Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier

I was on a mission to try new chocolates today. (I've already eaten my way through La Maison Du Chocolat, Richart, Jacques Torres, Michel Cluizel, Chocolate Bar, Cocoa Bar, Chocolate Room Brooklyn, Christopher Norman, Leonidas and MarieBelle.) However, my first two attempts were frustrated; the Max Brenner shop had not yet opened, and when I stopped by Debauve & Gallais, I was greeted by a sign that said they would be closed till July 25!

Fortunately, there were no such obstacles to my enjoyment of Pierre Marcolini, a Belgian chocolatier which opened a Park Avenue store in February 2005. I walked in and marveled at the single-origin cocoa line and the chocolate-chip marshmallows. There were two small tables for lingering, so I ordered some of the excellent Venetian coffee. I also delighted in various truffles, which were delicate in texture and precious in size. I loved the exotic four-spice salted butter caramel, and a dark chocolate-raspberry ganache encased in a white chocolate heart. The 64% cocoa truffle was smoky and intense.

I wanted to extend the bliss, so I left with a box of extra-thin filled chocolates: milk chocolate caramel, bitter ganache, dark chocolate with honey, and praline.

Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier: 485 Park Ave., (212) 755-5150.