Koko Black - Hot Chocolate (Belgian)

Price: $5.75

Rating: 3 Stars

Buy Again:  Yes, it didn't overly excite but a good Chadstone option

To begin it must be noted that a visit to any outlet normally associated with good taste and relaxation is going to be challenged at Chadstone due to the very nature of Australia’s largest shopping mecca and its unwavering weekend inhabitants. So after a frantic afternoon of shopping with my brother, niece and nephew we decided to relieve weary feet and treat ourselves to a hot chocolate.

Atmosphere

It was around 4.30pm on a Saturday when we entered the bustling café full of comfortably seated people enjoying their chocolate indulgences, but alas no such comforts for us as the seated section was surprisingly closed. Despite the obvious number of chocolate wanting patrons and the fact the adjoining Myer store is open until 6pm only take-away was available. When questioned the staff explained this allows them time to pack up the store – my radical suggestion, pay the staff to work a little longer.

Disappointed at not being able to sit, we each ordered a take-away hot chocolate and I lamented not being able to indulge in mousse or a Belgian spoil. Service was prompt and reasonable but nothing more.

Taste

And now we get to the verdict—the signature Belgian Hot Chocolate I ordered was pleasant, but somewhat disappointing. My discussion with the staff suggests they use Callebaut discs so I was hoping for a distinctly chocolate taste. It initially had a reasonable chocolate taste that was immediate on the front of the palette, but this soon disappeared and I was left with a very milky drink – too milky for my preference. I prefer the strong and punchy flavours of a dark hot chocolate or preferably an Italian. I’ll give them credit that the temperature was good and will note it was certainly better than the sickly sweet fare offered by standard café’s. But for $5.75 it wasn’t quite hitting the spot (not least as takeaway appears to cost the same as sitting in—points for democracy of seated comfort not costing more, unless of course you are buying take away.).

As a side note, when looking at the menu I was surprised to see the Hot Chocolate Affagato which I have oft partaken of has risen to over seven dollars in price.

Noting the other products on sale, it appears Koko Black is attempting to branch out further in its packaged lines with the introduction of, amongst other things, chocolate covered orange or lemon and rather tempting caramelised coconut chocolate discs. However, I always get the impression that they have never quite found their feet with the packaged items, and certainly I have rarely been tempted to buy them (with the notable exception of the alluring caramelised coconut discs mentioned above). And the rather attractive blocks with embedded ingredients which, when Koko Black first opened, characterised the brand are now sadly feeling a little same-same with so many other retailers replicating this style. I feel someone needs to invigorate the range.

Summary

Okay, I’ve harped on enough about not getting a seat and to be fair I have visited this store before and all in all (if seated) it would have been a pleasant experience. And pleasant is the word I keep coming back to, not amazing, not ground breaking but pleasant.

This isn’t as relaxed or refined as other Koko Black salons however the Chadstone store offers an excellent respite from the exhaustion of shopping and compared to other resident eateries a better than average hot chocolate (not to mention rather yummy dessert items) but it does pack a weaker punch in terms of taste and consistency when compared to some its competitors.

However, this time I would have to rate the hot chocolate as only 3 out of 5.

Note: individual chocolates and truffles are standard prices at $1.75each or $112 kg.

www.kokoblack.com.au

13 July 2009
Reviewer: Shari