I had walked past Neuhaus on Walnut Street countless times and always admired the storefront, but it took my young daughter's tug toward the Chocolate Smurfs to get me through the door finally. Who knew the Smurfs were Belgian? The boutique is beautiful, polished, and distinctly European, while the staff manages the harder trick of being knowledgeable and chic while remaining warm and approachable. They're generous with samples, too, which makes discovering the chocolates part of the pleasure rather than simply choosing something from behind glass.
Belgium has always struck me as a country perfectly comfortable living a little more quietly beneath the towering cultural influence of its larger neighbors. It is gorgeous, sophisticated, and remarkably good at producing food and brands with a strong sense of craft, and Neuhaus captures that sensibility perfectly. I also like the quiet detail of seeing both Kosher and Halal markings on the door, a small detail that conveys a welcome and common ground I find especially appealing. Around the corner on 16th Street, Monk's Café feels like Neuhaus's spirited neighborhood cousin, with its legendary Belgian beer selection and, I'm sure, very worthy moules frites.
Since that first visit, I've also sent Neuhaus as gifts several times through their online store. They offer a useful range of sizes and prices for birthdays, thank yous, or simply sending someone a treat, and they clearly understand that beautiful chocolate still has to survive the trip: my orders arrive expertly packed via FedEx, with ice packs when needed. Neuhaus has become one of those rare places I'm equally happy to visit with my daughter or turn to when I want to send someone something special. Très bien! read more