REVIEW-Xocolatl Cafè - New London, Conn. (24 out of 25)

The Xocolatl Cafè (Xo) is located at about the center of State Street (140 to be exact) in the historic port city of New London, Connecticut. New London, an earlier leader in the Whaling Industry of the 1800s still shows many signs of that prosperous past with handsome buildings up and down the two main streets, one Bank Street and the other State Street that is headed by the colonial 1787 Court House.

Xocolatl Cafè is located at the corner of Green Street and State Street in an 1850's brick building. Warm colors and the smell of chocolate greet the customer as they enter the doors to Xocolatl Cafè.

Xocolatl Cafè offers some indoor and at least one spot for outdoor seating. On this occassion we noticed a steady stream of walk in / take out customers each ordering a coffee and some taking home some of the delacies created in house by the staff.

When entering on this blustery day we were also greeted by a friendly face informing us that everything was created in house. I decided at this time a hot cocoa was in order even though winter had not really yet arrived as of January 2007 but being a place that specializes in chocolates why not. When ordering the hot chocolate or "Xocolatl" she mentioned it was best if accompanied by milk, coffee or a marshmallow (made in house as well). Odd question and comment I thought but why not... lets add the marshmallow.

To the left of the register and surrounded by goodies from cheese cakes and chocolate based deserts of all types, biscotti, cakes, cookies and more the hot cocoa/chocolate was poured similar to a pint of Guiness at a local Irish Pub. Slow it filled my medium order cup and was hot as expected. What a relief to avoid the "push the button and here comes your cocoa" type hot chocolates.

This was special. At first it took some time to get used to it. The marshmallow actually mellowed the flavor, perhaps diluting the sweetness of the chocolate. I engaged in conversation with the friendly face and asked of the different flavors that I noticed in the hot chocolate. Xocolatl is fine chocolate, chili and spices perhaps nutmeg and cinammon. Wow... sweet and spicey at the same time and very very rich.

Upon finishing my discussion with the friendly face I left to ponder what it would taste like with milk, coffee and other mixes. This Xocolatl took me nearly 2 hours of sipping to finish. Outstanding I thought I must try something else there.

I returned to Xocolatl Cafè on another day and ordered a "shot" of hot Xocolatl with again a marshmallow and this shot was the perfect size for such a delicacy. I then ordered a hand dipped chocolate and enjoyed it to the fullest.

While the surroundings seem to be forever in redevelopment Xocolatl Cafè is a nice stop over if in New London and definitely worth traveling from anywhere in the region to visit.

Xocolatl Cafè offers a variety of home made chocolate treats from cookies to cakes, bon bons and more... as well as a complete line of coffees from Latte's to Espresso and Cappucinos.




RATING
SCALE:1-Low/Check out other places, 3 "ok" to 5-Highly Recommended

Dining

Food/House Specialty                                5
Service                                                        5
Misc. Food/Beverage                                 4
Variety                                                        5
Atmosphere                                                5


Summary

All in all a very nice experience in a nicely restored historic building. The chocolate lovers dream!