With the weather getting progressively colder we were reminded that one of the tastiest (and decadent) ways to warm up is with a "suckao" at Max Brenner Chocolate on Oxford St.
The "suckao" is a special cup with a candle underneath and a strange metal straw/spoon that was designed for preparing and drinking thick hot chocolate made with real melted chocolate. Our favorite part is that because the chocolate is on the side, you get to decide how much (or little) you want to cram in at one time.
Next time we'll also save room for the "Berry Indulgement".
Here are a few factoids about chocolate:
The Aztecs considered chocolate an aphrodisiac and banned women from consuming it.
(Ironically, chocolate is the number one food craved by women)
Chocolate contains phenylethylamie the same chemical produced by the brain when you fall in love.
Chocolate is an excellent source of vitamin E and a good source of phosphorous, calcium and iron.
There is no proof that chocolate causes or aggravates acne. Nor that it causes tooth decay. In fact, there are indications that the cocoa butter in the chocolate coats the teeth and may help plaque from forming.
Research at the University of California has found that chocolate carries high levels of chemicals known as phenolics, or antioxidants like those found in red wine, and may help lower the risk of heart disease.
Max Brenner's Chocolate Rules
This is an excellent place just to hang out and indulge ... just go and enjoy. Better still go often ... you won't be sorry ... you'll be as hooked on his chocolate as the rest of this town seems hooked on Krispy Kreme donuts. (I'm not an employee - just a fan)
Posted by: Peter | June 02, 2004 at 11:22 AM
i went to max brenner in singapore with my sister and a friend. between the three of us we had an orchid oil hot chocolate, an orange hot chocolate and a frozen chocolate shot, and within five minutes of beginning to sip, our heads were on the table, we could no longer speak coherently, and then the fuzzy-headedness and giggling kicked in. it was very tasty, but extremely debilitating.
Posted by: bowb | June 02, 2004 at 11:47 AM
dude, i think i just drooled on my keyboard.
Posted by: estee | June 02, 2004 at 11:22 PM
The chocolate industry has done a great job of promotig its product in Japan as being a "health" food, high in antioxidants. But - like we need another reason to scoff it!
Posted by: Dani | June 04, 2004 at 04:01 PM
Ahhh.....chocolate by the Bald Man...how I crave it so. It's been 4 months since I've had my fix. During my 3 week visit to see family in Australia during the Australian Open, I was introduced, and became addicted to Max Brenner. Seven visits in Melbourne - at the MB by Elizabeth Street, and the MB at the Glen. Four vists to the Double Bay MB during our 3-day weekend trip to Sydney. Suckao, how I miss you.....
Please open a Max Brenner in Los Angeles SOON!
Posted by: Ria | June 11, 2006 at 10:14 PM