Cocoa V: Chocolate & Cheese (like that Ween album)

Sometimes, because I live in New York City, I pretend I have hit the big time. (I certainly have not, though I have miraculously landed a job last week amidst a city-wide hiring freeze.) Fiscal irresponsibility is a very NYC trait. Surviving a week, a semester, a milestone in the big, mean city makes an occasional splurge on the highbrow and upper-crust seem justified. A taste of the other side of New York: taxis, uncomfortable shoes and fine wine: is a welcome break between the sardine-packed train and grey slush lining the sidewalks. So, though rent for January is not yet secured, fine chocolates and nut cheese take priority.

The girls and I hit Cocoa V, an all-vegan, all-Fair Trade chocolatierery (I made that word up.) in Chelsea that recently opened its doors just a few steps from Blossom. With much to unpack and celebrate, we shared the cheese plate and chocolate sharing plate, $16 and $25 respectively, and also sampled their delicious subtly spiced hot cocoa. The cheese, all from Dr. Cow‘s impressive line of nut-based cheeses, were delicious as I recalled from my own wine and cheese party last year. The portion was slightly skimpy but not when you account for presentation and the classy vibe of Cocoa V. The cashew blue-algae, cashew and hemp seed and macadamia nut cheeses were even more delicious with a drizzle of Cocoa V’s vegan honey, an agave and brown rice syrup concoction. The chocolates were utterly divine and so pretty… and they sell them by the box! I can’t recall the many pieces I sampled but here are some key words: cranberry, crispies, chocolate bark, hazelnut, pistachio, apple, citrus, raspberry, truffle. Cocoa V’s menu also includes desserts like decadent chocolate cake and chocolate fondue with Dandies and fruit. Totally classy and great for a date. Aah, New York’s got itself an all-vegan high-end chocolate shop… take that Portland, Oregon! (Just kidding Portland. You da bomb.)