Godiva Chocolatier
We are Gaga for this Lady
There’s most American chocolate, and there’s Godiva. The brand with the evocative name (inspired by the legendary Lady who rode naked through the streets) has dominated the luxury chocolate niche in the U.S. since the first Godiva boutique opened in 1972 on New York’s Fifth Avenue. From there, it has branched out into more than 80 countries worldwide. This is due to the fact that unlike many other chocolates from the land of hamburgers and apple pie, who rely on subpar cocoa beans (or not enough cocoa), an excess of sugar and filler materials, Godiva makes a “European”-tasting product that was started in Belgium by Joseph Draps 85 years ago. And all Godiva chocolates are still created based on the original recipes.
Tradition pays off, especially during holidays such as Valentine’s Day, when Godiva sells 15,000 chocolate-covered strawberries per hour across its boutiques, nationwide. Many of their stores open as early as 2 a.m. during Cupid’s busy period to prepare for the rush. But Godiva goodies are welcome year-round. We like Godiva’s seasonal treats such as the pretty Spring Flower Lollipops. We are also partial to the truffles, which are available in a staggering 86 flavors. And we are not the only ones. Godiva reports that about 47,254 Godiva truffles are consumed every day, 1,969 are devoured an hour and 33 are savored in a minute. Thirty-three might be a bit much, as their flavor is rich and mouth filling. But one a day could do. It comes down to this, if you are a serious chocolate snob who enjoys only the rarest dark bars with 85 per cent cocoa content and beans scoured from farthest corners of the earth, Godiva may not be for you. But if you are like us and appreciate a fine product made in the European tradition, Godiva will have you adding to those truffle statistics.
Price: $65 for the Signature Chocolate Truffle Assortment (36 pc.)
For more information, visit www.godiva.com
Reviewed by Sylvie Greil
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