Naked.
Not an adjective commonly expected in the name of a chocolate caf‚, but in this case, the venue it describes is anything but common.
When Tom Block decided to move on from his 29-year-old sweets business in Princeton, NJ, he envisioned a peaceful retirement to Vermont running a small chocolate shop. Instead he now resides in Philadelphia, where his desire to stay close to his daughter, Sara, inspired him to create one of Philly's most successful new dessert caf‚s.
The name "Naked Chocolate" was chosen for multiple reasons. Block wanted something edgy and hip while still showing the value of pure chocolate and the finest ingredients. Located in the former home of the Philadelphia Mercantile Exchange, Naked Chocolate is both classy and intimate, with the aura of a European coffee and dessert caf‚.
The menu consists of various coffee specialties, but the primary focus is definitely on pure chocolate. For drinks, there are hot and frozen drinking chocolates of many varieties, Au Chocolat Teas and sipping chocolates. By far, the most popular is the Hot Drinking chocolate ($3.50). Even in the summer months (the caf‚ has only been open since mid-August), this rich drink began to develop a following, but ever since the cold set in, its popularity has grown exponentially. The classic beverage includes a mix of only the finest milk and dark chocolates, and its several varieties offer succulent twists for a more adventurous palette.
As far as the sweets and chocolates sold here, the list is extensive.
Upon entering Naked Chocolate, one sees shelves full of boxed truffles, tables covered in miniature gift bags, counters covered in chocolate molded into shapes such as a giant leg (a lá A Christmas Story) or a life-size chocolate turkey, and lit-up display cases full of truffles, cupcakes, tarts and other sweet treats.
Block recommends everything. The specialties are the chocolates, of course, and after trying a plate of truffles no one could possibly contest. Among our favorites, the passion fruit truffle was sweet but tart without being overwhelming fruity. Also, the "Aztec" truffle was infused with old world spices like cardamom that subtly filled the chocolate flavor (chocolate platter, $4.50). The caf‚ is still tiny, and it is often crowded due to its booming success thus far. When asked about thoughts of expanding, Block commented that after only three months, it is hard to consider beginning again. If the caf‚ continues its present success, however, Block admits he would not be averse to investigating additional possibilities.
Naked Chocolate Cafe is a straight trip down Walnut Street from campus - the perfect adventure for a Saturday afternoon with friends or a fun date with someone special. Everything here is perfect to be savored, sampled and shared, and not a single complaint could be heard about the amazing treats made fresh at the shop every day.
So the next time the craving hits to go and get chocolate, take my advice, and get Naked.
