Haute Couture Chocolates

December 1, 2008 8:21 pm

Chocolate always makes a sweet gift, but when I received a beautiful Aztec Hot Chocolate tin set (See Featured Promotions) a few years ago from MarieBelle, my appreciation for one of my favorite beverages reached a new level. The gift boxes are classy enough to contain jewels, I knew I was in for a unique experience as soon as I saw it. Conceived by Maribel Lieberman, MarieBelle chocolates, confections, tea and coffees combine quality and beauty and they taste as good as they look.

MarieBelle's famous Aztec Hot Chocolate is different from traditional hot cocoa. It is made from the richest single origin Colombian Cocoa (60-70%) and is made with pure chocolate, rather than simply alkalized cocoa powder-- which is the main ingredient in mass produced hot cocoa. This divinely decadent yet simple to prepare beverage is available in four flavors: Aztec (60% cacao), Dark (70% cacao), Cafe Negro (Coffee), and Spicy (cinnamon, nutmeg and chipotle). The package is special, but what is inside is even more unique.

Within a few days I went to MarieBelle's Cacao Bar and Tea Salon in SoHo to see what other great products I could find. I didn't realize that the shop would be so gorgeous, a luxuriously designed chocolate paradise Marie Antoinette would approve of. Maribel Lieberman masterfully infused her background in design with her Chocolatier expertise to create chocolates that are truly little works of art. MarieBelle's luscious morsels are handmade with only the finest single-origin cacao. Using up to 72% cacao beans, these high concentrations result in a rich, complex flavor not commonly found. Exotic flavors are continuously being added to the line; fans now choose from 27 flavors, including Earl Grey Tea, Saffron, Spices, Cardamom, Lemon and Hazelnut. Creatively named to note the original images, each chocolate tastes even better than it looks.

The elegant blue and brown packaging tied with a perfectly turned brown ribbon oozes chocolate haute couture. The prefect gift to show sophistication and style, I have proudly given it on many occasions. I took MarieBelle chocolate boxes to the Middle East to present to my hostess, and also gave the tea set as a house gift to a distinguished American businessman on the Upper East Side. The enthusiasm from my diverse group of recipients has always been genuine and unparalleled to the reaction from other gifts I've given in the past.

Like her chocolates, Maribel Lieberman epitomizes style. Having been a fan of hers for a long time, when I met with her I was taken by how fashionable she looked when she descended upon the room. Secretly hoping she would notice my new Proenza Schouler shoes and I was dying to know if her jacket was from Lanvin's fall collection, but I kept my mouth shut so we could focus on the chocolate. She explained how to pair wine with chocolate, use her hot chocolate for summer cocktails, and how to make pudding with leftovers. Maribel used an old fashioned stove to work her magic and the result was a warm, thick, creamy chocolate drink that brought decadence to a new level. MarieBelle allows you to savor the highest quality luxury chocolates with style.

Caroline Alexa McBride

Mariebelle
484 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
212.925.6999