When Hotel Chocolat recently contacted me about trying their premium chocolates, how could I resist? Hotel Chocolat (shok-o-la) is a UK chocolatier that specializes in high-end luxury chocolates, so I jumped at the chance to check out their new hip shop on Newbury Street in Boston.
The store itself was warm, sleek, and inviting, with shelves and tables brimming over with their signature chocolate slabs, truffles, and whimsical chocolate bars. I expected the cool contemporary store, but was surprised by the very wonderful, friendly, and unpretentious service (and yes, I was shopping anonymously!)! I immediately felt at home asking all my foodie questions. All their chocolates are organic, and they actually own a cocoa plantation in St. Lucia and see the chocolate making process through from start to finish.
After perusing the store and sneaking in a few pictures, I decided I needed to sample a variety of treats. I selected the Christmas Goody Bag, which contained a cute solid milk chocolate penguin and Santa, milk chocolate Christmas pudding slab with crunchy shortbread cookies, Christmas Star hazelnut and caramel truffles, and a bag of Munchkin Snowballs, which are mini shortbread cookies surrounded in white chocolate and dusted with sugar!
Everything was incredibly rich and decadent. I couldn’t stop myself from ripping into the package on the train and was immediately transported to another place with just one luxurious bite! The chocolates sets are the perfect holiday hostess gifts and I was so happy I was able to try them – thank you Hotel Chocolat!
And don’t worry – Hotel Chocolat didn’t forget about you! I’m giving away a Christmas Goody Bag and Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar to two lucky readers!
There are two ways to enter:
1. Check out Hotel Chocolat’s Christmas Chocolate Gifts and leave a comment with a link to the item you most want Santa to leave in your stocking!
2. Tweet about this giveaway (using #cakebatterbowl), or post about it on your blog or Facebook. Don’t forget to come back and leave a second comment with the link for your second entry.
Entries must be in by Saturday, December 5 at 11:59pm EST. Good luck!
Cake, Batter, and Bowl features my original recipes for quick, healthy, and inexpensive weeknight meals and indulgent weekend treats. Enjoy!
Wow does it show how much I love chocolate by being the first commenter? I bet you are going to get over 500 entries or some crazy number like that, but I sure would love to win this! YUM!
I think this (http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Best-Christmas-Gifts-P330012US/) would be an awesome thing for Santa to leave in my stocking! And even better that I could share with friends (well…that is if I wanted to!)
Love this giveaway Kerstin! You (and your blog) rock!
Here is the post I put on twitter
http://twitter.com/TheNoviceChef/status/6261707394
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQ48J7OTJK9RGI306J6AL71LOUEJFIM/Unique-Christmas-Gifts-Chocolate-Truffle-P300049US/
The truffle tree looks so amazing!
May Canadians enter? I would most want Santa to leave this item for us this year: http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Luxury-Christmas-Cracker-P300042US/
It might take more than one stocking, but I’m sure he could work something out. Christmas crackers are a tradition in my family – sometimes the ones from the store, other times homemade (my uncle writes the best fortunes) – so this would be a fun thing to share.
Dear Santa, Can I have a http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Luxury-Christmas-Cracker-P300042US/ for Christmas? I promise to share. Love, Becca Sue.
I posted a link on my facebook. Yay for entering a Chocolat giveaway AND getting to spread the word about my new favorite baking blog! I think I ran across your blog just this week while googling for petit fours.
I would love to have this Christmas Hamper! [http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Christmas-Hamper-P350045US/]. i’d kiss Santa if he leaves this on my Christmas stocking!
What a *sweet* giveaway! I’d go for the “Chocolate Dipping Adventure” (http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQOHVVJRBF2BS7W2KKEJW0IM5NBTOIC/Best-Christmas-Gifts-P330012US/)
This is such a creative gift!
I’m excited that Hotel Chocolat is right here in Boston… I’ll have to check it out.
wow, very kewl!! the dipping adventure, chili penguins, and holiday wreath were tempting, but i like the variety in this…
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQEU98W3TGIISQRYFI3007DKU0P3DW7/Christmas-Gift-Bag-P350050US/
Whoa, that’s one awesome giveaway. I’d want the truffles adventcalendar
Can I win some chocolate now? Hehe
I actually went to the store and they wouldn’t let me take pictures. I was sad because everything WAS very pretty and I wanted to share it with the world. Good thing you did
yummm…even if I don’t win thanks for alerting me to this place. I would want Santa to leave me this: http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQF8NG6IWAM5VBHIJSDLS6EPPJTSCSR/Holiday-Gift-Idea-P300038US/
I love dried fruit/chocolate together!
Hi!
My favorite is the Truffle Tree. It is so cute and festive and the truffles look very yummy! I want to win!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Unique-Christmas-Gifts-Chocolate-Truffle-P300049US/
The truffle tree looks soo awesome. It would not look so awesome after I tore into it…
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQQ03POK9LNAQTOY8KH1B8E7QUUW97U/Unique-Christmas-Gifts-Chocolate-Truffle-P300049US/
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
Love it think its so cool to make a night around chocolate!
Well the Christmas Hamper of course! I can’t decide on just one thing, so this looks like it would take care of any craving
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQLOHE2T5YBZJQVBCS2I8BQO02WGIS4/Christmas-Hamper-P350045US/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/shimmerzhb?ref=profile Posted on facebook but I have [rofile as private so don’t know if you can view it? sorry!
I would LOVE to have the advent calendar!! I was thinking about making one myself, so I could have a little treat everyday leading up to Christmas, but theirs looks so much more delicious
And I tweeted! http://twitter.com/betheats
What a yummy treat! I’d pick the assorment so I could share with the other chocolate lovers in my house!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQ270HMKGANYPZ1CVGGAZR6S8MLDTL7/Christmas-Gift-Boxes-P260099US/
chili penguins! so cute.
Mmmm, the sleekster luxe. Because it’s called “sleekster luxe” — how can you resist THAT? And because it’s sweet to share, and the sleekster makes that easy.
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Chocolate-Christmas-Gifts-P260100US/
Definitely this lovely sampler (though currently out of stock): http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQADQFDN9LFFJGA6A8UOWSTKG1YDFU1/Holiday-Treats-P260096US/
I fell in love with Hotel Chocolat after visiting their store in Kensington last year. It looks like the store in Boston is very similar. The staff was really lovely, too. So happy they’re expanding in the States!
Holy Chocolate!
I am loving the Chocolatier’s Table Luxe.
(http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Gourmet-Chocolate-Boxes-P260104US/)
I could do some real damage with that!
i’d want the chocolatier’s table luxe, and not just because it’s the most expensive, but because it’s the most plentiful. is that gluttonous of me?
Chocolate Dipping Adventure for Two
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQUDXFXGJX4JXG57H1ILJRA8MEM87JP/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
That way I can share with my husband a professed chocoholic.
Ohhh how delightful! That dipping adventure for two looks super fun
But that entire store could be dangerous…
I can almost smell the chocolates from here! I want Santa to deliver this:
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Best-Christmas-Gifts-P330012US/
I LOVE Christmas crackers so I would absolutely welcome the “Rather Large Cracker” into my home.
Loving those Chili Penguins!! Any type of chocolate with a hint of chili sounds good to me! http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQO849TACB83LCN3JH14LO3RUTJKSSJ/christmas-gifts-for-men-P300023US/
Great post. I have to admit I’m more of a chocolate snob than I realized. For some reason I always stick to my favorites and don’t branch out very much. Perhaps I should check them out.
Good god, you got me drooling over my computer at work this morning! Melting gianduja cubes into melted chocolate. OMG!!!
(http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQQC5IB7MPO02AWEQRRKRVN2GW2440L/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/)
I would love to try the Minty Mistletoe.
When talking about chocolate how could you pass up something with the word “slab” in the name?? Wow!
Festive Holiday Giant Slab (http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQ2Z5J47AHYDIIL7HTR7TSS27F36GLH/Christmas-Holiday-Gifts-P310112US/) Just wow! Thanks for the giveaway.
This would be a wonderful thing to share on Christmas Eve:
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQTK9SKBI6S2P1NZ7I3YAWK6E6RFZ4M/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
Mmm I would like the truffle tree! http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQ4WGNS5HVTU4O3P09F8Q0341XKRPWA/Unique-Christmas-Gifts-Chocolate-Truffle-P300049US/
Their store in Boston is SO cute! That must have been such a fun adventure. Bob and I have been talking about going to St. Lucia this spring to celebrate our graduations – wonder if we could drive by the fields of cocoa!
What a cute store!! And great gifts too! There stuff looks amazing! I want it all haha!
Let’s see…yes the advent calendar – how fun!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQ6N78FYUG82ZGP50CS36I02XU0XQ5Y/Christmas-Advent-Calendar-P300045US/
ohh…the Christmas Goodie Bag!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Christmas-Gift-Bag-P350050US/
oh man, the gift set of 96 chocolates! I want to try them all! LOL
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Unique-Holiday-Gifts-P260097US/
What a great store! Thanks for sharing this!
Yikes, I can hardly choose! But I guess I’d have to go with the holiday signature collection. Thanks for the fun give away!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Holiday-Treats-P260096US/
Now you know I need that Chocolate Dipping Adventure for Two… not for me, but for the lovely and talented MRS. My Year on the Grill… Really, none for me…really… honest, after all, you have never been lied to by a man before!
OOOPPPPSSSS…
forgot to leave a link
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQYV263HR5N9V9SEQNERMO0KY9AL76I/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
And you have been tweeted about… was it good for you too???
Latest: Hey everyone, there is an incredible CHIOCOLATE GIIVEAWAY over at http://cakebatterandbowl.com/hotel-chocolat-giveaway.html#comment-5948 less than 5 seconds ago
A Rather Large Christmas Cracker!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQVWLXYQLY99HS7WSTZT3LCE1B6QD1R/Luxury-Christmas-Cracker-P300042US/
That looks like a wonderful thing to put on a platter for the Christmas dessert table.
since you said this would be from Santa … i picked the Chocolatier’s Table Luxe (http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQ96EERS3D7V9CSN8EFYBWM0VR0MFSJ/Luxury-Chocolate-Box-P260078US/ ) because I could never afford that and neither could my santa here at home
Thank you for the chance
Oh, my. The chocolatier’s table luxe looks amazing! Yep, that’s what I would hope for from Santa. But, just a little chocolate will do!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQS0P5IFGICU4EL28LCM5169EBVHNTP/Luxury-Chocolate-Box-P260078US/
Thanks for offering your sweet treat.
Chocolate Dipping Adventure For Two (http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQ73BIO1BVBSS543DMVEPLTHG5FOG38/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/) can it get more heavenly and decadent than that? I don’t think so!
Needless to say I tweeted about this sweet giveaway as well (http://twitter.com/taly_g/status/6282896981)
I really hope I win!! I love chocolate!
Here’s my blog about it!
http://el-ojo-magico.blogspot.com/2009/12/chocolat-goodie-bag.html
It’d fit in my stocking santa….I’m just saying : http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/XNQSA3DNHR89WQHOVTZSHQP24BA1RG87/christmas-gifts-for-men-P300023US/
FABULOUS giveaway
Thanks for hosting this awesome giveaway! I would choose the Chocolate Sleekster – http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Christmas-Gift-Boxes-P260099US/ – because I love the name! HAHA!
I’m going to post this on my blog post for tomorrow and send you the link. Gracias Kerstin!
I could never refuse a gigantic slab of chocolate: http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Christmas-Holiday-Gifts-P310112US/
I would love an advent calendar to share.
I have enjoyed reading your blog and seeing how you tie in what you are doing, where you are or who you are visiting with what you are cooking.
I’ve been wanting to check out Hotel Chocolat. I’m in Boston too and I remember hearing about it opening up.
I’m intrigued by the liquid chocolate… http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQZM8DD9N0MRC3J8V7RJQ4HSH61PTN9/Drinking-Chocolate-P500035US/
This is ridiculously awesome! I would kill for some chocolate right now…especially chocolate that looks as good as this! I would definitely love the Signature Holiday collection. 96 chocolates…would be dangerous. But delicious.
Pick me! Pick me! AAAHH!! This is so opportune…I’ve only recently discovered an appreciation for chocolate! ME ME ME!
Will be tweeting asap!
I’d love the Holiday Signature Collection with 24 pieces – that way I can share (and not demolish them all myself haha)
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Holiday-Treats-P260096US/
What a cool giveaway! I love chocolate
I’m going to have to go with the Chocolate Dipping Adventure- that looks so fun!
Oo I’d like any chocolate in my stocking, but if I had to pick it’d be the Classic & Chili Liquid Chocolat Gift Box!
I checked the entire site out and I think that I would ask Santa for the Christmas Hamper. If I receive that item I would bake something that would make you proud….:0)
Christi
I just blogged about the giveaway as well, so here’s my second entry!
Awesome chocolates! I like the liquid chocolat http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQEZAVY6YOQ1LY368S6WTFOTHRE8DJB/Special-Christmas-Gifts-P360075US/ on their page, yum!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQZH3DK1A5WQV4O488FDRM7ZW16263H/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/. Perfect for me and my husband!
Designer chocolate! What a great product to try!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQN56VQGDXI2FRZMJVZCWYWSSC75K71/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
I have to go with the chocolate dipping kit- <3 fondue
yum! http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Holiday-Treats-P260096US/
Um, pretty sure this one is insulin worthy – chili liquid chocolate?? I am in!!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQG9605QTP10Y7FV2CBWK2ETZWE4W9N/Special-Christmas-Gifts-P360075US/
For my husband and me, I’d love Santa to either leave us the Truffle Advent Calendar,
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQ898LZIJCNGNYR5AGLD60251H57RJE/Christmas-Advent-Calendar-P300045US/
or the Chocolate Dipping Adventure for Two,
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQ898LZIJCNGNYR5AGLD60251H57RJE/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
What better way to eat chocolate than with a partner
I LOVE this: http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
I tweeted too! I would love to win this!
Hi Kerstin, I linked back to your giveaway today on my blog – http://healthychow.com/2009/12/03/thanksgiving-brussels-sprouts/
BTW, I meant to say ‘Christmas Sleekster’ and not ‘Chocolate Sleekster’ in my last comment to you. But either way, I’d pick that product!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQEYN3GCG9T6VXS9ETF3FWCHIQBU8RJ/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
My boyfriend and I love to fondue and this looks absolutely adorable!
linked back!
http://tri2cook.blogspot.com/2009/12/roasted-pears-whoney-rosemary.html
I totally want to win this giveaway but my pants are too tight right now so I’ll just drool from afar.
Goodies, chocolate and tongs to dip the goodies into the chocolate! Need I say more
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/WNQSNZT166JKBFIAUCZ07KA04SGQZSCJ/Best-Christmas-Gifts-P330012US/
This one is kind of pricey, but I like the *VARIETY* I would love to win ANY of them though. They all look SO delicious!!!! Thank you!!! ~ http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Christmas-Chocolates-Holiday-Gifts-Cxmas_pg4/
I love this chocolate dipping affair for two — how cute & romantic!!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/VNQTBOMXJ23IPHRD5WZ1V86N6IEH1ULP/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
Hello! This is my first time replying to a blog! I am sooo new to this! What fun you must be having w/your blog. I am loving this! I have a blog, but am having a hard time keeping it current! Am a bit behind…but am learning and loving other’s blogs!
I would pick the chocolate dipping for two thingy….http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/ because while my 2 darling angels are in bed, the hubby and I can have a little time to ourselves…..and indulge in this wonderous chocolate. YUM-O!!!!
I will enjoy following your blog….and thank you in advance for the time you spend on it!
From a scrapbookin, stampin, foodlovin’ mom in Alabama!
Connie
the chocolate adventure looks so fun!
Wow… chocolat giveaway?!?!? That’s so wonderful… but then I guess it’s only for US resident.
I would love the Winter Liquid Chocolat. I think I could whip up something interesting with that.
Thanks for hosting! This chocolate looks incredible.
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Drinking-Chocolate-P500035US/
I would love the christmas sleekster for my slick wife!
Thank you
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Chocolate-Christmas-Gifts-P260100US/
Thought I’d go for broke… The bigger the box of chocolates, the more merriness to share! http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/VNQA635YQHLKVZ147T1GX49YN823IGK6/Luxury-Chocolate-Box-P260078US/
I love this giveaway! My selection is the Chocolatier’s Table Luxe (http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Luxury-Chocolate-Box-P260078US/). Actually it isn’t for me but for my 93-year-old Papa and all of his cronies and their visitors in the skilled nursing center he calls home in Montana. This would be a great way for Hotel Chocolat to advertise to a rather remote source of potential customers. I can see all the smiling faces now
I’d like the chocolate dipping set for two but to give as a gift to my brother and his girlfriend! She loves that kind of stuff.
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/VNQNIYYFRBHPS402Q3JSAWARKC1Z79HS/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
~ingrid
Oh my goodness! Probably the Chocolate dipping for two http://www.hotelchocolat.com/cid/VNQFRII4GQNWAEVD6QKVO08COJYVMQRJ/Chocolate-Dipping-Adventure-for-Two-P330011US/
Or the fruit and nut chocolate wreath http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Holiday-Gift-Idea-P300038US/
so yummy!
You can’t go wrong with any chocolate, but this one looks amazing!
http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Christmas-Chocolates-Holiday-Gifts-Cxmas_pg4/
hotel chocolate rocks. i would love their drinking chocolate http://www.hotelchocolat.com/Special-Christmas-Gifts-P360075US/
Sign me up again! (trying to enter again, tee hee)
I must hide this from Ben and not show it to him. He would go nuts–he’s a chocolate fiend.
Thanks to everyone who entered! The winners, picked with random.org, were #19 and #64. Congrats Danielle and Biz!