Cuisine Scene: All Things Chocolate

The winter holidays–Christmas to Valentines–offer myriad opportunities to both give and receive sweet treats. And, for many people, if it ain’t chocolate, it ain’t sweet. Of course, people enjoy chocolate any time of year and, like so much of its dining scene, Long Beach offers them a diverse, inventive, sometimes surprising range of chocolate creations.

NUTELLA CALZONE: Buono’s Pizzeria

Renowned for serving some of the best pizza, pasta and calzones in the city, Buono’s (250 W. Ocean Blvd./401 W. Willow St.) also has a terrific dessert menu. Its chocolate cake has long been a popular staple along with its incredible nutella calzone that is fun to look at, big enough to share and heavenly to place on one’s palate. Light and flavorful in all the right places, this chocolate masterpiece takes up the entirety of a plate!

COOKIE BUTTER HOT COCOA, Shirley’s Temple

PAIN AU CHOCOLAT, Doly’s Delectables

This downtown bistro/bakery features all manner of amazing chocolate creations, from chocolate almond croissants to chocolate chip muffins. But Doly’s Delectables (245 E. Broadway) is arguably best known for its take on pain au chocolat, a French masterpiece said to have been introduced to the nation by Marie Antoinette. A delicious crossing of puff pastry and croissant, it’s filled with rich chocolate filling that sits light on the palate as it explodes with flavor.

CHOCOLATE CROISSANT, Renaud’s Bakery

OH MY FUDGE, Churrino

Located on the Promenade in Downtown Long Beach, Churrino (345 The Promenade N) makes traditional Brazilian churros using fresh ingredients in inventive, delicious ways. Made fresh to order, you have the option of building your own creation–selecting filings, drizzle and toppings–or ordering their inventions like Oh My Fudge, a decadent chocolate-truffle fudge churro filled with chocotella, topped with white chocolate drizzle and fresh strawberries.

About the Author
Steve Lowery
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