From Moka’s grand opening.
If the Upper West Side has the aroma of chocolate these days, there’s a good reason. Several chocolate stores have opened recently.
Moka, a handmade chocolate and coffee shop based in Pennsylvania, opened a pop-up shop at 486 Amsterdam Avenue (83rd-84th) for the holiday season, and will stay open through March. They sell chocolate bars, bags of coffee and nibs. The company has farms in Cameroon and says it’s committed to humanitarian charity.
Luxury British confectionary brand Hotel Chocolat opened a store at Turnstyle Underground Market adjacent to the Columbus Circle subway station (it’s accessible from the station) last week. It is the brand’s second New York store (the first is at 441 Lexington Avenue) and sells several high-end chocolate gifts. The market has lots of other holiday gift offerings too.
And we’ve been hearing good things about Kee’s Chocolate on Columbus between 70th and 71st Streets, which opened earlier this year. “The shop is operated in such a kind and gentle manner. The entire experience is one of focused, simple pleasure – a $2.90 pause from the world, if you allow it,” wrote James.
Anyone know if any of the three are safe for people with nut allergies? Most chocolate is made on equipment that also processes nuts, so it’s off limits.
Hi UWS-er! I don’t have any information on your question, but as a fellow chocolate-lover and allergy-haver I just wanted to make sure you knew about Baked Cravings — they’re an amazing bakery on 105th and Lexington and they’re completely nut-free! (I promise I don’t work there, I’m just a huge fan.)
https://www.bakedcravings.com/
Mondel’s is THE BEST
YES!!! I’ll second that. Mondel’s chocolate is the very best. The truffles are heavenly.
Jacques Torres on Amsterdam and 74th street has the best hot chocolate mix, a perfect Hanukah, Christmas and Holiday gift. Plus their chocolates, cookies and coffee are amazing.
Kee’s has been open for years in NYC. I used to visit her shop in Soho as early as 2004. Phenomenal chocolate.
Are any of these stores certified kosher?
Yes. Moka Origins chocolate is certified Kosher and Organic.
The Upper West Side extends beyond 96th Street. We need more specialty shops, restaurants, movies, etc. Come on folks, look upward.
Above 96th Street may not have seen as many new restaurants as the 70s and 80s this year, but they’re certainly among the best new offerings on the UWS:
The Tang, Nobody Told Me, Fumo, The Calaveras, Moonrise Izakaya, Mighty Catch, and then Calle Ocho’s new 106th Street location opens January 3.
Concur re. FUMO, IMO best pizza on the UWS
Don’t forget Mondel’s on Broadway up at Columbia! Old fashioned and great chocolate!!
Yes, Mondel is wonderful. I haven’t been up there for years, and am glad to hear they are still in business. They are (I think) still a family owned and run business.
More bookstores! The newest, Shakespeare and Co., is a cafe with a few books in back.
Random question folks, but do any of these places sell fudge? I can’t seem to find any fudge in the UWS.