Zak's Chocolate (Preorder for Pickup) — Attraction in Scottsdale

Came in to try Zak's marshmallows and Zak's chocolate ice cream (made with its Guatemala chocolate), but found both were out of stock-- the corn-free marshmallows will return sometime in March, while the ice cream will be ready for purchase at the store in "a couple of days." (It's always in stock at Super Chunk in Old Town Scottsdale, where it is made, owner Jim Elitzak told me.) Zak's truffles and chocolates case was full of beautiful chocolaty gems [1], but I wanted something else... Ah, perhaps my first foray into the brownies? Are they available today? Why, yes! Well, I'll have that and a cup of your Mocha [2], please!

I've had Zak's Mocha at downtown Chandler's Peixoto Coffee before, but this is the first time I've ordered it here, and yes, it's made with Peixoto's La Famiglia coffee. I immediately detected cherry notes in the mocha and asked Jim if the notes I tasted came from the chocolate used, or from the coffee, and he said it would be from the former. Zak's uses a blend of chocolates for its mochas and a "house blend" for its truffles and chocolates gorgeously-displayed in the shop's chocolate case.

And how were the brownies? They were magnificent, and oh, so gooey! The Belize had a slightly tart flavor, but not as tangy and/or fruity as the other two. It definitely filled my dark chocolate craving! The Madagascar brownie was tarter (more tart) than the Belize and Guatemala Lachua. The brownie flight flyer stated that the GL has "deep fruity notes." It had a more-rounded flavor profile than the Madagascar, which was slightly tarter. I'd say that if you're looking for a blend of tart and chocolate, then the Guatemala Lachua is your brownie. While I enjoyed all three, I'd say my favorites were the Belize and the GL, with Belize being my top fave. I found myself loving the dark chocolate focus of the Belize, while the other two AND the mocha featured acidic notes. I think I'll order a pour over next time I order a brownie flight so as not to overwhelm my tastebuds with piquant notes!

Truly enjoyed this afternoon's experience-- thanks to Jim and wife Maureen's chocolate shop!

[1] Chocolates and truffles are now $2.50, tax included, each! Menu reads:

4 ct. box= $10, 6 ct. box= $15, 12 ct. box= $29.50 8 ct. box= $20, 12 ct. box= $30, 24 ct. box= $59

Did not notice how much the Turtles cost now, so cannot report, sorry!

[2] $5 (tax included) for a tiny cup of mocha? Ouch! I don't even think the cup I drank from contained 8 oz. Looked more like 6, but I could be mistaken... A small (8 oz.) Mocha at Peixoto, which used to feature Zak's chocolate, but is now showcasing another local chocolatier, is about the same price, if you factor in taxes, but add another dollar and get double the amount, or 16 oz. Hmm... Guess I'll just make the trek out to Chandler if I run out of my Peixoto coffee supply at home. I'm thinking the fact that Zak's is chocolate-centric and not really a coffee shop may explain the high price of coffee here. Something different I MAY try next time is Zak's Shakerato-- an iced coffee beverage that is made using a cocktail shaker. Something to look forward to in the warmer...

Five stars does not do Zak's justice. Not only is it the best chocolate I've ever had anywhere, each piece is a work of art that clearly demonstrates the magic of the craft. The customer area is somewhat modest giving way to an expansive kitchen that can be viewed through the glass window up front. As I experienced this place for the first time, the word that came to mind was meticulous. Truly a 'mom and pop' style shop with who I believe was the owner and his wife (or the owner and her husband :) ) working the front. Everything from the conversation that probed about finding the matching chocolates for the occasion to individually placing each chocolate into the box one at a time, to the packaging, was meticulous in its execution. It was as though they were going to be enjoying the event with us and wanted to make sure everything was exactly right. The chocolates were a little on the pricey side, but don't be scared away, they are absolutely worth it. Everything has an organic feel to it and there is even an award up front for their reforestation efforts. One of my favorite finds in the last...

Underwhelming and overpriced.

The website implies it's a chocolate factory and cafe. Don't get me wrong, we didn't expect Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory but it was a small boutique shopfront with a small kitchen and a small standing and seated area at the front with zero atmosphere.

The server gave us the 'everything was handmade on premise, from selected cacao' story. Pointed to the samples over in the corner of which all the bowls were actually empty. I couldn't even be bothered at that stage.

As far as the chocolate goes, very small variety, really disappointed. Not to mention the price, we felt we had come so far that we had to try a small chocolate each, at a price of $3 USD each. It wasn't amazing. We drove 60 minutes round trip which was poor use of our time.

Would...