Koko Black, Carlton

It would be sacrilegious for a 'Hot Chocolate & Latte' blog to not mention the wonderful and fabulous Koko Black! In our opinion, we really believe Koko Black did wonders for Melbourne and it does everything beautifully - from their hot drinks, smooth chocolates, desserts, salon decor and more recently even their tea selection (separate blog entry to be posted in November). Out of the total 6 salons in Melbourne, why did we choose Lygon St do you ask? Our answer is simple and sweet - two delicious words .... 'Chocolate Moelleux'. 167 Lygon St Carlton. http://www.kokoblack.com/


"There are quite a few Koko Black stores around but only the Carlton one serves up special desserts and one of my all time favourite is the Chocolate Moelleux, it is to die for :) Tasting that dessert again, it was still as good as I remembered. I love seeing the delicious runny chocolate oozing out of the centre when I dug my spoon into it. That lovely raspberry sauce that accompanied the dessert matched very well, it reduced the overly rich taste of the chocolate. Usually I would order my all time favourite hot chocolate but since we were already having a chocolate dessert, I decided to go with the hot chocolate mocha. It has to be one of the best mocha's around :) Most place's mocha tend to have a stronger coffee taste but I much prefer a stronger chocolate taste with a hint of coffee and this place created the right balance that I like." MICHELLE

"The only reason we venture to the Lygon Street Salon is for their Chocolate Moelleux with Raspberry Espuma' dessert dish. We've been to most of the salons, and so far Carlton is the only place that serves this heavenly concoction on a plate. I still remember the first time I sampled it with my good two good friends - I was blown away. When you gently dig your spoon into the soft chocolate sponge, dark smooth gold oozes out and when combined with the sweet sour taste of the raspberry cloud-like froth, bits of pistachio and crunchy biscuit - it is absolute heaven. This is definitely the star of all desserts here. It is so good that it actually silences Michelle and I for a few minutes whilst we enjoy every spoonful. It is quite rich so it's nice to share this dish. The lattes at Koko Black are consistently great - so good that I am always tempted to get a second one. I have never had a bad latte here so that is very re-assuring! Enjoy!" TAM

Monsieur Truffe, Collingwood

Monsieur Truffe is a wonderful cosy cafe filled with rich dark treasures such as truffles, chocolates, beautiful french pastries and liquid gold. It is located towards the Gertrude St end of Smith St and there is meter parking out front. Monsieur Truffe should be listed on Melbournes top treasures to visit. 90 Smith St, Collingwood. http://monsieurtruffe.wordpress.com/


"J'adore Monsieur Truffe, I think I am in love. That is how much I love this cafe. It is a very simple cosy cafe with beautiful touches such as the Japanese design serving plates and cups. The service is TRES friendly (I have never encountered friendlier service) especially Monsieur Truffe himself (I think it was him) - a wonderful friendly gentleman. I ordered my large latte which looked so beautiful I couldn't help but smile and I loved sipping from the bowl. The pain au chocolat here is SUPERB but I have noticed that they are the first pastries to dissapear - so it is best to come early and try one before they are all gone. Michelle and I are definitely regulars here now - even though we aren't locals. Due to the location and parking and limited tables, I have a feeling it gets quite busy on the weekend so it might be best to go early. Do drop by and visit if you can! P.S Their passionfruit and raspberry truffles are heavenly" TAM




"I REALLY REALLY like this place :) It has a very warm and cosy interior with shelves full of delicious chocolates. This was our second visit and everything was just as good as I remembered. The hot chocolate that came out in a little cup was smooth, chocolatey and delicously yummy. I didn't mind the small size as it left room for me to enjoy other things like their scrumptious looking pastries. Tam and I shared the almond and chocolate croissants, they were flakey and buttery, I enjoyed every bite....yummmm. We couldn't resist and tried out some of their sample truffles and they were really nice with delicate flavours. Of course we couldn't leave empty handed, we bought some nice truffles and other chocolates to take home to enjoy. Looking forward to my next outing here :)" MICHELLE