Addicted to Chocolate
Grandview shop specializes in the tantalizing treat
By Cortney J. Porter |
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Ye gods, cocoa . . . and the delight of its velvety smooth texture, delicious flavor, and magical abilities to lift spirits, soothe nerves and benefit one's cardiovascular health in a single "melt in your mouth" hypnotic bite. I stopped by the Chocolate Cafe to ensure my resolutions stayed on track: to be happy and healthy in 2010. The Chocolate Cafe, located at 1855 Northwest Boulevard, is the first of its kind in Columbus, a veritable chocolate lover's shop of dreams. Since its inception two years ago, the cafe has offered a dizzying array of milk and dark chocolate confections, decadent desserts, specialty chocolate coffee drinks, and a bar featuring signature martinis, beer and wine, and a variety of comforting hot chocolates.
Photo: Chris Casella
I decided to knock off the chill with the Mexican Hot Chocolate ($3.50) and relax in the cozy space. The cocoa was presented in a large mug and topped with real whipped cream; this steamy beverage is made to order with your choice of creamy milk, pure milk or dark chocolate, and a hint of chile. The cafe's owner, Lisa Boyle, explained they use high quality chocolate from South Bend Chocolate Company and ingredients from local vendors. The result is a fine selection of menu items that are perfect for a group of friends, or an intimate date for two. Friday nights at the Chocolate Cafe features an all-you-can eat chocolate fondue, complete with all the usual suspects: superb melted milk and dark chocolate, fresh strawberries, bananas, pound cake, Rice Krispie treats, graham crackers, to name a few of the accoutrements, and, at $6.99 per person, this is a thrifty night of potentially unrestrained decadence. According to Boyle, the cafe goes through more than fifty pounds of chocolate every Friday night.
The very notion of such extravagant quantities of chocolate got me to wondering, "Why do people crave chocolate?" Apparently, chocolate is a natural wonder drug. With over 300 naturally occurring chemicals, it's not only the taste that has us hooked. Chocolate contains an endogenous cannabenoid, anandamide, which mimics the relaxing effects of marijuana. Skeptics claim one would need to consume several pounds of chocolate to experience psychoactive effects, but that merely helps me understand why it is impossible to eat only one piece. Chocolate also contains tryptophan and phenylethylamine, or PEA, the "love chemical." It's no wonder women love chocolate because PEA heightens the mesolimbic pleasure centers of the brain, and since chocolate is usually given as gifts during birthdays or Valentine's Day, it's also associated with love and ushers in the feeling of being pampered and cared for. Journalist Miranda Ingram notes that, "It's not that chocolates are a substitute for love, love is a substitute for chocolates. Chocolate, let's face it, is far more reliable than a man."
The melting point of chocolate is a bit lower than the average body temperature, which gives you that "melt in your mouth" feeling every time you bite into a piece. Chocolate contains cocoa butter, and at 97 degrees, it melts literally in your mouth, while the cocoa butter gives chocolate its rich, creamy consistency that transports the cocoa flavor perfectly.
The Chocolate Cafe
1855 Northwest Blvd.
(614) 485-CAFE
www.chocolatecafecoloumbus.com
Originally Published: February 1, 2010
