In the morning we departed by train for Berlin and while I was quite sad to leave Dresden, I was eager to finally explore Germany’s capitol. Berlin has been on my dream destination list for as long as I can remember and AirBerlin thought the best way for our group to become first acquainted with the city was by making a stop at Fassbender & Rausch Chocolatiers. Do they know the way to my heart or what?
Before our chocolate tour officially began, we sampled several incredibly delectable things from Schokoladen-Café’s menu. Although the restaurant is definitely worth the wait, expect to encounter a queue to be seated, especially on the weekends. Both locals and tourists know just how extraordinary this place is with its exquisite food and stunning view of the famous Gendarmenmarkt.
Then we were joined by the highly acclaimed Chef George Helwig in the demonstration kitchen where he explained everything there is to know about Fassbender & Rausch chocolate. Made from the best plantation cocoa in the world, their pure fine dark and milk chocolate tastes like heaven.
Chef generously wanted to gift each of us a keepsake to take home and told us to pick out a word or phrase that he would write on a chocolate mascarpone heart. Since my husband was not present and he loves chocolate even more than I, I chose the word “lobster”, which is what we affectionately call one another after we discovered that lobsters mate for life, to give to him when I returned home.
Then we went downstairs to see the rest of the massive store. Fassbender & Rausch sell over two hundred varieties of fresh filled chocolates and truffles. Only in their flagship location in Berlin can you see the entire collection. Chef explained to us that him and his team regularly create giant works of chocolate art, such as the recreation of the Brandenburg Gate, to delight their guests. I could not believe my eyes when I saw an elephant and plane together, since they are two of my most favorite things in life!
I think the chocolate cupid is too cute! What a delicious looking post 😀
Thank you and I agree re: Cupid! 🙂
“Lobster” – I love that, Andi. 🙂 Isn’t it so amazing to be with someone that you enjoy spending the rest of your life with? 🙂 What a beautiful introduction to Berlin. I love it there so very much and can’t wait to return. 🙂
Haha most people think we’re crazy! But we always call each other lobster even in stores or restaurants. We also say “I lobster you.” It’s the best feeling in the world to find your soul mate. I am looking forward to returning to Berlin as well one day — hopefully next time it will be a bit warmer though!
I love that last photo, and the one with you and the lobster heart is so adorable! This totally makes me think of the show “Friends,” when Phoebe tells Ross that he and Rachel will end up together because “She’s your lobster!” You two are equally adorable. Love it. 🙂
Thank you dear!!! Yes, we couldn’t believe it when we saw that episode on Friends, because we had been calling each other lobster for years! And we’re both HUGE Friends fans too!
I discovered running the marathon that I have a big chocolate fetish also. Every time I ran a long run I skipped gatorade and went for the chocolate milk. Do you remember where they get their cocoa from. When I was in Trinidad & Tobago I was told they export a lot of their cocoa to Europe.
Chocolate milk sounds a thousand times better than gatorade hahaha! Their cocoa was mostly from the Amazon, but I believe they might have mentioned T&T!!! I will check on that.
OMG – you cannot tease me with a post full of chocolate like this!! Now I’ll be craving it this entire day! lol!! Is that…a huge chocolate bear?! 🙂 I’m glad you had a great time – it looks amazing!!!
Hahaha so sorry, I should have put a warning on the post! 🙂
Oh goodness, look at all that chocolate! So scrumptious!
xo TJ
It was amaaaaazing!!!
Awww, I love the lobster! My guy used to live in Germany and absolutely loves it. We are planning a trip this fall!
I didn’t know what “real” chocolate tasted like until I went to Europe. The quality of their chocolate is amazing….just like your photos! Great post! Now I look for European chocolate at home. (European cheese too!) I’m looking forward to getting the “real thing” this summer in Europe.
Yes, I agree, the quality is SO much better! Thank you so much for your kind words re: my pics!!!
OMg that is completely amazing. They have lots of gorgeous, amazing chocolatiers here in Switzerland, but the Swiss don’t do the whole sculpture thing much, except maybe giant bunnies at Easter, which is like, snooze. I mean, look at that whole building, that’s incredible!
If you like chocolate, you should really come to Switzerland next, you know 😉
I can only imagine the chocolate in Switzerland!!! Switzerland is definitely on my dream destination list. I will let you know for sure when I come for a visit. We should go and get chocolate together.
To me Berlin was a surprise, I wasn’t expecting to like it so much when I first visited! I think on my next visit I need to make the trip little tastier with a visit to the Chocolatiers, I wish I had known about them earlier! 🙂
You MUST visit! It’s life changing!!!
The deserts look delicious! Great pictures.
x Courtney Shields
It was and thank you!!!
Isn’t Fassbender & Rausch the best? It still is the best hot chocolate I have ever had! I love how they have made chocolate structures out of all the important Berlin landmarks too.
Yes they are the best of the best!!! 🙂
This is def one of my most favorite places in the city. I bring all of my visitors there to get some fancy chocolate and to have a hot one upstairs in the bar! 🙂
I love to hear that!!! I will definitely return to the chocolate cafe next time I’m in Berlin. I LOVED it!
You look like a sexy bitch with that chocolate heart next to your face. LOVE IT!
Hahaha why thank you!
So much chocolate. So little time.
Hahaha I love it!
Yes, a warning would have been nice! 🙂 Delicious!!
Hahahah sorry about that! 😉
Love the last photo! What an awesome afternoon!
Thank you and I agree, especially since you were there too!
The chocolate bear looks so adorable and tasty! This shop is a must visit for my next trip to Berlin. 🙂
Make sure you definitely stop by, you will LOVE it!!!