Chocolate and coffee: the finer things in life

October 18, 2006 at 9:52 am | In Food & Drink |

Years ago, Israelis would complain that in New York it was impossible to find a good plate of hummus. But since the birth of chains like the Hummus Place and Chickpea, other foodstuffs have become the subject of complaint: coffee and chocolate.

As an Australian (we are also a nation of great coffee connoisseurs) I know that the United States has never been known for quality coffee. New York is no different. And anyone who has ever tasted the creamy, rich texture of Belgian (or even English) chocolate knows that Hershey’s may be good “candy”, but it isn’t really chocolate.

Luckily for the taste-buds then, two new Israeli-owned establishments have opened in downtown Manhattan in the last few months: the 24-hour café Aroma and the chocolate haven known as Max Brenner.

Addicted, as I am, to both coffee and chocolate, I could write about these two chains for hours. But I’ll spare you. Suffice to say, I was eagerly awaiting the opening of Aroma for about six months.

It seemed like forever, when the signs saying “Aroma” were up, and there were shadowy paintings of people in the windows, but nothing more.

Likewise, I have long been a fan of the chocolatey goodness a Max Brenner store can bring into your life. Until a recent spate of new openings in Israel, Australia boasted six Max Brenner stores, while Israel had only two. So you can consider me an expert.
The good news? Both Aroma and Max Brenner will not disappoint those already familiar with their fare, and they are bound to delight first-timers.

For me, it’s the giant salads, Israeli-style breakfasts and coffee with gooey chocolate at the bottom that appeals at Aroma. As for Max Brenner, I am in heaven just gazing upon the vats of melting chocolate or imagining the day when I’d be able to take home a giant-sized white, milk or dark slab (I am really not fussy). The menu at MB is packed with warm chocolate and coffee drinks, specialty desserts and other creative delights that are almost too numerous to name. For the calorie-conscious there is a “Healthy Max” menu as well (with a 300-calorie cheesecake, who would have thought it possible!?)

Like everything else in New York, however, both restaurants can get crowded and noisy, but what else is new? Reminds me a little of Israel.

Where to find them:
Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man
841 Broadway, nr. 13th St.; 212-388-0030

Aroma Espresso Bar
160 Wooster Street/145 Greene Street (entrance on Houston Street), 212-675-7749