Chocolate Bar By Catherine Young “The Chocolate Bar sounds like a fantasy destination. Imagine a place where you are supposed to get dessert first and no one thinks you are strange if you order hot chocolate in a mug at the bar! Located at 114 West Chippewa between Salsarita’s and Papaya in the Hampton Inn, the Chocolate Bar offers evidence of the trendy chocolate scenes that have popped up in large American cities in the past few years. An outgrowth of Butterwood in Williamsville, their website promotes the idea of the “dessert nightclub.” The interior of the restaurant balances hip and fun with milk-chocolate-colored walls and a dark-chocolate-hued ceiling and columns. Low lighting, ample seating, and a great bar with tall blond bar stools add to the atmosphere. The dessert menu headings include Specialty Desserts, Crepes, Cake Slices, Pie Tart Slices, Ice Creams, and Sorbets. Along with a selection of red, white, and ice wines, specialty martinis, and stiff milkshakes (named Alp’ accinos), they also offer meals and light fare. These are abundant options. The first time I went, I panicked and ordered both the molten lava cake ($6.25) and the Dirty Girl Scout ($9.95—billed as “Thin Mint Madness,” it was more like a crème de menthe milkshake). When they both arrived it occurred to me that I had ordered two desserts. Everything at the Chocolate Bar is presented with a flourish. Large rectangular plates are garnished with rose petals and strawberry slices. Drinks come in asymmetrical glasses with crooked stems. The molten chocolate cake had only the thinnest cakey wall separating its oozing middle from the rest of the world. I took half of it home and it made a fantastic late night treat. The second time, I went in with a strategy. I ordered the sugar crepe with a side of Ceylon cinnamon ice cream ($6) and a cup of drinking chocolate ($2.50). The ice creams are homemade daily, and, in addition to chocolate and vanilla, come in renegade flavor combinations such as white chocolate/coconut/curry and pepper/fresh mint. An ice cream sampler would be a good addition to the menu. My ice cream was outstanding. The cinnamon flavor was not overbearing. Its subtly spicy heat worked with the creamy texture and created a perfect contrast to the light and tasty crepe. Be warned: the drinking chocolate is not regular hot chocolate; it has curry in it, which adds a certain depth to the flavor, a depth that you may or may not enjoy. I found the smell disconcerting but the actual beverage to be quite good. It is served in a demitasse cup with a cute metal pitcher for you to administer small portions for yourself. The menu offers seventeen martini flavors including Swedish fish, caramel apple pie, and, of course, chocolate. At $9.95 each, I suspect they are the priciest martinis in town. The chocolate martini is a decadent slurry with more intense chocolate flavor than others I’ve had. Delicious and strong, it is made with actual chocolate, not just chocolate liquor.If the prices seem too steep for you, try going on Tuesday nights when they have live music and great specials including two for one desserts, $2 off martinis, and $1 crepes at the bar. I’ll see you there. The Chocolate Bar 114 Chippewa St., 332-0484 Catherine Young is a freelance writer and artist living in Buffalo. Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top