Chocolate does not make my list of the five things I'd take to a desert island, and if I could never have another piece of chocolate, I might be a little disappointed, but I'd certainly get by.
Still, few things are better than taking a seat in a relaxing café devoted entirely to chocolate after a few hours of shopping, which is why Mandalay Place's Chocolate Swan was always one of my favorite stops.
Alas, several months ago after setting out for the Chocolate Swan's downstair's lounge, I was saddened to discover that the purveyor of decadent cocoa goodness was gone, to be replaced by the far less exciting Starbucks that now makes its home next to the (delightful) Reading Room. (The more formal upstairs is still open.)
I've already claimed not to be a chocoholic, but still, the anguish! Which makes the opening of Ethel's Chocolate Lounge in the Fashion Show mall all the sweeter. The chocolates are made at the Ethel M chocolate factory in Henderson, but are part of a new, upscale line meant to be enjoyed as part of a "lounge" experience. There are already 10 of the lounges in Chicago, offering everything chocolatey, from truffles to fondue to sippin' chocolate.
The truffles ($1.50 each for 1 to 11 pieces; $14 for 12 pieces; $24 for 24 pieces; $42 for 48 pieces) are available in a variety of flavors, from the American Pop Collection's PB&J and apple pie-inspired selections to the Cocktail Collection's champagne, cabernet sauvignon and mojito-infused ones. There also are traditional truffle flavors, including the mud pie and cheesecake truffles; at $1.50 each, they were a bit of a splurge, but let's just say they didn't leave me with buyer's remorse.
The lounge also carries chocolate bars ($2.50 each, or three for $6), bagged items, such as chocolate-covered apricots, pretzels, blueberries and espresso beans ($10 per 6 ounce bag), and Ethel's Chocolate for Dipping and Sipping ($18 for 18 ounces). Gourmet apples dipped in chocolate, caramel, toffee, pecans and almonds ($15 each, or four for $55) also are available, along with a menu featuring suggested pairings (up to 10 chocolates and hot chocolate for two, $18).
Chocolate fondue with cakes, fruit, marshmallows and graham crackers ($18 to $25) are available for those looking to make a meal of their dessert. The lounge also serves up coffee and espresso ($1.50 to $2), teas ($2), cafe latte ($2.50 to $3), and sparkling beverages and juices ($3), in addition to Heavenly Hot Chocolate ($4) and Marvelous Mocha ($4.50).
While the Fashion Show mall already has a Godiva store, a tasting lounge it is not.
Ethel's Chocolate Lounge is decorated in rich pinks and browns, with a coffee table and comfy arm chairs, sofas and love seats, adding splashes of purples, oranges and reds, and tables and chairs for those in the mood to linger over their selections, as well as a bar with stools.
Unfortunately, I was alone on that particular shopping expedition, so I could only share pretend-witty banter with the choco-maniac friend I was pretending had shared my table, but even so, the effect was good.
The ambience is right on, and though the wares are a little pricey for candy, at least it is delicious. And it makes a good reward after a long day walking the length of the Fashion Show, sifting through the zillions of stores and kiosks in search of that perfect item.
Should you not make it to the Fashion Show mall, but still need a chocolate fix, the treats can be ordered at www.ethelschocolate.com.
Maria Phelan is a reporter for the North Las Vegas and Sunrise Views. Retail information appropriate for mention can be sent to mphelan@viewnews.com.
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