Get ready for a dopamine hit — two new chocolate shops have opened in Auckland. Wellington’s Bohemein Fresh Chocolates has set up shop at 12C O’Connell St in the city. Run by head chocolatier Jiri Havlik (pictured), a former pastry chef from the Czech Republic, the award-winning shop uses Belgian chocolate to produce their delicious flavoured cream treats, plus hot chocolate, coffee, gelato and gifts.
Meanwhile, Russell’s Newport Chocolates is now at 22C Cross St, Newton, having started three years ago in the Bay of Islands, where they also grow their own organic macadamias. Argentinian chocolatier Nicolas Marzullo imports chocolate buttons from Switzerland and sources the cream and nuts locally; visitors to the shop can see and smell the chocolate being made in the open kitchen. Try the dulce de leche and salt, raspberry, lime and chilli and dark or milk truffle with macadamias or marzipan.
