Cuisine Scene: All Things Chocolate

The winter holidays–Christmas to Valentines–offer myriad opportunities to both give and receive sweet treats. And, for many people, if it ain’t chocolate, it ain’t sweet. Of course, people enjoy chocolate any time of year and, like so much of its dining scene, Long Beach offers them a diverse, inventive, sometimes surprising range of chocolate creations.

NUTELLA CALZONE: Buono’s Pizzeria

Renowned for serving some of the best pizza, pasta and calzones in the city, Buono’s (250 W. Ocean Blvd./401 W. Willow St.) also has a terrific dessert menu. Its chocolate cake has long been a popular staple along with its incredible nutella calzone that is fun to look at, big enough to share and heavenly to place on one’s palate. Light and flavorful in all the right places, this chocolate masterpiece takes up the entirety of a plate!

COOKIE BUTTER HOT COCOA, Shirley’s Temple

As you’d expect from an establishment recently named by Yelp as the nation’s top spot to get a mocktail–i.e. non-alcoholic craft cocktail–Shirley’s Temple (2420 E 28th St) does an amazing job of creating new and traditional classics. And is there any drink more classic than hot chocolate? Shirley’s Cookie Butter Hot Cocoa sounds almost too good to be true. It's creamy, rich, comforting and sweet, which fits perfectly the vintage, Art Deco vibe of the place.

PAIN AU CHOCOLAT, Doly’s Delectables

This downtown bistro/bakery features all manner of amazing chocolate creations, from chocolate almond croissants to chocolate chip muffins. But Doly’s Delectables (245 E. Broadway) is arguably best known for its take on pain au chocolat, a French masterpiece said to have been introduced to the nation by Marie Antoinette. A delicious crossing of puff pastry and croissant, it’s filled with rich chocolate filling that sits light on the palate as it explodes with flavor.

CHOCOLATE CROISSANT, Renaud’s Bakery

Renaud’s Bakery and Coffee Bar (6255 E. Second St.) produces exceptional items faithful to its French roots–some customers joke that one bite makes you feel that you’ve died and gone to Paris. Offering plenty of chocolate options–the Chocolate Decadent Cake with chocolate mousse and glaze is noteworthy–it’s the traditional chocolate croissant, a light pastry made of rolled dough and surrounding two melted 41% dark chocolate bars, that achieves simple perfection.

OH MY FUDGE, Churrino

Located on the Promenade in Downtown Long Beach, Churrino (345 The Promenade N) makes traditional Brazilian churros using fresh ingredients in inventive, delicious ways. Made fresh to order, you have the option of building your own creation–selecting filings, drizzle and toppings–or ordering their inventions like Oh My Fudge, a decadent chocolate-truffle fudge churro filled with chocotella, topped with white chocolate drizzle and fresh strawberries.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.