Chocolaterie Stam

Chocolaterie Stam

1651 Deming Way #114

Middleton, WI 53562

One snowy afternoon, Katlyn and I found a chocolate store located within Greenway Station called the Chocolaterie Stam. You'd think that it's just your typical chocolate shop, but you're wrong. 

Environment: 

On the outside, it looks like just any other store, but once you walk in, it's like entering a palace of sorts. From the chocolate to the gold chandeliers, Chocolaterie Stam really feels like walking through a doorway into another world. A world filled with chocolate on gold shelves and gold decor. The moment Katlyn and I walked through the door, it was like "Woah, where did Greenway Station go??" The one thing about this place that didn't exactly go well with the environment was the music. In a place like that, you'd expect to hear some classy blues or jazz music, or perhaps classical pieces to match the palace-like look of the room, but instead, they were playing the Best of Glee.

Taste:

The taste of the hot coco that comes from this place is absolutely magnificent! Chocolaterie Stam has two types of hot chocolate. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Katlyn and I had the opportunity to try out both types and both were just fantastic! The hot chocolate is very foamy and creamy, with or without the whipped cream, although the whipped cream does add to the flavor. The drink was very rich and thick. It was hot, but not burn-your-tongue-off type of hot, you know? It's a tasteful hot coco and it is definitely worth trying out because it is just THAT good. Incredible.

Presentation:

Though Chocolaterie Stam is a very fancy place, the way they serve their amazing hot chocolate in isn't exactly the fanciest of looks. A white paper cup does sometimes do the trick, but in this case, they could've gone with something more than just a white paper cup. But hey, you can't judge a book by it's cover, so why judge hot chocolate by it's container? It's what's on the inside that counts.

Chocolaterie Stam is definitely more fancy than the other coffeeshops that Katlyn and I have gone to. I would say this place deserves a solid 9 out of 10.

Barriques

Barriques 

1901 Cayuga Street

 Middleton WI 53562

After an exhausting day of school, Andy and I thought we needed a little TLC. Our mindset was: What's a better way to relax than to sit down on a comfy couch and enjoy a creamy cup of hot chocolate? That's right, nothing. 

Environment: 

I would like to think that Barriques is divided into three sections, so it's pleasurable to all people. There is the "home like" section where there are leather sofas, plush sitting chairs, newspapers, and a stone fire place. This gives off the sense of relaxation and a comfortable vibe. There is also the "business/study" section where you have tables for people who want to work or study on any business or educational project while enjoying a cup or coffee or hot chocolate. Lastly, there is the casual dinning area where friends and family gather to have soup and sandwiches. Overall the space is pleasant for just about any type of customer. 

Taste:

I was quite surprised when I took a sip of the delectable hot coco only to notice that it was luke warm. Looking past the temperature, the taste consisted mainly of 2% milk. There wasn't enough chocolate syrup to satisfy my taste buds.  I thought the taste was appetizing however the quality was equivalent to Starbucks, and I was honestly expecting a bit more of flavor. 

Presentation:

I found it strange how everyone around us drank from white glass mugs while we were severed in paper cups, yet I tried not to question the thought too much. The decoration on the cup, was artsy and the design fit the mood of the coffee house. I also took note that our cups were made from recycled material, which is always a plus. 

Overall, the experience was nice and comfortable. I would rate the environment a 10 out of 10 however I would rate the coco 7 out of 10. 

Kilwins

Kilwins

208 State Street
Madison, WI 53703

Last night, Katlyn and I went to a chocolate shop that we had found awhile back, but we weren't able to locate it again until now. We will take you through our journey at Kilwins. The place that has the most amazing chocolates you can find! From hot chocolate to chocolate covered Oreo's, there is a little slice of heaven for anyone and everyone. 

Environment:

Right as we enter the door, it looks as though we were stepping into a Willy Wonka Chocolate factory. Chocolate everywhere! Especially now, with Valentine’s day just right around the corner, Kilwins has the chocolate lining the walls. Literally.

You know a chocolate place is legit when you see the guy stirring the chocolate pot as you walk in. They literally prepare the chocolate in front of you. It’s not some “back room” process. No, this was smack dab in front of your face.

The other thing that was great about this place was their choice of music. It was very soulful and added to the mood of the store.

Taste:

The taste was absolutely fantastic. On the first sip, you can instantly tell that this isn’t some chocolate mix with added milk or anything basic like that. This was quality chocolate! All of Kilwins dairy products are 100 percent organic and hormone free, which is another reason why the taste was so extraordinary. The hot chocolate had a thick creamy consistency to it that just sort of lingers in your mouth after drinking it. Although the drink was very hot, it contributed to the taste. What would hot chocolate be if it wasn’t hot?  

Presentation:

Since Kilwin’s seems like a classy place, I figured we would get our chocolate in white glass mugs like the rest of the coffee houses we’ve been to recently. However, we received them in paper cups. I was slightly disappointed but can’t complain because we could take the delicious cups of coco on the go, and explore the beautiful city of Madison.

https://www.kilwins.com/

Vila Dolce

Vila Dolce

1828 Parmenter Street 

Middleton WI, 53562

Andy and I spent one lovely Friday afternoon at a local restaurant in downtown Middleton Wisconsin called Vila Dolce. The restaurant is famous for it's authentic Italian pizza, fresh gelato, and sweet wine. However, we wanted to put our coco craving taste buds to the test and enjoy some of Vila Dolce's delicious hot chocolate. 

Taste:

At first sip, it was obvious that this was no easy-make powder mix hot chocolate. It was homemade. Like a liquified piece of heaven in our mouths. Cinnamon and warm chocolate drizzle was layered over the whipped cream topping that was sweet and thick. The hot chocolate was "burn-your-toungue" hot but still very tasty. One thing, however, the coco had a hint of coffee flavor. So if you're crazy, and you absolutely hate coffee, you probably wouldn't be too big of a fan of Vila's coco. Personally, I loved it. 

Presentation:

Very similar to Fair Trade's and Michelangelo's presentation. Vila Dolce is keeping it classy with the  large clean, white coffee mugs. The mini spoon was helpful and a nice touch.

Environment:

I was impressed with Vila Dolce's layout. The outside of the restaurant had a "feel at home" vibe,  yet once you step foot through the door there is a blast of modernized interior design that's extremely appealing to the eye. It almost felt like we were in someone's New York loft, while having a cup of coco, hoping to catch the next subway train to make it to our 6 o' clock Broadway show.

Overall, the experience was fantastic and I will definitely taking, yet another, trip back to Vila Dolce for some hot chocolate.

http://www.villadolcecafe.com/

Michelangelo's Coffee House

Michelangelo's Coffee House

114 State St, Madison, WI 53703

Another coffee shop in downtown Madison, WI that Katlyn and I went to was Michelangelo's. This coffee shop is very similar to its sister store, Fair Trade. We ended the year of 2013 on a positive note by drinking some delicious hot chocolate. At first, going into Michelangelo's, there is a warm sense of welcomeness. It felt a lot like an art gallery, probably because the walls were filled with art. This wasn't our first time at this coffeeshop. The last time we were here, the idea of this blog was born.

Taste:

Although we thought the hot chocolate was at a perfect temperature and the whipped cream made a nice addition to the drink itself, we do question the integrity of the chocolate in the drink. When first served, the hot chocolate was piping hot and it tasted great. But as time went on, the drink slowly cooled and the taste quality of the chocolate decreased. You could clearly taste the artificial-like chocolate that was used in the production of the hot chocolate. It tasted like milk with some Hershey squirts.

 Presentation: I won't be to descriptive about the coco presentation, because it is rather similar to Fair Trades hot chocolate. The coco was topped with cream and served in a plain white mug.

Environment: Although there was no cozy fire to snuggle up next to, there was a large leather couch and several comfy chairs.  Perfect for lounging to make yourself feel right at home while having a nice cup of coco. Andy made note that the fish tank, lamps, and leather furniture all reminded him of a dental or doctor waiting room, which I could see where he was coming from.  However, in this building, the walls were filled with beautiful yet humorous paintings, such as this replica of the Sistine Chapel, holding a coffee mug. 

Fair Trade

Fair Trade- 418 State Street

 Madison, WI, 53703

Andy and I took a trip to downtown Madison and found this lovely little coffee shop called FairTrade. When I first walked into the shop, it gave off this sense of comfort and warmth. Okay, it may be because it was below zero outside, but still. I give the coffeehouse props for making the customer feel "at home."

         

                                                                              Overall Rating: 7.8

Taste: 8

The hot chocolate tasted very light, like it was used with skim milk or water. I could hardly taste the coco in the hot coco. However, I felt that the whip cream top made up for the lack of chocolate. The cream was sweet and airy, which reminded me of a mix between marshmallow fluff and frosting. The temperature was perfect for drinking. I could feel the warmth of the hot coco sliding down my throat, yet it didn't burn the tongue.  
                                                                   Presentation: 6.5 

The fluffy sweet topping with foam spilling out from the sides made the drink most appealing. Although I was expecting more of a cool artsy mug yet ending up with an all white glass. I guess they were going for more on quality rather than appearance? 

Environment: 9

Like I mentioned earlier, I felt the environment was rather cozy and home-like. It is the perfect place for friends to bond, college students to study, or a personal sanctuary to just sit and think. Why not? I mean, the place is surrounded by inspiring artwork that has a deeper meaning at second glance. Also, I felt that fireplace was a nice touch. Especially since Wisconsin has such brutal winters. One thing, however, it was missing was a comfortable couch or a soft chair. It needed the ultimate place where one could curl up with a book and some sweet delicious hot coco.

http://fairtradecoffeehouse.com/

Williams-Sonoma DIY Hot Chocolate

The classic Williams-Sonoma hot chocolate is a Must-Have for anyone out there who enjoys a great mug of hot chocolate. No not just hot chocolate. Chocolate in general. Why? Because for around $16 this DIY hot chocolate is literally made of  grated pieces of chocolate! It's so real that you could just take a spoonful and eat it right there. I can't say I didn't do that....Ahem. What? Right, the hot chocolate. It's so easy to make, just heat up 250ml of milk or water and stir in 5 tablespoons of the chocolate pieces. That is all you need to know to make this heavenly hot chocolate. 

Link to this deliciousness: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/7219520/

Gotta have some of that holiday cheer
with a snowman mug!

The ingredient of this
hot chocolate is literally grated
chocolate

Overall rating: 8.5

Taste: 8.5
Quite rich - but it depends on what type of milk you use or if you even decide to use milk at all. Water works too.
(whole = richer, skim = less rich) I used 2% milk, so it had a pretty rich taste to it for me. 
Creamy, even though I didn't add whipped cream
Remember to drink it while it's hot! Otherwise it wouldn't be hot chocolate, it'll be more like...cold chocolate...

Presentation: 8
Really nice looking and detailed container 
Tight cap on the container, so it keeps the chocolate fresh until you use it (or snack on it).

Environment: 
The great thing about DIY is that you get to choose when you want it, where you want it, and how you want it. 
Want some whipped cream on there? Sure! 
Add a marshmallow? Be my guest!
Here's my tip: if I had all the ingredients, I would add a marshmallow, top it with whipped cream, and a dash of cinnamon. Try it!