Monsieur Truffe - Dark Hot Chocolate
Tasted: Dark Hot Chocolate
Rating: 4 stars
Buy again: Yes, good hot chocolate in great surrounds
I have been meaning to visit Monsieur Truffe for some time however the trip across town always seems to defy the time I have at hand. But here I find myself on the first day of my holidays, a sunny day, and at Monsieur Truffe.
I must say that the shop isn't overly well sign posted, the sign for hand made gelati whilst tempting distracted me and I walked past. However as I peered in, not realising this is where I sought, I did think to myself that I liked the look of this cafe and I'd like to visit sometime - so a pleasant surprise when I realised this was in fact my much sought after Monsieur Truffe.
Atmosphere & Service
Monsieur Truffe strikes a good balance amongst the many eateries in Smith Street; unique and fresh but still warm and inviting. It avoids any sense of pretence that does plague some of its neighbours, maybe because integrity is retained through the strong focus on quality chocolate.
Some of the tables and chairs are conventional cafe fare but others are a little more quirky and made from folded cardboard (albeit rather sturdy cardboard). There is also the obligatory comfy sofas and an impressive feature wall that forgeoes the typical chocolate pictures and offers up an enormous picture of deer in an autumnal forest. I love the chocolate paraphernalia around the store; hessian cocao bags and cocao pods and enjoy the novelty of being able to buy (chocolate orientated) greeting cards, cocoa beans and cocoa butter.
The counter, and its many wares, is positioned at the end of the shop and doesn't flaunt its goods but rather invites you in and down. Alongside Monsieur Truffe's extensive range of chocolates (the single origin range is particularly notable) he also allows us to indulge in other brands that he obviously approves of; Felchlin, Santander, Michel Cluizel, Valrhona, Chocovic. A rather impressive range of quality chocolate - but wait, there's more...with his handmade truffles and pralines, including an area generously set aside for samples.
I should mention there is a selection of fine looking croissants and pastries but these hardly warrant mention. They look good but pale into insignificance compared to the chocolate.
My hot chocolate arrives in a gorgeous little wooden cup with equally lovely wooden spoon. A different, earthy and tactile vessel (albeit a slight disappointment as I pondered whether it may be on the smallish side). The hot chocolate was topped with a generous sprinkle of chocolate, but sadly powder rather than my preferred shavings.
All this was done with great service from Monsieur Truffe himself which included a glass of water being delivered at just the right time.
The chocoalte is appropriately creamy to begin with, none of this light weight froth nonsense. This is full of texture and weight.
Beyond the froth it becomes thinner but maintains it's task and a soft but solid chocolate flavour develops. It doesn't bombard you but rather creeps up gently and lingers. There is no bitterness here but a discreet, well balanced sweetness. I have to concentrate on the flavour as whilst good it is mild and unassuming. And after some closed eye concentration I can sense tones of hazelnut, apples and a touch of spice - although these tones are very mild.
The powder on top I find distracting (and it does deliver a little hit of bitterness) but then I'm stubborn in my preference for shavings atop my chocolate.
Summary
This is a very good hot chocolate (and as with all good hot choolates made from couveture) and served in great surrounds with excellent service and a genuine passion for quality chocolate - so how can you go wrong? I rate this as 4 out of 5.
But off to purchase some goodies to take home...
*update provided, see comments below
- Felchlin Venezuelan Thins - $12.50
- Box 6 Classic 72% Truffles - $8
http://monsieurtruffe.wordpress.com/
90 Smith Street, Collingwood
Reviewed: Shari
25 January 2010
1 Comment
Reader Comments (1)
I visited the lovely Monsieur Truffe again have to correct my description of the hot chocolate. I would still rate it the same but apparently they don't come in milk or dark, but depending upon your preference they will make it stronger or weaker.
Of course, I opted for strong and it packed a fair punch but this time was lovely and thick. My friend didn't cope that well, being a self described 'chocolate pleb' he found it a bit rich and should have opted for it to be somewhat weaker. I still think it would benefit from shaved chocolate.
I also have to note the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) which was a rather impressive effort! My friend is half french and lived in Paris for many years and claimed it to be as good as anything you get in Australia. I agreed, it was light, buttery and choc full of chocolate yumminess - not to mention goes with a hot chocolate pretty well.
Still loving the vibe at Monsieur Truffe!