Review : Max Brenner

I think the art of chocolate is something that has been diluted over the years. It has been deduced, especially in America, to things like powdered drinks and fat-free syrups. We may go through most of our childhoods only tasting chocolate flavored things, but never getting to enjoy the real seduction of chocolate. I'm not saying that special reserve 90% cacao is the only answer, but some percentage of cocoa beans is encouraged.
Chocolate, by far, is one of my favorite foods. In fact, I crave it. It is my brand of heroine. I must keep some in the house at all times or I go nuts when the craving it. When visiting friends in NYC, they suggested we go to eat at Max Brenner. I had first heard of Max Brenner on Food Network, but it had since moved to a twinging in the back of my brain. I tried to describe a place to them, a place of chocolate that I wanted to try, but it wasn't until we were seated and I saw the menu that I realize this was the place I had dreamed of trying. And I was in heaven. The place was packed, but we didn't have to wait long for a table on the overflowing sidewalk outside. The sun was just setting behind the large buildings surrounding us, and I began to get chilled, so I ordered some drinking chocolate. To call this 'hot chocolate' would be completely incorrect. This was how chocolate was meant to be drank.

Served in a loveable "hug mug", this tasty concoction of melted chocolate and cream was what I had been missing out on. They sell these wonderful demitasses in the shop inside the restaurant, and for a reasonable price. I immediatly wanted to buy two, but I didn't want to risk airline travel with them, and the sell them online! I have yet to purchase a set, but it is definitely on my wishlist.
While oohing and aahing over the hot, dense, creamy chocolate I was devouring, we enjoyed a Mediterranean sampler appetizer to delay the gratification that only another chocolate treat would bring. This delightful adjournment consisted of fresh warm pita bread, hummus with olive oil, babaganush (MXC fans, unite!), spanish eggplant dip, and greek stuffed grape leaves. My mind was whirling from the chocolate-induced endorphines while I ate, and everything was delicious. I had never had babaganush before, but at the time, it just seemed like another tasty hummus alternative.
And then it happened.... we ordered dessert. So much to choose from and only one chance to try. I splurged for the Banana Hazlenut Cream Crepe, because if it's one thing I like with my chocolate, it's bananas. And then the server brought out more silverware for our desserts, and it included a rubber scraper. That's when I knew...

That I was not going to be disappointed. My mind raced as I tried to imagine what type of chocolaty goodness would necessitate a rubber scraper. Our desserts arrived and I instantly wondered if I should've skipped the appetizer.

For there, in the halogen glow of the street lights, Chocolate Heaven was set before me. In all of its glory it contained fresh bananas and melted chocolate chunks in a light french crepe, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with crunchy candied hazlnut bits. Accompanying the center of my universe was vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries, blueberries, and even more liquid chocolate to drizzle as I pleased.

I regreat to inform those of you who have endured my droning on about chocolate to get to this point that I was unable to finish the entire crepe. None of my partners in chocolate crime that night could either. The center of the crepe was pure, unaldulterated melted chocolate of the finest variety I have tasted in a long, long time. After setting down my fork for the last time in frustration for not being able to finish my bliss, I sat back and closed my eyes. I took a deep breath to remember that moment. Full of chocolate happiness.

Besides the great food, and wonderful service, Max Brenner is an artist's dream. They sell their menus because they truly are works of art. If you appreciate a nice layout, some good illustration, and mouth watering photography, be sure to check out their website for some inspiring eye candy. (And check out their online shop for real candy.)

The only negative: Max Brenner only has two locations in the US, and they're both in New York City. So for now we'll have to make special trips and lust over the chocolate possibilities. Here's hoping they expand a bit.

I give this wonderful restaurant 5 stars, out of 5
★★★★★





Special thanks to Malissa and Chris...for giving me wonderful culinary experiences while staying with them in NYC.