one good scoop

Summer is several months away, but it’s never too early to make plans when it comes to food. Especially when it only comes around during the summer, like the ice creams and sorbet offered by La Maison du Chocolat, a gourmet chocolate shop in the heart of Manhattan.

My friend and I were in the middle of a mini exploratory food tour of NYC and I suggested we make a stop at the branch near Rockefeller Center to taste the seasonal dark chocolate sorbet. As soon as we approached the front door we could already see how popular the specialty ice creams were by the small crowd congregated near the entrance, where the temporary ice cream counter was set up. Upon entering, you’ll feel like you died and went to chocolate heaven. There are cases of beautiful, delicate chocolate truffles, cakes, and macarons, along with offerings of hot chocolate. You’ll want to try everything, but stay on target! The ice creams are only available a few months each year.

I sampled the dark chocolate sorbet, which was rich and creamy (I would have thought it was ice cream!), but then the woman working there said the best flavor was the chestnut ice cream. As a bona fide chestnut lover, how could I refuse? Besides, I could steal a few licks from my friend’s chocolate cone. Both flavors were delicious: the dark chocolate was intense and chocolatey; the chestnut was smooth and subtle, with little bits of chestnut to enhance each bite.

After you taste this, you’ll wish it was offered all year round.

Here’s the rundown:
La Maison du Chocolat
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
(212) 265-9404
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Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:30am – 7pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm