiosk (never underestimate the determination of one in search of a cookie) and since my (first) visit was after dinner, they were out of chocolate chip cookies so I bought the prepacked shortbread cookies to hold me over until my  morning visit.

Note: If you keep your receipt from the Bouchon Bakery, you get a discount at the French Café, Bouchon Bistro upstairs (definitely a bonus! reservations required)

The Honolulu Cookie Company

With two locations (in the Palazzo shops (upstairs) and the LINQ Promenade near the High Roller ferris wheel), the Honolulu Cookie Company is now a new favorite in the premium shortbread cookies arena.  Since I was new to the cookie company, I got to have fun and try all the flavors at their sample tasting area. Their tasting conversion to buyer has to be at or near 100% because the pineapple shaped shortbread melts in your mouth.  With individually wrapped cookies, you can create your own mix of cookies or buy one of many premade gifts.  The real question is “will you share?”

Sprinkles at the LINQ Promenade

When the cupcake craze was at its most frenzied, the Sprinkles cupcake machine in Los Angeles was all over the news.  An ATM for cupcakes is a fabulous idea for sugar obsessed folks like me who crave cupcakes at times when most bakeries are sold out or closed for the day.  So when I saw the Sprinkles shop in the LINQ Promenade by the High Roller ferris wheel, I just had to stop to collect cupcakes (it was my birthday weekend after all).

The choice of full sized cupcakes was overwhelming so because I wanted a few flavors so I picked three mini cupcakes to get a taste of what has made Sprinkles Cupcakes so popular in California.  As cupcakes, the flavors were good, the icing was ok.  Based on this tasting, I’m probably not a return visitor to Sprinkles as there are better options in Las Vegas in my opinion.

The Sugar Factory Las Vegas

The most instagrammed place is The Sugar Factory in Las Vegas.  I stopped by the Fashion Show Shop across from The Wynn Hotel (there’s another one in the Miracle Mile Shops at the other end of The Strip) see what all the fuss was about and was met with a phone book thick menu similar to the Cheesecake Factory menu except for the massive goblet drinks, sharable desserts and rainbow colored buns with the sliders.

I would have stayed but the goblet bowl was $50 which is insane for a 60 oz. drink made with a bowl full of ice.  The menu doesn’t list drink prices for the goblets and the bartender acted like $50 is a good price when I balked at the ridiculous price.  I didn’t need to experience this nor Instagram it – the duck is cute as is the old fashioned candy store shop but I’d rather spend $50 on a steak upstairs at The Capital Grille.

The Sugar Factory is an American chain restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches and entrees in otherwise normal price ranges.  This restaurant is in tourist heavy locations and a celebrity favorite for the Instagram crowds.  There were many families and groups enjoying large portions during my visit. The best part of the restaurant is the candy shop with classic favorites (pixie sticks, candy buttons) and new favorites to scoop into your bag.

Jean Philippe Patisserie – Aria Hotel & Bellagio Hotel

Jean Philippe Patisserie has been my go to dessert for years.  The plethora of sweet treats is just overwhelming to pick just one!  On this visit, I stayed simple (if there is such a thing for Jean Philippe) with a blueberry cupcake.  Purple seemed a festive birthday treat sans the candle(s).  For the worlds largest chocolate fountain, visit the Bellagio Hotel location.

Le Jardin – Wynn & Encore Hotels

The pancakes were a massive winner at Le Jardin (some may say they qualify as a sweet treat).

My bithday weekend goal was to try the famous edible flower pot dessert as my birthday cake.  Unfortunately, this flower pot serves four people in its rich chocolate mousse, raspberry jam and chocolate cake goodness and try as I might, I couldn’t find a time to be hungry enough to even start on one slice and save the rest for later. At $17 this cake was a great deal if shared by four people. In person, it was bigger than I imagined. I really tried to fit this cake in as it was my birthday and I wanted a special treat.  Next visit to The Wynn, this is my first stop – cake and wine!

Las Vegas Desserts – The Birthday Brownie

After my slight detox of all things gluten during my wellness vacation at Red Mountain Resort, I went crazy for sugar (and gluten) with the phrase “but it’s my birthday” when I arrived in Las Vegas at The Wynn.  In the end, on my actual birthday, I only had one dessert at my late lunch – the Sea Salted Caramel Ice Cream Chocolate Fudge Brownie at The Wynn sports bar/restaurant.  After my weekend of Las Vegas Desserts, I came home happy, slightly fatter and definitely older.

If you are a long time reader or follow me on social media, it’s no secret that I have a bit of a cookie obsession.  A visit to Blondie’s Kitchen Pop Up at Selfridge’s in London was going to be a treat on my continual quest to find a good cookie in London (it really is a cookie desert of over twenty years in my opinion) – shortbread biscuits don’t count.

A cookie is a simple treat that pretty much makes most people happy or evokes memories of childhood.  When I fly, I always bring cookies with me in my snack bag and those cookies have made me new friends during delays, helped me score an empty row of seats and a free bottle of wine from the flight attendant I shared cookies with and provided a wonderful treat in flight when snacks are lacking.  In every city I’ve visited, I go in search of a good cookie or fantastic local bakery.  Cookies for me are small bites of happiness.  Cookies to my gym routine are destructive.  Cookies to my doctor are on the “do not eat” list.  I’m not sure when cookies became the enemy – even gluten free cookies get a bad rap.  So when I read on Secret London’s Facebook page of a Milk & Cookies Pop Up Shop at Selfridges called Blondie’s Kitchen which would only be open for one month, I was intrigued and ready to be bad and go off my diet for good cookies.  Even better was that my trip to Edinburgh & London would coincide with the final days of the pop up shop so I was able to experience the cookies first hand.

Blondie’s Kitchen is a new venture by two London chefs, both blondes hence the name.  On a visit to New York City, they happened upon a Milk & Cookies shop, MilkBar, and realizing there was nothing like that in London (I’ve been lamenting the horrible cookie scene in London for over 20 years!) they decided to open up their own.  Starting with a small pop up venture inside the Old Street Station they sold out immediately and realized there was a demand for their milk & cookies (cookies are much easier to eat in my opinion than the cupcakes sold by Lola’s cupcakes at many train stations). Their next pop up shop opportunity was at Selfridge’s Food Hall, which is big time exposure and prompted many stories to be written about their indulgent treats.  They are now working on an online shop to complement their catering business to sell direct to consumers. Long term is a physical shop and hopefully dreams of competing with the likes of Ben’s Cookies in the city.

Before I had a chance to taste the cookies, my friend would get there first as I put the Blondie’s Kitchen Milk & Cookies Pop Up Shop at Selfridge’s Food Hall on his London Itinerary.  He was in cookie heaven and was able to enjoy the cereal milk as well.  His Instagram and Facebook post let me know that I was in for a treat during my visit.

As a kid (and maybe a bit today) the best part of cereal was always the leftover milk that you could drink.  Well, blondie’s kitchen captures those milk memories in bottles today – choose from Frosted Flakes, Coco Pops as well as regular milks to enjoy with your cookies.

It took me a while to find their stand as I entered Selfridge’s from Oxford Street rather than the Food Hall side street for which they had a great location near the entrance as Selfridge’s is highlighting local businesses.

There were two ladies working the stand and I mentioned I read about them and was from the U.S.  They had a plate of samples and described each cookie on the stand as they had me try most of the flavors. I’m not a peanut butter or coconut fan so passed on those samples but was rewarding my taste buds with new cookies and that’s always a great experience.  Their cookies are a blend of unique ingredients of today often smashed up with candy favorites like kinder bars and the indulgent cookie “get stuffed” has two favorites – Oreo cookies crumbled on top of a Nutella filled cookie.  For me, the simple milk chocolate and the double chocolate with tahini and sesame seeds were winners.

I was really tempted by their signature cookie sandwich – two cookies with homemade honeycomb chocolate mousse in between.  But I was on cookie overload after the samples to even consider that treat.

They also serve a Gluten Who? Cookie which is a peanut butter cookie made with almond milk and were introducing their raspberry and coconut cookie.  I bought three cookies – one to enjoy now and two to bring home.  The cookies were on the larger side of a normal cookies (so about two servings) and priced at £3 per cookie which was reasonable.

The soft, chewy cookies definitely had a good flavor and held up for a few days retaining that soft texture. I hope that Blondie’s Kitchen does get the next phase up and running soon as I’d finally love to say I have a favorite cookie in London to add to my cupcakes and chocolate walking tour list.  Pop Up Shops are great ways to enjoy a city’s food and support small and growing businesses as they expand their dreams.  I’m glad I could experience the Blondie’s Kitchen Pop Up at Selfridges and look forward to the day I can walk into their shop to order cookies and declare that London is no longer a cookie desert.

One thing I learned about my Mom on our recent trip is that she eats a lot of ice cream – she’d probably eat it for breakfast if she could. She is not addicted to cookies, cake or pastries like I am – she’s all ice cream.  I first learned of Magnum Ice Cream bars when I was staying in Gozo as my friend is a bit obsessed with them.   He is like Mom and would eat ice cream all day if he could as well.  So when Mom & I were done with our Versailles quick visit, I introduced her to this European treat to enjoy while we waited on the bus to arrive to return us to Paris. She quickly fell in love with the Belgium chocolate ice cream luxury treat so it was no surprise that this became her go to ice cream during our Paris visit.

After our day of Champagne in Epernay, we jumped in a taxi to go to dinner at Breakfast in America (Mom wanted a burger).  I forgot to mention the arrodissement I wanted so the driver took us to the nearest location in the Marais.  As he navigated the small streets turning here and there, Mom spied the Magnum Paris shop and asked if we could stop, I told her after dinner.  She said “ok, but we better go there so remember where it is”.  Seriously this woman has an ice cream problem.  As I’m lactose intolerant, there’s only so much leeway that my Lactaid pills can do so I was going to treat myself to a bar on our last night in Paris – why should Mom have all the fun?  So after dinner, I google mapped the location which was about two blocks from the diner.

Despite her recovering knee, Mom seemed to run down the street (never understimate a senior citizen and their affinity for ice cream) to the shop which looked like a very posh ice cream shop.

I had no clue that I could make my own Magnum Ice Cream bar, but this was a temporary pop-up store scheduled to close in a few days so we lucked out.  Now we had so much choice – too much choice!  Even Mom was a bit taken aback. The cost was €5 which is obviously a premium price but this is Paris and it’s a luxury treat.  The corner shop was decorated in popsicle stick art, cocoa beans and sparkling art Magnum bars in the window.  You might first mistake this for a boutique shop or art gallery from afar.

Make My Magnum Paris Ice Cream Bar

Choose your base 

Vanilla

Chocolate

Choose your hand dipped chocolate coating

White Chocolate

Milk Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

Choose your toppings

Here’s where the fun begins! There were close to twenty topping choices!

The staff spoke English which was helpful as Mom was eager to get her ice cream.  She ordered Vanilla, Milk Chocolate and was talked into adding a topping of caramel bits. She’s a purist so I was surprised she was so easily swayed into adding a topping. They topped off her bar with white chocolate drizzle and a white chocolate circle.

As for me, I went all out – Vanilla, Milk Chocolate with multiple toppings – biscuits (cookies) in vanilla and chocolate along with caramel bits. Once they added the drizzle and the chocolate Magnum circle – it was perfect! As the bars were just dipped and covered in goodies, they need a minute or two to harden so your bar is put onto a small box.

The shop had just one high top table and since we were unable to eat our mess and walk we decided to sit down to enjoy our chocolate treats. We shared the table with a couple and all marveled at each others creations – each had an ice cream masterpiece. But don’t worry after the required social media photos #MagnumParis we all quickly chomped into our ice cream art (lest you forget the video screen reminds you to post on Instagram and elsewhere).

Magnum Paris Verdict

I love the concept of make my own Magnum Ice Cream bar and the temporary Pop Up store in Paris – I did go overboard with the toppings as the chocolate was lost in all the goodies so next time, I’d go easy on the toppings despite the staff’s insistent I can add more.  I needed more ice cream and chocolate to goodies ratio.

This was Mom’s last Magnum Ice Cream bar in Paris and a perfectly indulgent way to end our visit to the city. The Magnum Pop Up Stores are a summer treat in various cities each year around the world so be prepared to find one this summer.

On my infamous trip to Paris when I was abandoned at Valentine’s Day, I had visited Angelina Paris because my friend HAD to try the famous hot chocolate as it was on the list of must do Paris activities she had printed from CNN and had to check each box.   At the time, 1994,  I was only a few years out of college, living at home with my parents and not eating at fancy places like this so spending what was then a lot of money for a croquet monsieur (ham/cheese sandwich) and a glass of Coca Cola seemed ridiculous.

So fast forward to Mom’s luxury trip to Paris & London. Our hotel, Hotel Therese, welcomed us with Angelina chocolate bars and I had flashbacks to the good parts of that doomed trip, namely the lovely Parisian experience of a cafe lunch.  Yes, it’s high on the tourist scale but most of Paris will be full of tourists so get over that.  The prices are high (it’s a tourist attraction in my opinion) but it’s an experience that I think you should try at least once. It’s been an institution in Paris since 1903!  Think of all the people who have enjoyed this tea room and indulged in the pastries and chocolate (each unique works of art).

While Mom really enjoyed cereal and coffee each day in the hotel, I was dying to escape to a French café or patisserie for breakfast.  Knowing that cereal wouldn’t be on the menu, I had to take a chance that Mom might eat eggs for breakfast on our last day in Paris as I explained “this is a classic Paris experience”.  I chose breakfast at Angelina because I knew it wouldn’t be crowded (you can reserve a table on OpenTable) at 8 a.m., since they open at 7:30 a.m.

The Takeaway Treats at Angelina Paris

When we entered I immediately noticed the pastries that I wanted to consume en masse – they were gorgeous works of art and I wondered how I missed those on this trip.  Oh right, Mom – she has no sweet tooth at all so we passed most of the patisseries this trip.   The small area has colorful macarons, delectable social media worthy #foodporn French pastries and a wall of chocolate options (bars, tins and bags of treats) as well as Angelina specialities.

The Angelina Paris Breakfast

There is a smaller upstairs dining room but as it wasn’t crowded this Friday morning, we were greeted and shown to a table for two in the main dining room.  Mom commented “this is a small table” and I laughed and said it was perfect café type size with a small side table to hold the larger items.  Looking around the walls and ceiling had décor that seemed to evoke an era gone by and that’s part of the charm.  You can imagine the elegant past of this famous room with its Belle Époque architecture and details.

I had already looked online at the breakfast options and prices so I wasn’t surprised, Mom was a bit taken aback but this was a lady who was ok with her €15 cereal/coffee combo and €8 diet coke so really should she have been surprised?

I ordered the Angelina breakfast (€29.50) with is a good mix of bread & pastries (croissant, pain au chocolate, raisin and baguette), coffee, orange juice, hot breakfast (eggs) – it’s cheaper to go with this instead of ala carte each item.  Mom ordered the ala carte Angelina croissant (€14) with ham since she was drinking my coffee (I don’t drink coffee) and sharing the pastries.

Of course, I inhaled the tray of carbs and told mom of the joys of French butter – she smothered her baguette with butter and understood quickly asking “can we take the butter with us?”  I said “there won’t be any left to take but we can take the jams and honey jars with us”. Happily full of French carbs, my eggs arrived simply plated while mom’s ham and egg croissant stole the show.  We were both surprised to see that it was a croissant sandwich stuffed with scrambled eggs and ham – she loved it!

The Angelina Paris Dining Room Conversation

The room was a mix of French people, Asian & American tourists.  The American ladies were seated at the table across from us (Yes, I was eavesdropping but frankly it was hard not to as the ladies were a bit loud arguing over what to do for the day and what to order).  At one point, one lady got up and stormed out leaving her friend alone.  Of course, knowing that scenario all too well, I leaned over to chat and tell her that she could mix/match the menu like Mom and I did to save money and not waste food.  She quickly shared that this was her dream trip with her mom who sadly passed a few years prior so she was with her friend.

While she was content to wander the streets of Paris to take in the sights, sounds and smells, her friend didn’t want to go to Versailles alone (this was a classic case of conflicting travel styles and why you need to quiz your friends).  When she went to find her friend outside thinking she was smoking to calm down, she returned to tell us that her friend left her without a text, call or email.  But the Southern Lady from Atlanta wasn’t about to let this get to her – she ordered her Angelina breakfast and wanted to enjoy this historic taste of Paris that was on her list (she thought it was too early for the famous hot chocolate, I said I didn’t think so – it’s chocolate after all!).

As we wished her a great stay in Paris, we again walked past the pastry counter and I vowed to return after our boat cruise to pick up treats for our Eurostar journey to London (alas, all good plans – traffic on the Seine prevented me from coming back in time).

Parisian Breakfast at Angelina Paris

Mom enjoyed this little slice of Paris – she loved her breakfast sandwich and was engrossed in all the drama of the American ladies next to us (classic café culture of the stories all around you).  I told her that’s what happens when you travel – you enjoy good food, meet interesting people, share stories and if you are lucky indulge in chocolate!

Angelina Paris is priced on par with many hotel breakfasts and in that case, I’d say leave the hotel buffet behind and splurge on a taste of historic Paris, on pretty patisserie and luxury chocolates at Angelina. This is a food memory of Paris that is a good one – at breakfast, at lunch, brunch, the ice cream cart or from the patisserie case – so indulge!

Angelina Paris Location

We at the original location across from the Tuileries Gardens (between the Louvre and Plaza Concorde), at 226 rue de Rivoli in the 1^st arr.  Rue Rivoli leads to the Champs Elysees and the Louvre so the main street is also easy to navigate and the Metro (Line 1 yellow) stops at Tuileries.  There are other locations throughout the city so go indulge your sweet tooth.

For a first time visitor to Philadelphia, you will be overwhelmed (and surprised) by the amazing Philly foods available 24/7 (the pretzel bakeries and cheesesteaks are great midnight or 3 a.m. treats).  I always joke to bring your stretchy (fat) pants but the good part is that all of the food (and drink) calories are usually offset by the amount of easy walking you can do in Center City and along the Schuylkill River (running, walking and bike paths).  We are a foodie city (didn’t know that?  you should, we are a hidden gem of food) with a great range of restaurants, chefs, iconic foods, neighborhood institutions and local favorites.  No Philadelphia foods list will ever be the same – they will always include the cheesesteak, soft pretzel and water ice and then veer from there.

Now while I could probably write 100+ Foods to Eat in Philadelphia, let’s start with the most famous top 10+ that I usually suggest to first time visitors (not in order because that’s too hard).

Philly Foods – The Sandwiches

1. Cheesesteak – No Philadelphia visit is complete without trying our famous (and beloved) cheesesteak sandwich. It really is that good – even bad cheesesteaks are usually ok.  But you are a visitor and the key is to find the good ones with the best bread.  I’d order a whiz without.
   1. Don’t bother with chicken, the only choice is the beef (it’s thinly sliced sirloin).
   2. Next do you want with (or without) onions
   3. Pick your cheese (or fake processed cheese that we love)
      • American
      • Cheese Whiz
      • Not Provolone as it screams “I’m not from here” and can lose you the election

Now where to go?  That’s the question that can start fights with everyone having a favorite.  If you are staying in downtown Philadelphia, then there are two options for me. (Note there are many vendor carts and pizza shops that also do good cheesesteaks if you can’t get to my favorites).

√ Jim’s Steaks on South Street

√ Campo’s in Old City

√ Davio’s – The luxury version of the cheesesteak, the cheesesteak spring rolls with spicy ketchup and onion straws. You can sit at the bar and enjoy these with the bar menu or opt for a table and a special meal of freshly made pastas like the truffle oil gnocchi or angel hair pasta.  The dessert cart is heavenly so leave room.

2. DiNic’s Roasted Pork Sandwich. The Food Channel named this America’s best sandwich and we smiled as we already knew it was a winner (after the cheesesteak of course).  Located in Reading Terminal across from the Convention Center be prepared to wait in line.  The roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe is massive so be prepared to share.
3. Hot Turkey Platter at the PA Dutch Eating Place (Reading Terminal Market) – This Amish counter is worth the wait.  My all time favorite is the Hot Turkey Platter which is two slices of white bread (or one slice of bread for open face) with freshly sliced turkey covered in gravy with a side of mashed potatos or freshly cut fries (we are indulging, right!?).  It looks messy (it is) but it’s amazing!  Order with a fresh lemonade.

   

    

4. Hoagie – You might call it a sub but here in Philly, it’s a hoagie. Please don’t think Subway is your hoagie option – go to Wawa or find a Primo’s Hoagies.

Philly Foods – The Sides with Beer

Go to any bar and ask for a Yuengling Lager.  This famous beer from Pottsville, PA can only be found locally. We also have many local craft breweries supplying the city with unique offerings (bring your growler to fill) and pop up beer gardens that you’ll be hard pressed to find someone ordering a Budweiser or Coors Light.  For the true craft beer fan, Philly Beer Week, is a reason to visit Philly in May/June.  What goes best with beer?  Pretzels and Fries!

1. The Philadelphia Soft Pretzel (we love our carbs!). You will see soft pretzels available in a variety of stores and vendor carts (we have many bakeries so you will notice a difference). In Center City you will see (and smell) a plethora of Philadelphia Soft Pretzel Factories.  Walk inside the green & white stores and be enveloped by the aromas and all of a sudden you are scarfing down more pretzels than you intended.  These fresh out of the oven treats go best with a spicy brown or hot mustard (yellow mustard is really a NO in my opinion).   All are good just remember you are walking all of these calories off, right?
2. Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries – A special blend of old bay seasoning that tops your basket of crinkle cut fries (regular and/or sweet potato) that comes with melted cheese and/or honey. This is a special trip to South Philly, the Sports Stadiums or at the Philadelphia airport on your way home.  These are not to be missed (and are worth the added gym time).

   

Philly Foods – The Sweet Treats

1. Philly Water Ice – This is usually a confusing one for visitors. It’s not shaved ice, it’s not a snow cone with flavored syrup.  It’s an icy treat to make the humid summers seem bearable.  It might be closer to a sorbet but not as creamy.  Made with fresh fruit and a variety of flavors, pair it with the salty soft pretzel and memories of my youth are returning.  Rita’s Water Ice can be found by its red and white striped awning throughout the city.
2. The Philly Desserts – I’ve written an entire dessert guide about my favorite Philly desserts that you can enjoy locally and send home as a reminder of your trip. Here are just a few of the highlights near the Convention Center and at Reading Terminal Market:
   1. The Barbuzzo Budino – salted caramel, cream lined with a cookie crumble base (Barbuzzo -13^th Street near Sansom)

      

       

   2. Termini Bakery Cannoli’s (famous Italian pastry at Reading Terminal Market first aisle)
   3. Metropolitan Bakery Sour Cherry Sea Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie (enough said – find in the back corner of Reading Terminal Market)
   4. Asher’s Chocolates (I’m addicted to the chocolate covered pretzels – available at the PA General Store at Reading Terminal Market)

      

   5. John & Kira’s Chocolates – Husband/wife team producing hand crafted chocolates (love the sea salted caramel bees) and candies.  Worth the extra cost trust me! (available at the PA General Store in Reading Terminal Market)

      

       

       

3. Donuts at Federal Donuts – This is your foodie version of the donut. Federal Donut sells two foods – fried chicken and donuts.  A weird combination that is a winning one.  While we all love our Dunkin Donuts, Federal Donuts becomes the gourmet version for our grown up foodie tastes. With flavors like Vanilla Spice, Strawberry Lavender, Blueberry Marscapone, Chocolate Peanut Butter and of course, the old standard, Old Fashioned Glazed you will find a favorite. You can get a hot, cooked to order donut or try one of the fancy ones (this is a great example of when to wear your fat pants).

   

4. Capogiro Gelato & Sorbet – a husband/wife team creating small batch locally sourced gelatos and sorbets. They give you free tastes and are a luxury treat throughout the city.  When its raspberry season I would go daily (lots of walking folks!), others enjoy the dark chocolate and Dulce de Leche.  The sorbet options (dairy free) are unique in fruit & vegetable flavors. (13^th & Sansom, across from Barbuzzo)

Philly Foods – Vegetarian, Vegan, Coffee

• Vegetarians and Vegans Philly Foods – Philadelphia has a variety of food options to satisfy your veggie needs. Top spots include Vedge, Mama’s Vegetarian and Sweet Freedom Bakery.
• Coffee  – La Columbe is the top spot but coffee (and tea) is quite competitive with a plethora of neighborhood coffee shops vying to feed your caffeine fix.

  

Philly Foods – Wawa:

• WAWA is an Institution in Philadelphia (yes, it’s a funny name but just go with it). Don’t look for the 7-11, just find the Wawa for all of your Philly Foods like Hoagies, Herr’s Potato Chips, Tastykakes (Butterscotch Krimpets are the best) and Wawa coffee.

  

There‘s no calories reading this post but there sure are indulgent calories in trying these Philly foods.  But that’s what vacation is for to indulge in local favorites for special memories.  Hopefully you’ll find a few options above to enjoy during your visit.  Just remember to pack those stretchy pants!

If you are a local, comment below with your favorite Philly Foods that you’d recommend to a visitor.

It was my birthday and what better way to celebrate than to visit my favorite London cupcake and chocolate shops in Soho for a day of sugar treats?  My travel writer friend, Kristen, who I met at the NY Times Travel Show earlier this year, met me for lunch at Café Deco on Store Street in Bloomsbury (not far from the British Museum) and for £5.50 I had a massive entrée of spaghetti and meatballs with a bottle of water (great lunch deal!). The weather was nice enough to sit outside in London, a rarity in November so we took advantage.  Kristen surprised me with a cupcake from Waitrose which was surprisingly good and thus began our day of sugar exploration in Soho and Marylebone.

Warning: This post contains  a plethora of sugar temptation. I am not responsible for weight gained from cravings.  Just remember that there are no calories in photos!

Carnaby – Crumbs & Doilies (C&D Bakery)

With the Waitrose cupcake a quick and tasty memory, I asked Kristen to join me on my DIY London cupcake and chocolate walking tour after my site visit of Z Hotel Soho (we did a walkby of Hotel Chocolat Soho saving it for later).  She suggested Carnaby, a pedestrian area of shops, cafes and streets. I’ve visited many times but she showed me a new laneway of cafés and restaurants in Kingly Court and it was here that we found a new bakery, Crumbs & Doilies (C&D).

For a small shop, the temptations were plentiful – with brownies at eye level, confetti cake in the case and a plethora of mini cupcakes, I was overwhelmed by sugar.

Unsure where to start, regular size or mini versions of creative flavors, we opted for two minicupcakes each – we each had a malted mini, I then chose the sea salted caramel pretzel and she the mint chocolate.  Each bite sized cupcake was popped into our mouths and our taste buds were happy.

Paul A Young Fine Chocolates Wardour Street (Soho)

Our next stop was the Paul A Young chocolate shop on Wardour Street in Soho (if you follow me on Twitter you’ll know I’m addicted).  Welcomed into the store, we wandered about looking at the truffle options on the table and viewing the plethora of choices on the shelves and tables.  Too much decadent choice.

I mentioned we were on a birthday dessert tour and we were surprised with a sea salted caramel truffle each to taste.  I already knew that the caramel truffle was fantastic but watching Kristen’s face was priceless. We were then given a taste of the sea salted caramel popcorn pave in either milk (my favorite) or dark as we mulled over the liquid hot chocolate that was warming in the corner with add your own spice option.  Kristen was given a sample and added chili spices while I bought enough chocolate for my week’s stay (I’d be back for my “bring home to the U.S.” order). A new doughnut shop has opened next door but I’m saving that for my next trip.

Hummingbird Bakery, Wardour Street (Soho)

We reluctantly left the chocolate store and walked a few doors down to Hummingbird Bakery for the famous red velvet cupcakes that I discovered years ago staying at The Soho Hotel across the street.  This was my initial birthday celebratory cake plan, thinking I was solo, but my day morphed into a pure sugar high. One cupcake, two mini cupcakes, a sea salted caramel chocolate truffle and chocolate popcorn pave it was time to continue my sugar celebration with a red velvet treat.

Oxford Street – Lots of London Cupcakes and Chocolate Options

Needing a bit of a break and a walk we decided to go in search of the French patisserie in Marylebone.  It was quite a bit of a walk from Soho and a good opportunity to explore the side streets of Soho, Fitzrovia and Marylebone. We crossed Oxford Street seeing the holiday lights strung ready for the night and tried to out walk the rain which had just started.

Note: You could at this point, walk up Oxford Street, stopping at Ben’s Cookies, Lola’s Cupcakes (inside Topshop) or walk a bit further to Selfridge’s for posh chocolate and desserts.  It’s all up to you what you desire on your walk.  For us, we were determined for French pastries in Marylebone.

I was posting the sweet treat photos on Facebook and my friends kept asking “what tour is that?” – It’s my dessert obsessed DIY tour of London.  No tour group or cost to it (it may add a pound or two to your waistline – not my fault!) just need good walking shoes and an insatiable sweet tooth.

After our tour of cupcakes and chocolates, it was time to get a grown up treat so we walked across the road to the local pub, The Prince Regent. The interior had chandeliers, plush seating and fun design.  Neither the cider nor mulled wine was ready so we ordered two glasses of wine and toasted a great day – not only my birthday but a fun day of cake and chocolate between friends, it really doesn’t get better than that!

My Birthday Day of Sugar in London

As we walked back, me to the Great Northern Hotel to get ready for my birthday dinner, Kristen announced that we had walked over 10,000 steps, which didn’t quite negate the calories but made me feel a tad better.  On your next visit to London, divorce your food journal, double up on those gym classes before your leave home and indulge with abandon! My London cupcake and chocolate tour will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth – it does mine!

For more tempting cupcake and chocolate photos, follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest

What’s your favorite London cupcake or chocolate?  Let me know where to go next time!