Valentine's Day Chocolate Fix

52 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

That twinkle in your eye will drift back in forth from your loved one to the rich melted chocolate in your cup. For the hot chocolate lover this is heaven on earth. One of my favourite spots for a cup of hot chocolate or rather a mug of melted chocolate and cream. It takes me back to Italy where, as a child, I enjoyed little espresso sized cups of the richest smoothest hot chocolate. They come in dark, milk or white and for me the smallest size or the sampler is the most I can handle.

250 Franklin St (Langham Hotel), Boston, MA 02110 (map)

The Chinese five spice chocolate soup, one of over 80 mostly chocolate desserts, pastries and confections served at The Chocolate Bar from 11-3 on Saturdays, is not exactly hot chocolate but it is lovely! There is a delicious hot chocolate served but the combination of the chocolate and the Chinese five spice is divine. If hot chocolate is not your thing then there are plenty more chocolate indulgences to enjoy from Boston Cream Pie to chocolate pasta.

6 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

If you want a real Cadbury's chocolate bar this is the place to go. Shower your beloved Anglophile or homesick Brit/Canuck with some classics from Flake and Mars Bar to Buttons and Coffee Crisp.

244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

Formaggio has a great collection of the fancy bars from all over the world. Ask the staff for some guidance they know their stuff and have often been to the source.

141A Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

If you want to impress someone with the latest and greatest, then perhaps a little something from this British chocolate boutique and relative new-comer to the area. If you won't be on Newbury Street you can always stop by at The Mall a Chestnut Hill after you pick up that perfect gift for your loved one(s).

561 Windsor St, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

If you like rough around the edges, then Taza is your chocolate. This stone-ground locally made chocolate has an unrefined charm. If you want to get the whole story, you can either go online and see how your batch of chocolate was made or head over to the factory and get a live tour. For a taste, just track down one of their many tastings!

85 Leavitt St, Salem, MA 01970 (map)

818 William T Morrissey Blvd, Dorchester, MA 02122 (map)

208 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

Their chocolate loaf is rich and buttery but for a little more chocolate power, try the brownie or the chocolate cork. If you want to go wild and crazy try the sin sandwich.

40 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA 02142 (map)

The Spa has a Chocolate at the Shore Salt Glow 30-minute body treatment: $60 or a Chocolate Manicure/Pedicure Hands or feet receive a pampering treatment with a chocolate milkshake soak followed by a chocolate nutty scrub; indulge in a chocolate whip cream massage, sealed with heated chocolate paraffin. The products used are rich in botanicals and vitamins A, E, and C. (Manicure 45-minutes $35 or Chocolate Pedicure 60-minutes $55) There is also the whole Chocolate Paradise package: Chocolate Paradise Chocolate Manicure, Chocolate Pedicure and a Chocolate-Raspberry Body Scrub. 2hrs 15-minutes $135