I was very excited when I received a special invitation to
visit White Rabbit Chocolatier and Café in Beverley to try their new chocolate
lunch. What could be better, at any time but especially when pregnant at Easter,
than being in a chocolate emporium?
It occupies a quiet corner on Dyer Lane, a minute’s stroll
from Saturday Market, and inside it has a magical Alice in Wonderland vibe.
Beverley has a long association with the white rabbit in Lewis Caroll’s novel
and is said to be the place where inspiration struck for the story. I’ve
written about it here before.
The décor inside is full of whimsical touches that, as you
can imagine, made my heart sing. The white rabbit himself graces every corner
of the café and there are beautiful Alice in Wonderland illustrations on the
walls.
I took my lovely mum with me for lunch, as we were long
overdue a catch up. We were seated in the café near the window so we could
watch eager shoppers buzzing by.
We were given a small but perfectly formed menu and asked
for our drinks order. I went for a Posh Pop, which was a sort of cherryade
flavour (yum) and my mum had the most delicious tea. It was apple and mint with
little rose buds inside and we both thought it was seriously refreshing.
I had visions of a chocolate lunch being three courses of
gooey indulgence but thankfully (or not if you have a very sweet tooth) it does
provide a savoury option.
There is a choice of three bruschettas to start – I ordered
the Feta Cream with Confit Tomatoes, which came with a chocolate vinaigrette
drizzled moorishly on top. My mum had the Smoked Makeral Pate with Cress Salad,
also drizzled with the chocolate vinaigrette.
We were a bit intrigued about the vinaigrette but rest assured, when it arrived it was absolutely delicious and so subtle. Both of our bruschettas were lovely and was just enough to whet our appetite for the main event.
We were a bit intrigued about the vinaigrette but rest assured, when it arrived it was absolutely delicious and so subtle. Both of our bruschettas were lovely and was just enough to whet our appetite for the main event.
We caught up on recent goings on and spoke about baby things I’ve bought
recently, with my mum getting increasingly excited about little outfits she’s
seen. At that a group of customers came in who had booked the chocolate lunch
also and a nice hum of chit chatter emanated around the shop.
Next thing we knew the main event had arrived and we gasped
at the yummy looking chocolate fondue that had been placed in front of us.
Bubbling away in a cute little fondue pot, lit by a tea light, was the richest,
most decadent looking pot of molten milk chocolate.
I was ready to pick the whole thing up and drink it down but
then a tray of various goodies arrived for us to dip in the fondue. Everything
from orange slices, grapes to fudge freshly made in the shop that day. We had
half rum and raisin and half clotted cream. Fluffy clouds of pink and white
marshmellow finished the plate.
I took the first bite and couldn’t help but ooooh and ahhhh
over the gooey chocolate treat. Far from being sickly sweet, it was incredibly moorish.
I don’t know how they make their chocolate but it didn’t have that too sweet
edge that some varieties can have.
We took our time over the sweet course and it was
surprisingly filling. Soon we’d run out of treats but there was still
some fondue, so I may have had a little dip of my teaspoon (sssshhh).
Behind us a family had come in for a refreshing ice cream
and I felt secretly envious that I was too full to follow their lead. They took
a seat in a shady little corner on the terrace, as the kids licked their lips
with delight.
Ed, one of the owners of the shop, said it was still early
days for the café and that there was more to come in the future but, from what I
could see, it was already the perfect whimsical escape. I even heard that they are starting
chocolate making workshops so I may not have to wait long to find out the
delicious secret recipe.
After we’d trawled the shop for Easter goodies and presents,
all bearing the infamous white rabbit namesake, we made our way out into the
spring sunshine. I know we’ll be back soon, not least because I’ve got my eye
on those yummy ice creams!
Have you tried a chocolate lunch? The chocoholics in your life would love an Easter visit here.
In loving memory of my own little white rabbit, who I still can't believe we sadly lost very recently. You will always be in my heart my beautiful Easter bunny – sweet dreams. xx
In loving memory of my own little white rabbit, who I still can't believe we sadly lost very recently. You will always be in my heart my beautiful Easter bunny – sweet dreams. xx
My goodness that looks INCREDIBLE! (I'd have drunk the chocolate fondue).
ReplyDeleteI was very tempted indeed. It was the yummiest chocolate too - not too sickly and I bet is delicious as a hot choccie drink.
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