This is the time of year to indulge in chocolate treats without a twinge of guilt
Lane Crawford has set up a chocolate room at its IFC location where a gourmet chocolate selection from international chocolatiers can be found. Rococo Chocolates and Prestat are British brands, the latter one of the country's oldest and most luxurious chocolatiers which counts the country's queen among its clients. French and Italian chocolates are represented with a la Reine Astrid and VizioVirtu respectively, and there is even local representation with Vero, which produces chocolate without preservatives. Chocolates cost from HK$80 for organic chocolate bars and go up to HK$900 for a True Collection set. Lane Crawford's chocolate room will be at the IFC till January 1.
Godiva (Harbour City, 21755701; Kowloon Bay, 27074517; Causeway Bay, 29074818) has put together 20 seasonal gift selections. Prices start from HK$105 for a four-piece box set and go up to HK$5,890 for the Impressions hamper (left), which includes a vast array of treats to keep someone in chocolate heaven (and presumably in clothes one size bigger) for months. Among the assorted boxes of chocolates, the hamper also includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, two champagne flutes, and a cocktail shaker. Alternatives to chocolates include the Coffee (HK$185) and Cocoa (HK$320) collections each containing assorted varieties of the chosen beverage.
Hampers can be a great option for someone who has everything, or even for those who enjoy fine foods. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has hampers (right) packed with delectable treats that are available in two sizes (HK$4,000/small, HK$6,000/large). Among the items are the hotel's homemade macaroons, Muzzi Tommasso & Figli Italian Panettone, caramelised almonds, Marseille nougat, Foie Gras terrine, truffle olive oil, Lung King Heen Signature XO sauce, Leonardi Balsamico truffle vinegar, and Caprice chocolates. The bigger hampers also include homemade vanilla and chocolate marble butter cake, and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, among other products. Call 31968690 for orders.
Belgian chocolatier Leonidas (Times Square 25061068; Harbour City 23177448; Maritime Square 24369799) flies in a fresh supply of chocolates weekly and offers almost 100 varieties to choose from. Highlights from the Christmas sets include Your Temptation (HK$380), a set of seven varieties of soft centres, truffles, liqueurs and more. Alternatively, there is the Deluxe Gold series (left), priced from HK$210 for 12 pieces to HK$680 for 63 assorted chocolates. Belgian chocolates can also be found at Great Food Hall (Two Pacific Place 29189986) where the Chocolart Collection is handmade. Gift sets include a 24-piece champagne truffle selection (HK$249). Alternatives include House of Dorchester chocolates such as the Seven Sins Chocolate Set (HK$39.90 to HK$228) which includes a variety of truffles and pralines. Selections for children include Paddington Bear (HK$59.90, above) and Sweet Truck (HK$69) chocolates in tin boxes.
