Chocolat addicted?I suggest two destinations. Turin and New York, a strange pairing, but with a shared passion: chocolate. Cities far away but close: Turin’s history and tradition meet New York’s innovation and business.
TURINBetween the 17th and 18th centuries, Turin was the main chocolate producer in Europe. Today, the Savoy city can be considered the capital of chocolate in Italy and in the world, even just for the fact that it was the birthplace of the first chocolate in history, the “diablottino” (or diablutìn in Piedmontese), adored by the Savoy family and in the European courts. It is the historic capital of chocolate, where the bicerin, an eighteenth-century cocoa-based drink, the gianduiotti chocolates combined with a particular hazelnut from the Langhe, the bonnet, the iconic Nutella, a gianduia cream created by the Ferrero family, most likely one of the most well-known and appreciated Made in Italy brands in the world, were born.
Zigzag through the streets of the center and you will discover historic cafes, old and new chocolatiers, each with its own charm and a different world. Treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate, the historic protagonist of the Merenda Reale, made of water and cocoa, accompanied by classic dry biscuits and, on request, a cloud of cream.
THE TOP CHOCOLATE SHOPSPfatisch, one of the oldest, has served princes and princesses of the House of Savoy, the Duke of Aosta, Counts and Countesses. Cesare Pavese, Primo Levi, Mario Soldati and Indro Montanelli have sat at its tables.Baratti&Milano, a typical 19th-century establishment that winks at historic Parisian cafés. The hot chocolate, enjoyed at the tables overlooking the elegant Galleria Subalpina, is a must-try at least once.
Guido Gobino, an artisan workshop that aims to respect tradition with an eye on innovation: cremini, wafers, classic giandujotti and “Tourinot” – smaller giandujotti – bars and spreadable creams.Peyrano, a former candy factory that after the First World War transformed into a company producing over 80 varieties of chocolatesStratta, one of the most beautiful cafés in Europe, with classic cherry wood paneling and walnut inserts, marble floors, Murano glass chandeliers and appliques, period mirrors and stuccoA. Giordano where you can find the “Giacomette”, whose shape recalls that of the hat of Gianduja, a symbolic mask of the Turin carnival, 
NEW YORKChocolate conquers the Big Apple and becomes a superstar: it parades on the catwalk, dresses Barbie, embraces yoga, takes care of the skin, becomes a holistic experience and a trendy massage. Among the most popular “chocolatey” hangouts are Chocolate Bar for a drink, a dessert or a delicious after-theatre, Dylan’s Candy Bar which boasts 5,000 types of chocolates, Christopher Norman, Vosges offers personalized Yoga classes from curry, wasabe and chili chocolates, while at Jacques Torres, desserts are prepared before the eyes of visitors and the majestic Hershey’s Times Square, a paradise of chocolate and surroundings.
WHO IS MAX BRENNER ?We know that he is bald and… that he does not exist. Max Brenner is in fact the fusion of two people: Max Fitchman, a marketing expert and Oded Brenner, a pastry chef. With the aim of promoting a “new culture” of chocolate, they opened Max Brenner, chocolate by the Bald Man, a café-restaurant in Union Square and Times Square that is already a legend. 
This huge boutique-factory serves traditional dishes and brand new creations, plus a whole host of fun kitchen ideas, such as the innovative cups with pockets for chocolates or the (tasty or abominable?) chocolate pizza.
ANTI-STRESS CHOCOLATEA truly unique holistic experience is the chocolate mousse facial massage created by Irina Pritsker, an internationally renowned expert. “Chocolate is rich in antioxidant properties,” says Irina, “and therefore an anti-aging ally. It contains caffeine that cleanses, hydrates and nourishes the skin.
New York is a stressful city, that’s why my clients love this treatment, so relaxing and fragrant. Among the many types, the Marriage of Figaro stands out, a chocolate and fig massage, the “Chocolate Wars” milk and cocoa manicure and pedicure with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serendipity3 serves the most expensive chocolate ice cream in the world.It is garnished with flowers, caviar, fruit and vanilla and is collected in a 24-karat gold leaf.. It costs 1000 dollars, including the baccarat glass and the gold and mother-of-pearl spoon to take home as a souvenir. Among the loyal customers: Madonna, Jamie Foxx, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Beyonce’.Yes, but 1000 dollars…
FASHIONABLE SCENTIn short, chocolate is in fashion and New York celebrates it with the annual Salon Du Chocolat March 21-23 at the Javits Center where new solutions, original recipes and surprising ideas are proposed. 
There is no shortage of suggestive fashion shows with designer models and accessories, all strictly made of chocolate. Even Barbie, always attentive to fashion trends, has included an elegant cocoa-scented organza dress in her rich wardrobe.
THE BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATERich in vitamins B, D, C, E. It has a high content of iron, copper and magnesium, it helps reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for the breakdown of collagen. It hydrates and tones the skin and is a panacea for epithelial cells. Not only that, dark chocolate also has a protective action against cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and strokes. In addition, it stimulates serotonin, the so-called “happiness hormone”, fighting anxiety and depression. 
For your well-being, a chocolate massage, characterized by slow and circular movements, allows the body to absorb theobromine which facilitates a correct flow of blood circulation, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and anti-cellulite.
For even more beautiful hair, a cocoa shampoo is recommended that enhances the hair and hydrates the scalp. It seems that the results are amazing… curious about the recipe?Simple, you can make it at home, just melt some dark chocolate cubes in a bain-marie, add a little sweet almond oil, mix and apply to the hair, paying close attention to the ends.A few minutes, rinse and voila!
TURINBetween the 17th and 18th centuries, Turin was the main chocolate producer in Europe. Today, the Savoy city can be considered the capital of chocolate in Italy and in the world, even just for the fact that it was the birthplace of the first chocolate in history, the “diablottino” (or diablutìn in Piedmontese), adored by the Savoy family and in the European courts. It is the historic capital of chocolate, where the bicerin, an eighteenth-century cocoa-based drink, the gianduiotti chocolates combined with a particular hazelnut from the Langhe, the bonnet, the iconic Nutella, a gianduia cream created by the Ferrero family, most likely one of the most well-known and appreciated Made in Italy brands in the world, were born.Zigzag through the streets of the center and you will discover historic cafes, old and new chocolatiers, each with its own charm and a different world. Treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate, the historic protagonist of the Merenda Reale, made of water and cocoa, accompanied by classic dry biscuits and, on request, a cloud of cream.THE TOP CHOCOLATE SHOPSPfatisch, one of the oldest, has served princes and princesses of the House of Savoy, the Duke of Aosta, Counts and Countesses. Cesare Pavese, Primo Levi, Mario Soldati and Indro Montanelli have sat at its tables.Baratti&Milano, a typical 19th-century establishment that winks at historic Parisian cafés. The hot chocolate, enjoyed at the tables overlooking the elegant Galleria Subalpina, is a must-try at least once.Guido Gobino, an artisan workshop that aims to respect tradition with an eye on innovation: cremini, wafers, classic giandujotti and “Tourinot” – smaller giandujotti – bars and spreadable creams.Peyrano, a former candy factory that after the First World War transformed into a company producing over 80 varieties of chocolatesStratta, one of the most beautiful cafés in Europe, with classic cherry wood paneling and walnut inserts, marble floors, Murano glass chandeliers and appliques, period mirrors and stuccoA. Giordano where you can find the “Giacomette”, whose shape recalls that of the hat of Gianduja, a symbolic mask of the Turin carnival, NEW YORKChocolate conquers the Big Apple and becomes a superstar: it parades on the catwalk, dresses Barbie, embraces yoga, takes care of the skin, becomes a holistic experience and a trendy massage. Among the most popular “chocolatey” hangouts are Chocolate Bar for a drink, a dessert or a delicious after-theatre, Dylan’s Candy Bar which boasts 5,000 types of chocolates, Christopher Norman, Vosges offers personalized Yoga classes from curry, wasabe and chili chocolates, while at Jacques Torres, desserts are prepared before the eyes of visitors and the majestic Hershey’s Times Square, a paradise of chocolate and surroundings.WHO IS MAX BRENNER ?We know that he is bald and… that he does not exist. Max Brenner is in fact the fusion of two people: Max Fitchman, a marketing expert and Oded Brenner, a pastry chef. With the aim of promoting a “new culture” of chocolate, they opened Max Brenner, chocolate by the Bald Man, a café-restaurant in Union Square and Times Square that is already a legend. This huge boutique-factory serves traditional dishes and brand new creations, plus a whole host of fun kitchen ideas, such as the innovative cups with pockets for chocolates or the (tasty or abominable?) chocolate pizza.ANTI-STRESS CHOCOLATEA truly unique holistic experience is the chocolate mousse facial massage created by Irina Pritsker, an internationally renowned expert. “Chocolate is rich in antioxidant properties,” says Irina, “and therefore an anti-aging ally. It contains caffeine that cleanses, hydrates and nourishes the skin. New York is a stressful city, that’s why my clients love this treatment, so relaxing and fragrant. Among the many types, the Marriage of Figaro stands out, a chocolate and fig massage, the “Chocolate Wars” milk and cocoa manicure and pedicure with cinnamon and nutmeg.Serendipity3 serves the most expensive chocolate ice cream in the world.It is garnished with flowers, caviar, fruit and vanilla and is collected in a 24-karat gold leaf.. It costs 1000 dollars, including the baccarat glass and the gold and mother-of-pearl spoon to take home as a souvenir. Among the loyal customers: Madonna, Jamie Foxx, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Beyonce’.Yes, but 1000 dollars…FASHIONABLE SCENTIn short, chocolate is in fashion and New York celebrates it with the annual Salon Du Chocolat March 21-23 at the Javits Center where new solutions, original recipes and surprising ideas are proposed. There is no shortage of suggestive fashion shows with designer models and accessories, all strictly made of chocolate. Even Barbie, always attentive to fashion trends, has included an elegant cocoa-scented organza dress in her rich wardrobe.THE BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATERich in vitamins B, D, C, E. It has a high content of iron, copper and magnesium, it helps reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for the breakdown of collagen. It hydrates and tones the skin and is a panacea for epithelial cells. Not only that, dark chocolate also has a protective action against cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and strokes. In addition, it stimulates serotonin, the so-called “happiness hormone”, fighting anxiety and depression. For your well-being, a chocolate massage, characterized by slow and circular movements, allows the body to absorb theobromine which facilitates a correct flow of blood circulation, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and anti-cellulite.For even more beautiful hair, a cocoa shampoo is recommended that enhances the hair and hydrates the scalp. It seems that the results are amazing… curious about the recipe?Simple, you can make it at home, just melt some dark chocolate cubes in a bain-marie, add a little sweet almond oil, mix and apply to the hair, paying close attention to the ends.A few minutes, rinse and voila!
