Still looking for the perfect way to romance your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? If that special someone is fond of sweets, look no further.
The “Chocolate Bar” has been an annual event at the Langham Hotel’s elegant Cafe Fleuri since 1989. On Saturday, February 3, the HBS Partners’ Club (with a group of more than 60 members) got a taste of what was recently voted “Best Indulgence” by Boston Magazine.
This year’s theme, CB3, stood for “Chocolate Bar Three” and reflected Chef Alejandro (Alex) Luna’s divine knowledge of all things sweet. His premiere menu featured three distinct categories of milk, dark and white chocolate desserts.
The extensive dessert buffet included a delicious assortment of chocolate mousses, specialty cakes, made-to-order chocolate crepes topped with warm sauces and whipped cream, fresh baked cookies, milk chocolate passion fruit tarts, miniature s’more cups, delicate truffles, a donut machine, homemade waffles and fruit with chocolate fondue and more.
According to Shari Baillargeon, Social Committee Co-Chair for the Partners’ Club who coordinated the event, “It was absolutely divine. Everywhere you looked there was something tempting to eat. I enjoyed choosing the ingredients for my crepe: fresh berries, toasted almonds and a touch of white chocolate…I enjoyed eating it even more!”
Over 60 new dishes were added this year, as well as three new stations: warm mini- donuts with assorted sauces and toppings, perfect circles that neatly drop into a dish after cooling for only seconds; all-natural homemade ice cream; and chocolate brioche paninis. Old favorites such as The Langham’s chocolate croissant bread pudding and made-to-order crepes were also available for guests to enjoy. Another special treat came in the form of bite-sized decadence. Chef Alex, who is from Venezuela, shared his mother’s recipe for freshly made bunuelos, small but delicious doughy treats filled with chocolate and lightly sprinkled with sugar-reminiscent of a beignet but far better with the surprise filling in the middle.
“There was no way you could sample it all, no matter how hard you tried. Many partners and students in attendance said they would be back for more,” Baillargeon said.
It was impossible to select a favorite dessert with so many incredible options, but one would be remiss not to mention Chef Alex’s special creation: Snickers My Way. His masterful recreation of the candy-bar classic layers chocolate mousse with caramel, peanuts and fresh whipped cream, topped with a thin layer of chocolate ganache.
As of press time, space was still available for guests to enjoy the Chocolate Bar the Saturday following Valentine’s Day, but reservations are filling up fast. The Chocolate Bar is held in the beautiful Cafe Fleuri at the Langham Hotel every Saturday between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. At $28 per adult and $15 for children (4 to 12), it’s an indulgence worth every penny.
And if you miss out on Valentine’s Day, you will have other opportunities to experience it as this seasonal attraction continues until June 23. Go ahead and find an occasion to celebrate sweetly at the Langham’s Chocolate Bar.
The Langham Hotel
250 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
www.langhamhotels.com
617.326.3403
