Kee's Chocolates are some of the freshest in NYC, which I highlighted in Can't Miss Bess Chocolate Desserts in New York. And since Valentine's Day is later this month, I thought I'd review some of the individual chocolates so you can put together a perfect box for your loved one (or even as a treat for yourself!)
Kee's Chocolates is perhaps best known for its Creme Brulee Chocolate, and it's certainly delicious, but I'd actually rank a couple others higher. Of course, everyone has their own chocolate preference, and Kee's mostly makes sense if you enjoy dark chocolate infused with very fresh flavors. If you're happier with store bought milk chocolate at a fraction of the price, this isn't the place for you. Here's the full Kee's Chocolate Menu of flavors.
One thing I love is that Kee's is wonderfully understated and natural, and that includes the packaging, in a plain brown box with raffia ribbon. It just serves to emphasize that you won't find weird artificial flavors or preservatives in these chocolates, and in fact you must refrigerate them and are advised to consume them within a week, or within two days in the case of the creme brulee chocolate.
1. Kaffir Lime
“Fresh Thai lime infused with dark chocolate”
This is so far my favorite of Kee's chocolates. Something about citrus and chocolate, which aren't paired together that often, is exquisite, especially when it's the unique Asian flavor of kaffir lime. Now, if only Singapore Airlines First Class would serve these!
2. Passion Fruit
“Bonbon chocolate filled with dark chocolate ganache”
Yes, I'll admit passion fruit is one of my favorite flavors, and the heart shape is perfect for Valentine's Day. I still dream of that passionfruit welcome drink with sorbet that Amankila in Bali served us upon arrival–heavenly. Passionfruit is such a unique and distinctive flavor, and I've yet to find one as good as Kee's (although let's face it, it's not as if there are so many places offering dark chocolate infused with passionfruit).
3. Creme Brulee
“Dark chocolate bonbon filled with creme brulee”
That this is third isn't to take away from Kee's creme brulee chocolate–it is really good, with its creamy vanilla center encased in dark chocolate. It's just that I can duplicate the flavor, if not the exquisite presentation, with a homemade creamy creme brulee and dark chocolate on the side.
4. BlackSesame
“Dark chocolate truffles coated with toasted white and dark sesame”
This is one of the most texturally wonderful chocolates, with the crunch and flavor of white and black sesame seeds coating the chocolate truffle. If they weren't so expensive, I'm betting a lot of chocoholics would be snacking on these.
5. Champagne
“Dark chocolate ganache combined with champagne”
Beautiful presentation, as a perfect glossy pyramid, and impeccable taste. If I rank it a bit lower, it's because there are many excellent champagne chocolates to choose from, so it's not as unique as many of Kee's Chocolates' other flavors.
6. Raspberry
“Dark chocolate with fresh raspberry puree”
Raspberry and dark chocolate are a classic combination, especially for Valentine's Day. Personally I felt that the raspberry flavor wasn't pronounced enough, but of course it's still a very good chocolate–it's just I'd like more bright raspberry notes to come through.
7. Cherry Cordial
“Chocolate covered cherries, with the slightest hint of liquor”
I do feel that this chocolate is rather small compared to some of the others, so for $2.50 each I prefer the other larger chocolate pieces. But I noticed that when my husband, a big cherry cordial fan, tried it, his eyes widened at the taste, and said it was the best cherry cordial he'd ever had, with just the right kick from the liquor.
8. Jasmine
“Dark chocolate truffles with jasmine tea leaves infused with cream”
I guess I'm not a floral chocolate person, I found this too subtle and underwhelming, although the chocolate of course remains top quality as with all her pieces. I like to try new things, so I'm glad I tried it, but wouldn't get it again. Unless you know you (or your loved one) enjoy floral infusions in your chocolate or prefer really subtle flavors, I'd go with some of the other chocolate pieces for your assortment.
Where to Buy
Kee's has expanded from its original Soho location on 80 Thompson Street (Tel. 212-334-3284) and now has two other locations in midtown, convenient if you're only in NYC briefly for work:
Kee's Chocolates Midtown: 452 Fifth Avenue (inside HSBC) 212-525-6099
Tuesday through Friday 11am to 5:30pm, closed 12:30-1pm
Kee's Chocolates Midtown West: 315 West 39th Street 212-967-8088
Monday through Friday 9am to 6:30pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm
If you've tried Kee's Chocolates, what are your favorite flavors?
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