Snax and Sex and the City

the space

I don’t even care that Bushwick has the most rats of anywhere in New York. It’s character-building and quirky. Rats aside, today I re-fell in love with Bushwick when I stumbled upon Fine & Raw Chocolate, a new chocolate shop / coffee bar on 288 Seigel Street (right by the Morgan L stop). They make super tasty, artisan raw chocolate products (bars, TRUFFLES, hot chocolate, etc.) using high-quality ingredient like blue agave nectar, coconut oil, Himalayan sea salt, and palm sugar. Most importantly, there are always chocolate samples available for the taking, plus you get a lil’ truffle with any coffee purchase. The space is super cozy, too. When I first swung by, after I ate half of the sample tray and drooled on / manhandled all the chocolate bars, I was instantly struck by the “Chocolate Shot” on the menu–it only cost $1, and it seemed to incorporate two things I love: chocolate and shots. Essentially, the Chocolate Shot is super rich, earthy 70% Madagascar chocolate, melted, and then mixed with a shot of espresso. It’s ridiculous. Keith, my friendly barista / chocolate master, mixed in some steamed whole milk for me, and the result was stunning: thick, creamy, rich, slightly bitter choco-coffee madness. DANG, is all I could say, after each and every sip. DANG.

first, the humble blend of bitter espresso and rich madagascar chocolate

then, my buddy keith mixes in steamed whole milk, as i swoon uncontrollably

et voilà, the perfect mid-morning indulgence