No matter how I feel at any given moment, I am always ready for a chocolate treat. Normally, I opt for Hershey or Godiva. Lo and behold I have discovered a new chocolate love. I had the pleasure of attending the formal opening of Alison Nelson's Chocolate Bar located at Henri Bendel's third floor atrium. Ms. Nelson, a tall, courteous and slender blonde informed me that the Chocolate Bar first opened in May.

Ed Bucciarelli, President of Henri Bendel, and Ms. Nelson. Check out the cool tatoo.

I should mention that the Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel is touted as the candy store for grown-ups. However, it appeared to me to be a trendy eatery that is sure to charm visitors both young and old alike. The atmosphere inside of the upscale eatery instilled a cool 50's retro feeling within me. In contrast, the dining area just outside of the shop was contemporary and elegant. The blending of the two makes the environment both relaxed and comfortable.

I could not help but notice the chocolate and baby blue colored walls and creamy white seats. You are probably thinking that it sounds a lot like candy. Well, it certainly does to me. The striking thing is that those colors matched the dresses of the wait staff. It was yet again, chocolate and creamy white. Only this time the colors graced cap sleeve mini-dresses with baby blue lining. That stroke of genius is courtesy of fashion designer Stacey Bendet for Alice + Olivia.

Alison Nelson(l) owner of The Chocolate Bar, and Suchi Reddy (r), owner of Reddymade Designs. The creative space was designed by Ms. Reddy.

The menu was pretty inviting if I might say so. You could have a chocolate bar sandwich consisting of 64% cacao dark chocolate and peanut butter on white toast for $7.50. The most interesting item on the menu is The Barcelona. It is put together using 71% cacao chocolate with olive oil and sea salt on a toasted baguette also for $7.50. I sampled the tomato, basil, ricotta, and arugula on toasted filone. Normally, I would not choose ricotta cheese as a spread but I was pleased with its taste. Give it a try and you will be pleased as well.

Here is a waitress serving up a delectable dish, a no mayo tuna sandwich.

The chocolate liquid was out of this world. It was creatively served in a shot glass. As for the taste, it was smooth, rich, creamy and cold. If you like, it could also be served hot although probably not in the shot glass. Other beverages include chocolate or vanilla egg cream, Italian soda, and the traditional Coca-Cola and Sprite.

It does not stop there. You can also delight in alcoholic beverages at the Chocolate Bar. Whether you fancy red or white wine, beer, or champagne, you will find what you desire. I tried the champagne and it was flavorful, cool and crisp. The Brooklyn lager beer appeared to be quite popular among the other guests. So if you are a beer aficionado, I highly recommend it.

Ed Roth, designer of Stencil 1 sitting in front of his table design.

Whatever you do, do not leave without trying a brownie. After I bit into the moist and delicious treat, I noticed it did not have the bitter undertone that I find in most brownies. It was delicately sweet and rich. It had somewhat of a cake-like texture but still unmistakably a brownie. The chocolate experience will not be complete unless you try a chocolate bar. The tempting flavors include Caramel Apple, Raspberry Jam, Key Lime Pie, and Salty Pretzel. Absolutely nothing made my mouth water faster than the site of the Malted Milk flavored candy bar.

Entrance to the Chocolate Bar.

Even if you do not normally shop at Henri Bendel, stop by the Chocolate Bar for a unique and should I say chocolaty experience.

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