Belgium - Brussels Grand Place

Grand is a complete understatement. From whichever corner you enter this square is jaw-dropping stunning. We couldn't fit it in one photo. Panorama didn't even work. Tons of people everywhere. Shopping all around. This is THE CENTER!

One building is not photographed as it had a facade up to hide the renovating.

We entered the Grand Place through what I deem Chocolate row.

There is no less than five chocolatier shops each with their own fabulous displays and smells. I restrained myself from eating through them all. However a friend recommended Mary's and so I started there. Upon entry the heavenly aroma had me entranced. I could not leave without chocolate! I could not decide on just one piece! So I got four - dark chocolate mousse, dark chocolate and coffee, dark chocolate -68%, and a dark chocolate truffle. And a hot chocolate.

The hot chocolate was horrible! The aftertaste was burnt and it seemed Watered down even after stirring. My lake Champlain Aztec cocoa is far superior. I will not make this mistake again! However this did not dissuade me from the rest of my purchase

The dark truffle which was an impulse purchase went first. The first bite, just a nibble, melted in my mouth mixing with my taste buds giving me a moment of heaven. Oh my the second bigger bite was just as good. The outer chocolate giving a satisfying crunch before giving way to a creamy smooth center. A sweet slightly bitter and woody flavor gad me imagining I was dancing on clouds. The last bite was gone before I even thought of eating it.

I was lost. I could barely hold back from my next piece - coffee flavored. Now some of you may know I hate coffee proper but love things coffee flavored. This little delectable taste is tantalizer did not disappoint! Again a hardy crunch as my teeth break through the outer shell. Another creamy flavor explosion my senses went wild and all thought left me. I was in a moment of utter bliss. One of those places that only pure perfection can take you.

The hot chocolate was a little better she mixed with real chocolate but not enough to drink it all. Bastian and myself threw it out about 1/3 full.

My senses returned the last two pieces were safe. We entered Neuhaus so many choices. Their signature piece bon bon 13 was a hazelnut so I opted not and walked out empty handed it all seemed to pale compared to what I already had. Next was a place selling Macaroons. Bastian bought a few having been talking about them and looking for some since Paris. For the record McDonalds sells macaroons out here but he never hot that desperate. I had not had a Macaroon before. This wad new. He handed me pink cookie sandwich with chocolate in the middle. The cookie was soft. It smelled sweet and fruity. A small bite revealed an almost jelly raspberry substance inside the cookie. This sweet fruity flavor was engaged by the chocolate undertone. I was hooked and dived in for the rest. The texture is different the soft outer cookie with gooey inside and the crunchy chocolate in the middle, it all just meshes so nicely.

I was completely full at this period so we packed away our treasures and moved on.

Eventually I did eat that Las Mary Chocolate. The 68% dark and it did not disappoint. I still have no idea what makes Belgian chocolate different. I've had similar chocolate before. Maybe ill find out in Bruges?