March 26, 2012

About Easter eggs and chocolate


My memories about chocolate are deeply linked to a fabulous Easter Sunday, when I received a chocolate egg that was as tall as me.
Well, not "that tall", considering I was nothing more than a little kid at that time. But it impressed me so much, I still remember that magic moment. And my donor.
Considering my actual age and height, wishing to receive such an egg today would be something totally insane. And in fact, I don't. But I am sure that I am not the only person who aims to be surprised and to surprise her loved ones with unexpected gifts. What would, in fact, be of more impact than having a personalized Easter egg hiding that special present your kid or husband is dreaming of?
There are just a few chocolate shops in Rome offering this possibility, and here are some, whose quality matches my taste...

GAY-ODIN                                                                                            Via Stoppani, 9
At the end of the XIX century Mr. Isidoro Odin opened his first shop, spreading a scent of chocolate along the whole via Chiaia in Naples. His reputation grew so much among the local elite to enable him to build his own chocolate factory in the wealthiest district of the town in 1922. Despite his marriage with Onorina Gay, he had no children so the whole property was sold in the sixties. Nevertheless, the founder's original recipes still survive in Gay-Odin shops in Milan, Naples and Rome. My favorite is chocolate with chilly powder. Delicious...
gay-odin.it

SAID (also known as B-SAID)                       Via Tiburtina, 135                                      
It is not easy to find this fascinating place, since it is located in a hidden courtyard. Founded as a chocolate factory in 1923, today it is also a very charming restaurant. Its menu includes some dishes with a definitely unique touch, such as pork fillet with bitter chocolate and ginger apple sauces, or maccheroni with a sprinkling of chocolate powder. From the vintage pieces of furniture, that display hundreds of different pralines, to the old chocolate molds hanging on the walls, everything in here has a romantic touch. Do not stop at the shop, but walk along the corridor till the restaurant and ask for a quick look of the factory itself.
said.it

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