Francois Chocolate Bar in the Plaza Hotel: Take in the Louvre!
16 Dec 2010, Posted by Francois Chocolate Bar, Payard inOn Sunday I stopped by Francois Chocolate Bar in the Plaza Hotel. I was surprised by how nice the space was. Not that I expected anything less from the Plaza–it’s not the Red Roof Inn, but I was struck by the amount of square footage. This outpost of the ever-expanding Payard empire is a nice departure from most NYC pastry shops. There’s plenty of seating and the tables aren’t so close together that you feel like a sardine in a can. The seats along the fountain make for a nice place to sip a hot chocolate or eat a one-of-a-kind pastry.
The full range of Payard goodies are available here: Pastries that Payard is famous for like the Lourve and George V; Verrines; a selection of baked goods, like almond croissants; artisanal chocolates and gift boxes; hot chocolate and selected items from the Vegan Divas line of vegan bakery items.
The central location of the Plaza make it a great place to take a break from visiting Central Park or the Apple Store.
Recommended: Louvre, George V ($6.50), Tout Chocolate Verrine ($7.00) and the Hot chocolate which at $5.50 seems steep but try it. It’s different from almost any other in New York – not sweet at all and very thick. It gets stirred all day in this special Ugolini machine.
Francois Chocolate Bar has two locations – the Plaza outpost is at Central Park South and 5th Ave. Don’t forget to check out the DessertBuzz interview with Francois Payard here.
Thanks for this review – I’m planning a trip to NYC in the spring and want to get to the best chocolate spots; this looks like one to put on the list.
Victoria,
Payard is the standard for pastry – the only way you’ll get better stuff is with a plated made to order dessert in a restaurant and even then few will be as good as the three I mention in the recommended section. Though I know you have some great pastry in DC too.
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Those chocolate treats look absolutely fantastic! I am drooling at the thought of them!