Naked Chocolate Cafe

November 25, 2006 Cuisine: Desserts & Bakeries, Coffeehouses 1317 Walnut St, Philadelphia 19107 At S 13th St Phone: 215-735-7310 Webiste: www.nakedchocolatecafe.com -- Dessert I: Peanut Butter Nudo - One of our signature desserts, a new kind of brownie, blondie, coconut haystack, and other varieties ($2) Dessert II: Bittersweet hot chocolate (petit $3.50) - "A deep chocolate experience."

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The dessert offerings at Audrey Claire were a bit lacking, so the Marathoner and I went to the Naked Chocolate Cafe to satisfy our sweet tooths. I ordered the Peanut Butter Nudo, while the Marathoner had the bittersweet hot chocolate. Both treats were delightful!

The nudo, which is unique to Naked Chocolate according to the woman behind the counter, had a soft and chewy texture. Although the nudo is described as brownie-like, I would say that the two desserts are very different. The nudo's texture is definitely special. The pyramid shape was cute and enhanced the dessert's presentation.

My only complaint was that the nudo was made with Jif, which is not a real peanut butter (N.A.R.P.B) that contains hydrogenated oils. Sigh. I have a weakness for peanut butter desserts, so I let this tremedous flaw slide on my visit. But in the future, I'll probably have to stick to the non PB treats due to my fear of trans fats.

The hot chocolate was pure wonderfulness - so thick it was like drinking chocolate sauce. The Marathoner wished the hot chocolate was more bitter, but still found it quite delicious. Since I am not a huge fan of super-dark chocolate (65% or greater), I found the hot chocolate to be just the right amount of bitter. I also really enjoyed dipping my nudo into the cocoa and swiping some of the whipped cream. Even though the Marathoner ordered a petit, he had a hard time finishing it because the chocolate was so rich.

I'll definitely be returning to Naked Chocolate for their cupcake offerings. The Marathoner will be returning to scope out the extremely attractive staff and clientele.