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“When asked if you’d like a second helping of dessert, what shall you respond?” The natural reaction for many of us passionate foodies would be a quick and definitive…“Yes!” Who would even have to think twiceabout the response to that question? Well, our cordial ‘tour conductor’ on Boston’s Original Chocolate Tour, interestingly enough, advised us otherwise.
Although it is an extremely difficult task to turn down a second offering of Boston’s decadent chocolate masterpieces, the “main course” is at the very last stop of the three-hour trolley tour – an “all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet.” It definitely lives up to the fascinating hype, so we strongly urge all to listen to the tour conductor’s words of wisdom and save room!
Upon arriving at the Trolley Stop Store, each group of guests is presented with a gift bag filled with a divine selection of chocolate delights, courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston. A simply mouthwatering Joonbug favorite in the goody bag is a unique Salt and Pepper Chocolate. This tasty delicacy has a hint of zesty spice that satisfies your sweet and savory cravings all in one treat. You are invited to snack on these confections during the trolley ride, in between chocolate courses!
After leaving the Trolley Stop Store we began our tour,which consisted of spending the entire afternoon delighting our taste buds with the city’s best chocolate desserts. The tour’s three opulent destinations are benchmarks in Boston’s culinary history. The tour started at the top of the city’s breathtaking skyline, where the first delicacy was gracefully served.
The first stop took us up fifty-two floors to the Top of the Hub. This location surely portrays eloquence when it comes to its fine cuisine and prime location. This venue’s very sinful chocolate appetizer served on the tour is only a snippet of what the rest of the afternoon will present.
The Top’s talented Executive Pastry Chef, Tommy Choi, introduces a luscious fusion of flavors for this sweet treat. The contrast of Choi’s impeccable work of chocolate art against a backdrop of celestial sky makes for an unforgettable experience. Creamy chocolate fudge meets fluffy peanut butter in his layered, whipped tart, coated with a vibrant raspberry glaze and topped off with a pink raspberry meringue cookie. A tiny glass vial of chocolate mousse with a dark and white chocolate wand and silky dollop of whipped cream to crown accompanies the layered tart.
Choi is constantly keeping his pastry masterpieces fresh, and each week he is switching up what he prepares for the Chocolate Tour. At The Top, you can always expect the unexpected and it will certainly be magnificently sweet!
Next stop, marked the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie, which is Massachusetts’ official state dessert! This Boston dessert staple was invented at none other than the renowned and elegant Omni Parker House. Maybe we are biased and our heart lies true to where this amazing pie holds its traditional roots, but the Omni certainly prepares the very best Boston Cream Pie in Beantown. Executive Chef Gerry Tice surely keeps the beloved tradition flowing because face it you cannot come to Boston and not have Boston Cream Pie that would simply be unpatriotic! The Omni’s lavish combination of fluffy cake with Boston cream and a sugary chocolate icing to coat will coax your mouth. Fresh strawberries garnish each slice. Relish your helping of pie in the hotel’s Parker’s Restaurant, while sitting not too far from the corner table where JFK proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Now, for the exciting moment we have all been waiting for…are you ready? Welcome to chocolate heaven. Approach with caution, because your senses will go wild once they are invited into this exclusive haven. The Langham, Boston presents its very own “Chocolate Bar” in its Café Fleuri. The stately and opulent hotel itself is certainly a show stopper. The chocolate delicacies take this venue’s sophisticated glamour to an entirely new level. And the mastermind behind these savory treats? Brilliant Pastry Chef Ryan Pike.
There is a mouthwatering plethora of desserts to savor, including an endless supply of warm bread pudding, rich truffles, sugary cupcakes and tarts. There are martini glasses filled to the brim with scrumptious mousse concoctions, and so much more. The café also presents “action stations,” which include everything from a cascading chocolate fondue fountain and personalized crepes, to swirling cotton candy, decorating cupcakes and custom rolled ice cream. Our favorite ‘action’ is the prepared-to-order cookie station, where the cookies are served warm and ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ style, accompanied by a refreshing glass of milk! A selection of the Hotel’s signature gourmet chocolate bars is offered for purchase in delicious flavors that include Espresso Dark Chocolate, Toffee Milk Chocolate and Almond Milk Chocolate.
The room fills with upbeat tunes coming from the live DJ as elegant platters constantly circulate the Chocolate Bar with a fresh assortment of desserts. An “adult chocolate cocktail menu” is also presented to those who dare treat themselves to sipping liquid paradise. Accompany your pastries with a Chocolate Martini or maybe you’d rather delight in a White Coco, prepared with “vanilla vodka, dark chocolate Godiva and white crème de cacao.”
Trust us, you will certainly be hooked and never, ever want to leave this chocolate serenity that Boston’s Original Chocolate Tour has introduced you to.
Boston’s Original Chocolate Tour takes place every Saturday at both 11:30am and 12:30pm, at a price of$75 per guest. The tour departs from The Trolley Stop Store, located on the quaint corner of Boylston and South Charles Streets (3 Park Plaza, Boston, MA). This amazing trolley tour is available through April 12th so reserve your tickets now by calling 617-269-7010.
Top of the Hub is located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower, at 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA.
The Omni Parker House is located at 60 School Street, Boston, MA.
Café Fleuri at The Langham, Boston is located at 250 Franklin Street, Boston, MA.
Lexx in the City 