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.