Walking into Kee’s Chocolates is like walking into a friend’s kitchen. There are no signs or fancy packages, just an open kitchen and a modest case filled with chocolates. The store’s atmosphere is so casual that I wondered if I accidentally walked in a side kitchen entrance instead of the main store. I realized I was in the right place when Kee Ling Tong, owner and chocolatier of Kee’s Chocolates, personally welcomed me and invited me in to explore. On the front counter I could see a freshly made batch of sesame bon bons that I was excited to try, but Kee told me they needed another 30 minutes before they would be ready. Clearly the claim that their chocolates are made fresh each day is true.
Unable to wait for the Sesame bon bon, I decided to try the Passion Fruit truffle. Shaped like a heart with a paper thin dark chocolate shell, the Passion Fruit truffle is filled with a dark ganache center with a powerful passion fruit flavor. Devoid of bright colors or fancy decoration, this truffle relies entirely on its rich, smooth filling to make a bold impression. In addition to the Passion Fruit, Kee’s Chocolates has a variety of other seasonal flavors along with regular features like Champagne and Crème Brûlée. Each truffle is $1.75, or you can buy six for $10, 12 for $19, or 18 for $29. No prepackaged boxes available; you must personally choose from the amazing selection yourself in order to fill the box. True to the store’s unassuming style, I don’t think Kee would have it any other way.
Kee’s Chocolates
(formally Chocolate Garden — Kee says the name was changed since there was already another Chocolate Garden and people knew her by her first name, so she decided to make the switch)
80 Thompson Street (at Spring)
New York, NY
(212) 334-3284
Hello.
I read through some of your posts. That cupcake in a mug is too cute!
I’ve only been to Kee’s once, but I remember immediately being hit with a delicious almond smell since Kee was cooking them right behind the counter. She’s the nicest chocolate maker I’ve ever encountered!
Ah, yes, Kee’s… I did a post on her a few months ago — I nearly cried when I found out she doesn’t ship; now, I just make sure everyone going to NY knows that they must make a stop on their way out of town for me.
http://www.gastronomie-sf.com/2004/12/kees_chocolates.html
[...] Some other favorites include Balsamic and Lemon Basil. You can read reviews of other flavors at CandyBlog, Lovescool, The Girl Who Ate Everything (and I might believe it!), and a quick review at Fork and Bottle (who has also tried nearly everything!) [...]