This belgian chocolatier is the best kept secret at Schiphol…read more Belgian chocolatier outside of Belgium!

Always buy these when I'm overseas because there are no stores left in the US unfortunatelyread more

If you adore chocolate, you might consider a visit to the Fine Chocolate store Lounge 3 ;-)…read more The different chocolate brands they sell are considered the best in the world. I'm talking about Valrohna from France (which is the chocolate brand that gourmetchefs use in their deserts), actually its the purest and most honest chocolate in the world. Then there is Neuhaus from Belgium which tastes equally heavenly, but has a different character, and is also one of the highest quality chocolate brands in the world. And last but not least, Godiva from Belgium (also a very good chocolate) which is a bit sweeter and more creamy. Sometimes they sell a view different brands, like for instance... Ferrero, Lindt or Leonidas, but that is not always the case, I think that depends on the season. The ladies (and one or two gentlemen) really know their stuff, and are passioned about their chocolate. They know their brands inside out, offer high quality service, are very good in giving chocolate-advise and suggestions, have a great smile and make me feel like I am the queen herself :-) Yes, that is what I call, the million dollar-treatment :-D! They even walk around the counter and offer me my purchase as if it is a big diamond I bought for the ridiculous price of 10.000 euro's!!! But no!!!! It just is a little bag with chocolate inside!! That is the WAUW-factor for me, honestly. Soooo, if you get the chance to buy some chocolate for a loved one of yourself, give them a visit, and don't be surprised if you buy more than you bargained for. Have fun :-D

The very best apple pie I ever had, extremely friendly people. The owner came oit of the store to…read moreshow me the way, since I was lost. I sure wished I could be closer to try all their pastries. A must visit when you can.

I love this little artisan chocolate store. It's immaculate and the staff is friendly and patient…read morewhen you're faced with the tough decision of choosing amongst dozens of flavors. They will make custom boxes with any mix-and-match that you request. They were quick with suggestions based on my dietary restriction (lactose intolerant) and I didn't even miss the dairy when I tried the hazelnut dark chocolate they recommended. They close promptly at 6pm daily so make sure you go early!

Fabulous chocolate shop in Amsterdam. I really enjoyed the Orange peels and the choc covered…read morealmonds. Will go here again!

I haven't been to Patisserie Tout in a while, but everytime I go it is amazing. The people are so…read morefriendly and happy to help. My favorites are salted caramel, rose lychee, vanilla, and chocolate lavender. We love trying the monthly specials too. This month was Lemoncello... Delicious! Seriously the best Macarons in Amsterdam! The also have beautiful tarts and chocolates, I will have to go back and try those too! There are usually some samples available for you to try. Find a new love!

Tout ended up on my radar as a result of a someone discussing their excellent customer service. I…read morewon't go into the details but in short there was a mistake made at the patisserie and the length the owner went to correct it was very admirable and UNHEARD of in Amsterdam. Good customer service is a commodity in this town so I had to look into this place... As a result of the mistake and the story of it's correction, I'd consider myself now to be a Tout regular. I buy the macaroons as gifts for people, I use them to impress my bosses and let's be honest, I cheekily gift them to myself as well. :) I also took part in the macaroon workshop which was great! My only complaint here was that we weren't able to do everything ourselves but due to the nature of macaroons, it would need to be a pretty long workshop (try 3 days!). The price of the workshop might seem steep (I think 60 euros) but I came out of there with almost 2 full boxes of mini macaroons so it's totally worth it if you ask me - not to mention the afternoon of educational fun and the owner is his own brand of eye-candy... :P

By car it only takes about five hours to get from Amsterdam to Reims and arrive in champagne…read morewonderland. Mat en I go there quite often to score champagne for modest prices. We used to spread bottles amongst our friends, but not anymore. Each time we visited them and brought champagne with us, we were asked: 'Why? Did you buy a house/when is the wedding/did you find a new job/new assigment?' It was depressing to repeatedly say 'no'. It felt like nothing positive happened in our lives. The Dutch only drink champagne on special occasions, whereas the French drink it anytime, anyplace and anywhere. Love the French for that. I think there's no such thing as a bad day to have champagne or a gateau with that exquisite sparkling wine. Je vous présente: a Moët et Chandon-raspberry masterpiece - champagne mousse outside, raspberries inside - created by Huize van Wely. This prestigious patisserie is all about class and quality. Obviously the champagne collection - pastry, cake, chocolate - doesn't come cheap. But the return on your investment is magnifique.

Okay, don't believe the extravagant money signs; this place is NOT expensive. For what you get…read morehere, the prices are really good. In the US, you can buy Sees candies for the prices of the chocolates in Huize Van Wely, except these chocolates are a million times better. I came here and spent $50 on two pastries, two boxes of small truffles (nine per box), and a box of about eight chocolates. The quality of the chocolates and the selection of flavors are unbeatable. Sorry, no photos of the pastries I bought, because I ate them both in about five minutes.

As I peered through the window I was impressed by the large open space these delicious little…read moretreats were prepared in. I step into what is clearly an artist's workspace. An almost clinical cleanliness immediately conveyed the care put into the products. The ex-dancer, now chocolatier, kindly asks me to wait two seconds as he finishes his task. He walks up and offers freshly prepared hand oil, made from a plethora of natural ingredients. He tells me this is a little side project he does beside the chocolate, and it happens to be selling extremely well. He takes my hand, explains the contents of the mixture and waits for permission to place two droplets into my awaiting palm. Soft skin with a pleasantly rosy scent are the result. The Chocolatier is strikingly handsome with kind eyes, he comes across personable and clearly has an attentive attention to detail. The chocolates are without a doubt some of the finest available here in Amsterdam. They taste as if they are decadent and filled with all the naughty things a health conscious person wouldn't touch. However it is quite the opposite. An organic, natural blend of vitamin filled, fine ingredients make it as nutritious as it is exquisite. One piece is rich and dense enough to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. The minimalist packaging is the perfect way to present his creations. 4.5/5 (I'll be back soon to share my discovery with a friend.)

Guilty pleasure without the guilt. The best chocolate experience ever, handmade by a lovely couple.read more