For my husband’s birthday, I surprised him with a visit to CASE Chocolates, a hidden gem in Houston’s Second Ward and it turned out to be far more than a tasting. It was a story, an experience, and a memory we’ll hold onto for a long time.
From the moment we arrived, we felt completely welcomed. The hostess greeted us warmly, setting the tone for what would be an enchanting evening. Tucked behind a cleverly disguised bookshelf door, the entry immediately transported us into an ethereal, romantic space. The lighting, the ambiance, and the quiet buzz of conversation felt elevated and intimate like being let in on a beautiful secret.
CASE Chocolates is more than a chocolate shop it’s a passion project with global roots. Founder Casey McNeil, a Houston native, had a transformative chocolate experience that launched him into years of international travel, eventually training under a Swiss chocolatier and perfecting the rare art of liquor-filled bonbons. That journey led to this very moment sharing these creations with his community in a setting designed for connection and delight.
The experience consisted of a three-course tasting, with each chocolate expertly paired with a curated wine or cocktail from around the world including a selection for the last course from Budapest, one of my favorite places. Every element was considered: from the elegant glassware to the luxurious presentation and unique flavor pairings, it felt as though nothing was done without thoughtful intention.
One moment stood out as especially meaningful. My husband noticed bottles of Weller on display and mentioned how much he also loved Eagle Rare. When he spoke to Casey about it, we discovered that Casey’s very first chocolate was made with Eagle Rare which happened to be my husband’s late father Mike’s favorite liquor. That connection brought a powerful wave of emotion. We both felt a sense of divine timing as though Mike was there with us, sharing in the celebration. It added a deeply personal layer to what was already a transcendent experience.
CASE Chocolates isn’t just about taste …. it’s about intention, storytelling, and community. There’s a reverence to what Casey has created. You’re not just savoring chocolate and sipping fine wine; you’re participating in something rare and beautiful.
We left feeling grateful, inspired, and excited to return for the next seasonal adventure. CASE Chocolates has new...
Read moreCase chocolate does not only sell crafted chocolates. Behind the hidden walls, it’s a chocolate and cocktail experience that is a delightful treat for the senses. The event was well-organized, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening.
The chocolates were the true stars of the night. Each piece was a work of art, showcasing a range of flavors from rich, dark chocolate to creamy, milk chocolate with interesting infusions like coffee, yuzu, and mango. The chocolatier clearly had a passion for their craft, as every bite was perfectly balanced and utterly indulgent.
Paired with these decadent chocolates were cocktails expertly crafted to complement the flavors. The mixologist did an incredible job, creating drinks that enhanced the chocolate experience rather than overpowering it.
The staff was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, offering insights into the pairing process and making the evening both educational and enjoyable. The pacing of the event was just right, allowing enough time to savor each pairing without feeling rushed.
Overall, this chocolate and cocktail experience was a fantastic way to spend an evening. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life and enjoys discovering new flavor combinations. I left with a greater appreciation for the art of pairing and some great memories....
Read moreVery disappointing. Booked for my birthday and looking forward to it for weeks. When we booked, it was advertised as cocktails and chocolate, but upon arrival they said the concept changed, and it was $30 more expensive per person. They said since we booked before the change, we would get the old concept that didn’t include light bites. We were fine with that since we were there for dessert. After waiting for quite some time after being seated, they ended up bringing the light bite items after all. The first item from the “sweet and decadent” option was tuna tartare, which wasn’t even good. Raw fish doesn’t belong with a chocolate pairing. The other sweet plate had Gorgonzola cheese and a buckwheat “crisp” that was soft like stale pita bread. The chocolate itself was fine but each one was filled with liquid alcohol that was the same as what they “paired”. None of the beautiful chocolates in the front case are part of the experience. The reviews for the old concept were very good, thinking they should go back to that. The menu of what you are getting is not available anywhere. The prices are not advertised anywhere. For 4 people, it was $575. Will not be returning or recommending. They also said they would do something for my birthday, and then didn’t. Nice space, interesting concept, but poorly executed. Needs some...
Read more