Do you remember the movie Chocolat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLAuf4-a0I4) from a few years back? Petits Noirs totally reminds me of the Chocolatier from that movie. In the sleepy town of Milton-Freewater sits an old, simple, and cool-looking home which houses a world-class chocolate shop.
I'm a sucker for joints which are out of place and cause for surprise. Petit Noirs is right on the main drag in town, and is a splash of color, creativity, and chocolate.
While venturing down for some Cross-Country skiing, I happened to drive through Milton-Freewater, and this joint happened to catch my eye (well, it had been on my radar after Jacqueline Yelped about it last year). As I entered this chocolate boutique, I knew I was in for something special. The inside is lushly painted in bright blue & green. Lan Wong was behind the counter and welcomed me to her establishment. She gave me a quick rundown of all of their chocolaty creations: truffles, hot chocolate, brick/flats of chocolate, high-heel shoes made of chocolate, REAL hot chocolate, etc.
The truffles are center-stage and their flavors astound and tickle. There were roughly about a dozen or so different types of chocolate to choose from. I ended up picking many of them (and using as gifts for friends). Here are some of the chocolates which caught my eye: Strawberry Champagne, Sichuan Peppercorn, Pendleton Whiskey, Fresh Fig Espresso, Lichy Rose, Passion Fruit Mango White Chocolate. These options introduce a dilemma: what to pick!?
As for the actual chocolate and the taste. I like it because the flavors are subtle, complex, and metaphorical. They DO taste like their local ingredients, but I found myself being sent to other places with the flavors. Good places.
While shopping around Lan served some other patrons and I some of her thick and chocolaty hot chocolate. Man! Now this was the real stuff. It isn't that watery cocoa we're all used to. This was straight up REAL hot chocolate!
While Lan wrapped up chocolates for another customer I explored the boutique more. I liked the soundtrack provided (They were playing tunes from an old school iPod plopped on top of a white-painted piano).
So yes, you have a classy chocolate boutique in the boonies of Milton-Freewater. You have a top quality product (Mmmm!). And you have a chance to experience something wholly unique. I highly recommend stopping on by! read more