Chocolate Wasted | All I Ate and Drank in Italy: Part 1
My sister Roxell (right) and I boarding a Ferry Boat near Como, Italy.
My last birthday was spent in Lake Como, Italy. It was a dream trip I’d postponed for years hoping to find love first, but alas, my circumstance required I take myself and celebrate the love I already possess with me. I was so grateful to visit not only for my own chocolate loving fulfillment, but also because my sister was so gracious to meet me there.
I’m based in Los Angeles and have been since 2005. Sister trips have mostly been my travel to my native Houston, Texas to celebrate holidays, have family dinners, and support my three sisters and extended family in their daily lives who have stayed in the place we all grew up. But this time was a different story, I’d talked up what was to be a solo trip enough for my older sister, Roxell, a law firm owner and real estate investor, to join. Her few responses that she’d join were lost on me. I simply thought she was too busy and left it at that. After a few more mentions that she’d make it, I really wondered if it could happen.
One day I was feeling an air of disappointment and as I complained that my sister hadn’t bought her flight ticket yet, my friendof 20+ years Monique, a life coach, and no-nonsense advice-giver, swiftly said she’d talk to me after I addressed this with my sister. I immediately called, and with a mix of trepidation and joy in my voice, asked if she’d still planned to come to Italy with me. She said yes! That day she booked her flight and some of the planned activities I’d booked months prior.
It was happening! Excited, I prepared an intricate Lake Como itinerary so that she knew what to look forward to, and had all the links and maps, and assurances that this was going to be the most epic sister trip ever. Purchase Our Lake Como Itinerary Here
I could talk go on about how cool it was to meet my sister in Paris, sharing dinner along Lake Como with those stunnning views, and so much more, but you’re here for the chocolate news, so here it goes. Everything I ate and drank (chocolate edition only) during my Summer 2024 Lake Como Italy Trip.
Touchdown in Paris - La Maison du Chocolat Paris
The beauty of being a chocolate lover and being in Paris is knowing there’s exquisite chocolate choices all over the “City of Lights,” but when you’re flying in for a layover, short on time, concessions have to be made to get your fix. I’d mulled over if I had enough time to visit Cédric Grolet during my layover, but given the wait times alone, that would have to happen another trip. Thank God the upscale chocolate boutique La Maison du Chocolate has 8 booths throughout Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. As I was set to meet my sister upon her arrival from Houston so we could rush to our departure gate to fly to Milan, I passed by the counter in Terminal 2. Given this chocolate can’t be shipped to the United States, I wanted to get the most bang for my newly acquired euros. While I’d eyed the glazed hazelnuts, insolite oyster chocolates and praline rochers before I landed, I ultimately kept it simple with a small variety box of their Coffret Maison Dark Chocolate, an indulgent selection of 24 ganache & praliné bonbons. I didn’t eat one until I got back to the States.
Milan Here We Come - California Bakery
I wasn’t looking for a slice of home when I entered the Corso Como square in Milan. I was drawn to this pedestrian street by Pyari, a fountain in its center known for its nightlife. California Bakery is a franchised cafe around Milan with over a dozen locations throughout the city. The themed-menu has notable city names for each section of their menu. I chose Los Angeles where I’m based. I didn’t have Avocado Toast on my list of things to eat in Italy, but there I was. The One Love chocolate cake I finished my meal with had the perfect texture, but wasn’t as rich as the thick icing and buttery bite I’m used to in America, still it was a nice pairing with the first of many Aperol Spritz during my trip. I didn’t choose the Choco Pastachio Cake, but there were plenty of other traditional chocolate cake options including cheesecakes. California Bakery has a new Garden and Lounge themed location. It is one of few late-night food spots, I’ll definitely come to visit in the evening when I return.
