From Muffins to Mud Balls, a Range of Treats for Chocolate Lovers to Enjoy in the Café or to Take Home

The American Museum of Natural History and Restaurant Associates (RA) has opened the Chocolate Café in conjunction with the new exhibition, Chocolate, which tells the delicious story of this popular treat, from its humble beginnings two thousand years ago in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America to the present day. On view at the Museum from June 14 through September 7, 2003, Chocolate explores the legends, history, ecology, economics, and enduring allure of this delectable indulgence and features more than 200 objects, including pre-Columbian ceramics and ritual objects, European silver and porcelain chocolate services, 19th- and 20th-century cocoa tins and advertisements, holiday and festival candy molds, botanical specimens, and agricultural tools.

Located on the fourth floor, near the 77th Street elevators, the Chocolate Café offers visitors a wide and delicious array of chocolate delights, from Zazi hazelnut chocolate chip biscotti and Balthazar's chocolate croissants to assorted beverages including Serendipitea chocolate-flavored teas; Brooklyn Brewery's Black Chocolate Stout, a traditional Imperial Stout; from Oregon, Rogue Ales' Chocolate Stout, an oatmeal stout with real Dutch Bittersweet Chocolate; and from England, Young's Double Chocolate Stout, a dark, ruby-colored brew with a smooth and velvety finish.

Visitors can sip and savor in the festive atmosphere of the Chocolate Café, accented with colorful French chocolate posters, or pick from the menu of assorted delicacies and desserts to take home or to give as gifts. Bruce Barnes, Executive Chef for RA, has created a special treat: the Museum Hot Chocolate Bread Tramezzini made of Balthazar's renowned chocolate bread, Belgian chocolate chips, Nutella, fresh bananas and raspberries, and topped with dark melted chocolate and whipped cream.

Free gourmet tastings will take place each weekend either in the Chocolate Café or in The Chocolate Shop, located on the third floor adjacent to the Chocolate exhibition.

Following is the menu for the Chocolate Café: