In Brussels: Amazing Chocolate

Chocolate truffles from Mary

Our hotel in Brussels was very close to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert which is one of the oldest covered shopping arcades in Europe.  According to wikipedia, construction began in 1846 and ended in 1847.  The glass dome hovered over a wide walkway lined with upscale shops selling jewelry, chocolate, wine, hats, watches, and other luxury items.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

We only went into one store in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.  That was perfectly fine with me because this one store was absolutely amazing.  We went into a shop called Mary which sells handmade chocolates and other sweet confections.  My aunt had suggested that we stop there saying that the store had a great reputation.  Apparently the Belgium royal family endorses this particular chocolatier.  

I have to admit I was a bit intimidated at first glance.  Everything in the store was immaculately arranged into beautiful displays of the most gorgeous looking candies I have ever seen.  With a bit of coaxing from my husband, I approached the counter where I was able to choose which pralines, truffles, and other goodies I wanted put into my box.  Of course I wanted one of everything but economics made me be more prudent.  I chose sixteen chocolates.  

Upon my first bite, I have to declare that these are the best chocolate covered candies that I have had so far in my life.  I chose one that had a creamy cannelle (cinnamon) filling that was covered in dark chocolate.  Another had a dark chocolate and raspberry center with a white chocolate coating.  The white covering had metallic, maroon polka dots decorating it.  There were chocolate covered candied ginger and orange peel pieces plus gooey caramels.  Each one has been fabulous in its own unique way.

As I am writing this post I still have a few of these candies left in the box.  I have shared with my husband and my daughter.  But as the number dwindles, I admit that I have been contemplating hiding the box so I can eat the rest all by myself.  I probably won't do that but the thought is tempting.  I might have to go to Brussels again with the main goal of procuring some Mary's chocolates.  

The white chocolate ones in the center of the photo are the fabulous raspberry ones.

The front window of Mary