h decadent chocolate! More than 2000 years ago you were considered “food of the gods” by the Mayan Indians, those who today still make people believe that you are, chocolate, a high aphrodisiac. Around 1800, you became the most faithful companion of Napoleon Bonaparte on his military campaigns, always relying on you for energy. In 1960, you helped Alfred Hitchcock bring the life out of the famous shower scene in Psycho, where chocolate syrup was used instead of blood. Today, consumers spend more than 7 billion dollars a year on chocolate and since July 20th, 2005, Montrealers can enjoy the latest trend in sweet-treats; The chocolate Lounge, Suite 88 Chocolatier, on Saint-Denis street in the Plateau neighbourhood, in Montreal.

Entering Suite 88 is like entering the Tiffany’s of chocolate. This cozy new lounge is the long time dream of Ms. Galit Mizrahi and Ms. Helen Kavouris, two girlfriends for the last fifteen years, who always shared one indulging passion; chocolate. Co-owner Ms. Mizrahi wanted to present chocolate just like diamonds on display. Walking along this sweet parade, a wide variety of flavours and style is offered to the tongue. From the classic 88 % black chocolate bars, flavours ranges from green tea, ginger, honey, chili cayenne, white, praline, orange peel, fancy turtles, crunch’s to many others in different shapes and textures.

Aside from two of their specialties the “dôme” and the “mosaïque”, the latest trend in chocolate confection sits right here, waiting for you to... drink it, yes that’s right, the chocolate shooter. With the looks of a round base pyramid, the chocolate shooter is made for you to bite the tip off the pyramid and indulge some Absolut apple, mandarin, raspberry, lemon or some Grand Marnier, litchi or many more alcoholic liquid hold up inside the chocolate.

Of course, afterwards, this shooter is made to be eaten in the most delicate way. Tasting delightful chocolates in this white minimalist designed environment brings to any conscious mind the question of price, since the place is so refined. Well, this is probably the sweetest information we should pass around; this high-class chocolate lounge comes with affordable, reasonable prices. And that was a must for Ms. Galit Mizrahi. “There are no places in Montreal where high-quality and good prices come together to offer the clients a great chocolate product.” Forgive me for asking, but trying to keep your prices low doesn’t hurt your budget?