The Triangle

Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Melissa Cell

After many years in the ice cream business, owner Tom Block finally thought it was time to try something new. Backed by his love for chocolate and fondness of cafés while traveling around Paris and Barcelona, Block thought many would appreciate the tranquil café scene. The idea behind Naked Chocolate Café simply means that all of the ingredients are pure and fresh. Almost all of the baked goods are made daily from scratch.

Naked Chocolate Café in Center City, located at 1317 Walnut St., provides a quaint setting, nestled in the middle of an urban neighborhood. From its earth-toned décor to the wooden chairs and pale orange, almost tan colored table tops, this place seems as if it was picked out of a European city and placed in Philadelphia.

The new Naked Chocolate Café at 3421 Walnut St., across from Locust Walk at the University of Pennsylvania, is set up with the same décor as its sister café and sells all of the same items. While all the drinks and desserts are consistent in taste, the University City Café is a third of the size of the one in Center City and bustling with more college students.

With no open kitchen to display all of the freshly baked goods being prepared, this location loses some of its authenticity. On the flip side, the music is more upbeat and modern. There is more of a "hip" atmosphere giving the crowd a young and trendy alternative to hang out in as opposed to the calm and quiet European style café in Center City.

If passing by, try the European-style Aztec hot chocolate. This thicker, European style drink, similar to drinking pure melted chocolate is semi-sweet with traces of cinnamon in every sip-perfect if you are looking for a treat reminiscent of home. Another great warmer-upper is the classic hot chocolate which tastes like smooth milk chocolate, but opt for the petit size since these drinks are somewhat on the heavy side.

The mocha fudge cake is also a delight-simply a treat for the gods. Not your typical cake, this resembles a thick chocolate mousse. Every bite delivers a taste of fine chocolate with the flavor of coffee without being too overpowering, giving this dessert a perfect balance.

For those who are apathetic toward chocolate-don't fret. Naked Chocolate Café offers a variety of teas and fruit smoothies. They also have an assortment of non-chocolate desserts including apple streusel bars, cheesecake and strawberry shortcake stuffed cupcakes.

Coffees and teas start at $1.50, hot chocolates at $3.50 and desserts at $2.50.

As finals arrive toward the end of the term, take a moment to get away from all the chaos and catch up with some friends over dessert in University City or take a nice stroll down to the Center City Naked Chocolate Café location. No matter which location you choose, both places will offer satisfaction and get you to believe that this place is simply heaven.

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