Läderach — Local services in Tampa

This is the newest chocolatier at International Plaza. I just happened to see it as I was walking through the mall. Apparently, Godiva closed all of their stores in the US. I did a little research, and found that Läderach agreed to take over the leases (and possibly assets) of 34 of Godiva's US locations. So, Tampa now has a Swiss chocolatier. It has actually been open for a year, but I didn't know about it until my recent visit.

The chocolates are aesthetically pleasing and very well-presented. The stacks of FrischSchoggi (fresh Swiss milk chocolate) greet you before you even enter the store. The brand is famous for this chocolate bark that is beautifully wrapped and ready for gifting. I thought about buying some of it, but decided to play it safe with a smaller purchase. I wanted to be sure it was worth it. They have many different types of chocolate, and all different sizes. I went with a preset box of truffles that had a few flavors with alcohol. It was a box of 8 truffles. It was totally worth it. It was everything I wanted in a truffle. It's different from others that I've had. It had a crisp outer chocolate layer with a creamy inner layer that just melts in your mouth. The alcohol flavor was not overpowering. It was actually very delicate but true to the flavors (Baileys, Marc de Champagne, Cognac, and Batida de Côco). It's very unlike the strong German brandied cherry chocolates like Mon Chéri. But, I do love that the alcohol in the Läderach truffles didn't take away from the creamy chocolate filling. I'd totally get this box of truffles again.

I kind of wish I had bought some of the pistachio and coffee chocolates as well. I've also been studying the pralines & truffles guide that was inside of the box of truffles. The dark coffee truffle sounds amazing! I can't...

I love chocolates, and have been fortunate to try a variety from different countries. Anywhere I’ve traveled, I look up chocolates. I wanted to try one at Läderach before buying several because at $2 a shot, I thought that they better be worth the expense. I noticed they didn’t have many dark chocolates (my favorite) so I chose the pistachio. The presentation at the store and the chocolates looks so fancy, doesn’t it? The problem is that Läderbach should know that customer service should be just as refined as the presentation. The young man (he has an unusual name I won’t mention) who charged me said with a note of disdain on his face, “only ONE piece?” With that, he plopped the piece into a big bag as if it were contaminated (he ignored me when I told him I didn’t need it) . No sample offered, I had to ask for some— he chose the piece (didn’t ask me if I had a preference). I asked if I could get another (because he gave me a milk chocolate) and he looked at me and I got an “um, no.” Does he make a commission? Does he feel he owns the chocolate ? I thought I had merely chosen the wrong piece, but now believe I went into the wrong chocolate store. Fortunately, I have access to excellent chocolate near me. If you’re ever in NYC, go to Le Maison du Chocolat. THAT is fancy, delicious, outstanding chocolate like few...

A Chocolate Lover's Dream at Läderach!

I recently visited Läderach at Tampa International Plaza, and it was an unforgettable experience for any chocolate lover! From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by the heavenly aroma of freshly made Swiss chocolates. The store's sleek, modern design and the beautifully displayed confections make it a feast for the senses.

The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, guiding me through their wide selection of handcrafted chocolates. Their fresh chocolate is simply out of this world – I’ve never tasted anything quite like it. Whether you prefer milk, dark, or white chocolate, Läderach offers something for every palate, and the quality is evident with every bite.

Läderach is a gem in Tampa International Plaza, and I will definitely be back for more! Highly recommend for anyone...