A Truly Creamy, Rich Chocolate Beverage

While in Boston, I went to try a chocolatier shop known for its cute little chocolate mice and penguins (and formerly bunnies which I'm sad to not see in the store anymore) and its rich chocolate beverage. L.A. Burdick is possibly one of Boston's most favored hot chocolate spot to be, especially during those cold winters.


What's so special about their hot chocolate? First of all, instead of the store-bought powder, the beverages are freshly made of chocolate shavings that is grated from handmade chocolate. The shavings are melted with steaming milk and garnished with soft cocoa ball shreds. The chefs make the cocoa balls containing spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The intensity of the chocolate is just right for chocolate lovers and come in dark or white chocolate, which satisfies those who enjoy the eclectic bittersweet or sugary tastes of chocolate. The hot chocolate is served in three sizes, and the large size is served in a large coffee cup labeled chocolate (a very elegant display) that makes dining-in appealing. The place is an ideal cafe, incorporating not only a variety of chocolate beverages, but also teas, coffee, and fruity drinks. However, there can be limited seating, which may require people to order to-go (the other option is to wait for people to leave for seating).

I was fortunate enough to receive a gift of the chocolate shavings to make my own rich chocolate beverage at home. I decided to try it out and to my surprise it was as rich and creamy as what I tasted in the restaurant. Based on the instructions, it said to add 4-6 Tbsp of the chocolate shavings, but I only added 3 Tbsp to conserve the chocolate and not make it too strong. To my surprise, it was still extremely strong that I probably could have gotten away with 2 1/2 Tbsp, giving me more drinks for future cravings. :) The consistency of the homemade shavings was also as creamy as I remembered it from the time I had it in Boston. I was extremely content with the quality because normally the store tends to prepare such things better than if one attempted to make the same item at home.

In the front of the shop, chocolate candies are sold in simple and elegant packaging. Many of these gourmet chocolates can be a bit pricey, but are worth buying in singles or doubles as gifts. The most notewothy and popular item is their little chocolate creatures, mice and penguins. The mice chocolates come in different grades of chocolate (I prefer the dark chocolate). The penguins are in dark chocolate with a white chocolate belly. Both of these chocolate pieces seem solid, but inside the center is very soft and smooth. Looking at the little mice and penguins with their beady eyes put many girls into awe.

The pricing may be restraining, but if you just try and sample a few items, you'll likely be quite satisfied and possibly wanting for more. The fine grade of chocolate L.A. Burdick creates is a phenomenon to try if you're ever around Harvard Square.

52D Brattle St
Cambridge, MA 02138
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