Monty's Chocolates

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I had been dying to go to for absolutely ages, and I am so glad I finally made the decision to indulge. The experience was simply divine. is the perfect combination of a café and a chocolate shop. Appealing to a niche market, it offers a unique experience for chocolate lovers around Brisbane. There are few places like it that I have seen in this city so far.



When I first entered the café I was overcome by a genuine feeling of warmth and abundance. Everything about the place was cosy and inviting, making me feel completely relaxed and at home. The chunky wooden tables and chairs give the shop a rustic vibe and the beautiful, fresh flowers – which are also available to purchase - smelled wonderful, adding to the ambience. Perhaps more importantly, the staff engaged immediately welcoming us into the store as if we were old friends. This friendly and attentive, yet professional attitude was a welcome change to experiences I have had in other Brisbane cafes. I couldn't wait to discover more.

As we wandered around the shop I was captivated by the quantity, variety and quality of the products in the store. There were boxes, blocks and individually wrapped chocolates lined up on the walls; all offering the tantalising promise of something deliciously decadent. stocks an assortment of imported chocolate products from places around the globe including Madagascar, the United Kingdom, France and Germany right down to local products from Australia.

We were lucky enough to try a few of the different varieties of chocolate and the subtle differences between them were deliciously surprising. Apparently there are 50 shades of chocolate. Monty's tries to include an eclectic mix of chocolate, so if you are adventurous in your tastes you will undoubtedly be fully satisfied with the experience. However, if you are somewhat reserved in your tastes; or are simply content sticking to what you know and love; there are plenty of choices for you too. In fact there was so much to choose from I think I will have to make repeated trips back to Monty's to ensure I try absolutely everything.



Individual boutique style chocolates are also available at Monty's. You can pick out the flavours that sound most appealing to you or purchase a pre-boxed selection. I was lured in by the variety and complexity of flavours from fresh and fruity ones such as lemon, violet or lavender and wildberries; to fudgy feasts such as peanut butter and sticky date; to more sophisticated treats such as espresso and butter caramel with Himalayan salt.

However, the most surprising treats of the day, and you simply must request them when you go, were the liquid salted caramels. These chocolate delicacies quite literally burst in your mouth with a delicately sweet caramel flavour that is offset by just a hint of salt. Their cocoa exteriors add a complexity of flavour that is out of this world.

I have really only listed a few kinds here to illustrate the versatility of the offerings at Monty's; however I assure you there are lots more varieties of truffles, fudges, fruits, nuts, pralines and more. There are also mammoth sized jars of goodies stacked on the counter for you to try. Did I mention the choice was a little overwhelming?



Now, if you are a little confused about where to start, the café offers tasting plates with a selection of delicacies for you to try. You can also opt for a more filling treat such as the petit fours they have available. I chose a chocolate and raspberry cupcake which was deliciously fresh. It had a soft, light and fluffy texture and the raspberry and jam topping was scrumptious.

Monty's also offers a variety of beverages, such as their special hot drinking chocolate; milkshakes with all kinds of intriguing flavours – I dare you to try the chocolate and spearmint one; and of course, coffee. After all, coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven. However, this coffee was unlike anything I had ever tried. Monty's supports local producers and this particular brand of coffee, Supreme Roasters , is sourced from Yatala. I am used to the usual Italian varieties in most coffee shops, so this was a pleasant surprise. Unlike the robust, full-bodied varieties, this was a more subtle coffee with just a hint of sweetness. But don't be fooled by the subtlety of the flavour as it is still wonderfully strong.



Established about four years ago by its dedicated and passionate owner, Steve, Monty's has inevitably become a haven for chocolate and coffee lovers in Brisbane. The chocolate at Monty's is of the highest quality yet it is sold in such a way as to make it accessible to everyone. Products range in price from $1 all the way to $80. So depending on what you are after you can purchase something unique and special without compromising on quality. As Steve said,"The products are exclusive but the shop itself isn't." This philosophy permeates every aspect of the shop and is what truly sets apart from other chocolate shops and cafes. Instead of trying to market itself by means of exclusion, it attempts to share its delights with as many people as possible. And doesn't everyone deserve a little bit of pleasure now and then?



However, what I really love most about Monty's is that it challenges pre-conceived ideas about chocolate by pushing the boundaries of what we are familiar with. There were combinations and complexities of flavours that I'd never experienced. The café continues to grow and evolve by exploring the different varieties of chocolates being crafted both locally and overseas.

Monty's is innovative in its selection of products whilst still respecting traditional flavours and brands. Everything in the shop is carefully selected to satiate the tastebuds making it a true celebration of the senses. I went into with high hopes and the experience was delightful. One afternoon in Monty's was an indulgent and tantalising feast for my tastebuds and I am more than content for at least a week or so, but I will definitely be going back for more.

PS. Don't forget to ask about the liquid salted caramels when you do go into for your morning or afternoon of decadence.


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#chocolate
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