[eat] Lunch with Liz: Cocoa Dolce
This week, I headed to another spot that some might see as a stretch to be called a lunch spot, but the column title is mainly all about the alliteration. I am straying a bit away from Tanya Tandoc’s list to take you to a certain “sweet” place. I have ventured to Cocoa Dolce, located in Bradley Fair, twice this past month and haven’t been let down either time.
I have to admit, I only made it out to Cocoa Dolce at its former location. But now that it’s in Bradley Fair, it’s definitely on my mind a lot more. After dining at Il Vicino, the short walk next door is more than convenient for indulging for some dessert.
When you first walk in, you are overwhelmed with an amazing chocolate smell, filling the whole space and all of your senses. Right away you see the display case completely filled with artistic chocolates and gelato. It absolutely amazes me to see such hand-crafted chocolates with intriquite designs and looks. Make sure to do a once- or twice-over to make sure you see all of the chocolate selection before choosing your indulgences.
Not only can you get chocolate, but you can also get drinks. Whether you are in the mood for a coffee specialty drink, wine, or beer, they can get you your fix. I had no idea that you could get wine or beer there and was pleasantly surprised. On my first visit, though, I opted for a mocha. It was brought over to where we were seated in a tall mug complete with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It definitely one-upped the regular Starbucks mocha. My girlfriend I was with went with a dish of the red raspberry sorbet that she found in the gelato case. There are usually several different flavors offered and you’re able to sample before actually getting a whole dish of one flavor.
This was my first time to actually sit down and enjoy everything Cocoa Dolce has to offer. The new space offers plenty of plush chairs and couches to lounge in, along with tables. The atmosphere is very warm, comfortable, and definitely inviting. I particularly like the way that the seating area is laid out – it’s a very cozy feel, yet you can be with a couple friends or a date and not feel like you are on top of the people around you.
On my next visit, I was with a group of friends to enjoy some “adult beverages” and chocolate. There are several wine flight options, giving a generous sample of three wines for a reasonable price. A couple of the ladies went with the “sweet and sticky” flight while another went with the “bubbly” flight. I opted to be a tad different and went with a strawberry Fruli beer. We all decided some chocolates would pair well with our drinks and splurged. I enjoyed a creme brulee chocolate, which would have to be my favorite after sampling several.
You can follow Cocoa Dolce on Twitter or “like” them on Facebook. Just by following them, I have found out recently that they hold beer and wine tastings on a pretty regular basis. You can also be the first to know when they unveil new chocolate flavors, like the recently introduced salted caramel.
Each time I have been there the staff is always eager to help and inform the customers. They make it a great experience and you can end up staying for hours and not even realize it. If you are looking for a place to spend an afternoon with your favorite girlfriend or to have a special evening with your loved one, I would definitely suggest Cocoa Dolce.
Any other chocolate lovers out there?
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Wichita became a real city to me when Cocoa Dolce was born. :-)
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