Purists can explore the complex pleasures of dark chocolate at The Chocolate Path in Montclair (973-655-0822). The dark-only inventory includes hard-to-find Amedei bars, made from the rare Porcelana bean; the Belgian bar is made with 75 percent dark organic chocolate with green tea. Chocolate cookbooks and a hot cocoa bar complete the experience.
Tad Van Leer, owner of J. Emanuel Chocolatier in Chester (908-879-0500), has combined the properties of chocolate and wine in his shop’s luscious Bacchus truffles. Varietals include Zinfandel, Cabernet, Merlot, and Malbec.
The Chocolate Fantasy Buffet is offered four times a year (February 17, April 28, October 14, and November 17) at the Washington Inn in Cape May (609-884-5697, capemaymac.org). Featured desserts include white-chocolate raspberry tart, chocolate-hazelnut baklava, milk chocolate crème brûlée, and double-chocolate pecan pie, as well as chocolate drinks.
The cocoa-inclined can make their own chocolate with supplies bought at Candyland Crafts in Somerville (908-685-0410): chocolate for molding, plus more than 3,000 candy molds, including some with adult themes that you’ll need ID to buy.
Chocolate Bar LBI is a new hot spot in Beach Haven (609-492-2577) selling “retro-reconfigured” chocolate bars in flavors like caramel apple, as well as decadent truffles, bonbons, and clusters. Owner Alison Nelson’s “choco-tique” also sells chocolate-themed T-shirts, totes, and candles.
Think chocolate is only for eating? Think again, preferably while luxuriating in a three-and-a-half-hour full-body chocolate massage at Salon 5 & Spa in Fort Lee (201-944-8011), including a chocolate sugar scrub, chocolate facial, and a spicy chocolate manicure. Yummy.