Sydney
Sydney has no shortage of chocolatiers. Consumers definitely have an extensive selection when it comes to gifting delicate fine chocolates upon their friends and themselves. And although Belle Fleur isn’t one of the oldest chocolate stores, it does have over 30 years of experience in dreaming up exciting new creations and pleasing the public.
The stores themselves have a very homely authentic feel, although that is challenged somewhat when you come across the “novelty” chocolate section (chocolate iPhones, soccer balls and what not).
The selection of fine chocolate flavours is impressive though. If you’re finding gifts for your overseas friends, there’s a great range of Australian-themed flavours; ANZAC, wattleseed, lamington, beetroot ganache (don’t be put off, it’s really good) and eucalyptus. What stood out the most though, was the selection of chocolates that had fresh whipped cream in them. This is something that I haven’t seen in other chocolate stores and it’s damn amazing. In particular, I recommend the Melba; a combination of peaches and cream covered in milk chocolate, or the Tear Drop; whipped cream mixed with honey and praline atop a crispy nougat base all encased in milk chocolate with dollops of white chocolate on top.
You can also buy chocolate bars, chocolate coated goods and cooking chocolate, but these aren’t as impressive as the fine chocolate range (and Haighs has got you pretty well covered on that front). The hot chocolate is worth a try though; served hot in store and made from single origin beans, it’s rich and sweet but still has that real cocoa taste rather than sickly chocolate syrup.
Hot chocolate $3.50
Fine chocolates around $2 each
Atmosphere: 3/5
Quality: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 8/10
584 Paramatta Road, Petersham
658 Darling Street, Rozelle
bellefleur.com
Images from Belle Fleur’s Facebook and website.
Between Business Food Trails 