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Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
Categories: Food Specialty Food Chocolatiers and Shops Food Desserts Food Coffee & Tea Chocolatiers and Shops, Desserts, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
526 NW 23rd AvePortland, OR 97210
Neighborhoods: Alphabet District, Northwest
(503) 542-3400
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 8 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am - 11 pm
Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Validated
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
116 reviews for Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
Review Highlights
116 reviews in English
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Review from Misty S.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Mmmm... Chocolate... Moonstruck chocolate is absolutely delicious. If you go to this cafe, you too can have the ultimate chocolate experience. Drinking chocolate, chocolate fondue, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! It truly is an experience a chocolate lover should have. Go walk on 23rd, shop, have a bite to eat, then go get some drinking chocolate made from your choice of Moonstruck chocolate bar. While you're drinking you chocolate it's perfectly fine to imagine yourself in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory drinking from the chocolate waterfall ( just don't fall in), or just people watch... Whichever... I prefer Willy Wonka's Factory but I'm a little bit of a nerd... I accept that.
I've been the recipient of one of their boxes of chocolate ONCE! Can you believe that?! It makes me a little sad when I think about it. I've given out many boxes of Moonstruck chocolate as gifts though. My in-laws live in Tennessee and they go nuts every time I send them a box of Moonstruck. The regular truffles look amazing but their seasonal truffles are so damn cute, it kinda makes you feel bad for even thinking about destroying the little guys... Until, you eat it, then you know it was the right thing to do. In the Fall, they have truffles that taste like and look like holiday pies! They also have some that look like nuts, leaves, and such. In the Winter, they have truffles that look like penguins and snowmen... You get the idea. Basically, it brings the fun and imagination back to fancy chocolates.Listed in: Dessert
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Review from Laura G.
11/1/2011
I love this chocolate shop, and I try to visit whenever I'm in Portland.
They make some pretty badass little chocolate creations that are really like edible art, and the flavors/spices they use are creative and delicious. And then they have this awesome thing called drinking chocolate, in which you um, drink chocolate. It's rich and thick and you should probably just order a small, but that's your call.
Also, their raspberry bars are to die for, so I can only imagine that their other non-chocolate goodies are the same. They basically don't half-ass anything, so this should be a must-stop if you have a sweet tooth.Listed in: Travel 2011
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Review from Alyssa A.
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite chocolate shop to frequent in Portland. I drool over the case filled with truffles, dark chocolate delights and always something seasonal and fun. This last time I purchased their fall selection and was not disappointed. They had one that was like biting into autumn, hints of pumpkin, cardamon, cinnamon. It was to die for.
I also adore their drinking chocolate. It's extremely rich so I can never handle very much but it is a delightful treat on a cool evening. -
Review from Danielle B.
Long Beach, CA
1/4/2012
Wow. Do yourself a favor and pick up a champagne truffle (champagne/white chocolate truffle filling, coated with white chocolate ganache, and drizzled with milk chocolate) . Magnifiique! The mayan truffle (chocolate, honey, cinnamon) and rocky road bark are both pretty amazing as well.
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Review from Jesus A.
12/19/2011
Moonstruck Chocolate Café is unique company that makes their own crafty and delicious mini chocolates and drinks. They all come at a variety of flavors that makes it more enjoyable. A variety of cakes are also available to satisfy that sweet tooth. Moonstruck Chocolate Café is place is a great option for those who are seeking different kinds of chocolate and/or exotic coffee beverages.
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Review from Susanne R.
San Diego, CA
12/9/2011
My best friend and I stopped in during a girls' weekend visit and tried the 'drinking chocolate' with the dark chocolate (the one that's the rarest, but I can't remember the name). Wow! It was like drinking pudding, yum yum! A little more liquid than pudding, but definitely not hot cocoa. We had a great time sitting in the comfortable leather chairs and people watching. The staff were really friendly, very informative. I'm from San Diego and my friend's from San Fransisco, but we'd come back here in a heartbeat!
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Review from Paige H.
9/29/2011
The shop is beautiful and inviting, and the truffles to die for, but that is a given. I was hoping for something special in the store. We tried the mayan hot cocoa (which I thought should have spice, but didn't) and the chocolate soda (which was overwhelmingly rich). So fun to drop in a hand pick your truffles, but nothing extra on the menu.
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Review from Joey Y.
7/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Get their Cookies and Cream milkshake before it's too late!
I reviewed Moonstruck before so I won't say how it is the best thing after Korean food, but I will say that the location of this facility makes it a lot better. I really enjoy being on 23rd Ave in NW Portland; so lively. But what is more enjoyable is eating/drinking Moonstruck's Cookies and Cream while watching people. Yes... that sounds kind of freak but I guess it makes you realize how sweet life is. (Yes, pun intended.) -
Review from Heather D.
Vancouver, WA
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent selection of chocolates! Truffles, caramels, and fanciful animals/seasonal creations.
There is a new truffle for each month. AND during this year, you can receive a punch card to try the new truffle of the month. At the end of the year, the devoted punch card holders will receive a 9 piece box for free with the punch card!
Delicious coffees, hot cocoa (dark chocolate YUM!), milk shakes, cakes, and treats of all sorts.
Also a great place to grab a regional gift for visiting guests! Definitely a taste of Portland. -
Review from Monique N.
Portland, OR
If you are a chocolate lover.. or even just somewhat like chocolate.. this is the place for you. It can be a bit pricey if you are on a budget.. but if your okay with spending your Starbucks coffee money for a few days...its worth it.. LOL
Love the choc shake. -
Review from Sean G.
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The staff was great gave us a sample and helped us decide on what we would like based off of our taste. Very nice place to sit and relax.
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Review from Michael S.
Seattle, WA
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is one of my "must visit" spots each time I come to Portland. I find there is nothing more delicious than one of their Milk Chocolate Mocha's or Hot Chocolate's. The service has always been fairly quick, even when there is a line of customers.
The few time's I've ordered some chocolate treats I've always been thoroughly enjoyed them. -
Review from Erin D.
10/1/2011
I had high hopes for this place when I spotted it on the street, thinking it would be a gourmet chocolate shop with a bunch of funky flavor combos, and was a little disappointed to see their selections were so tame. My husband and I split a milkshake and got a few of their chocolates to share. The milkshake was beyond fantastic (and I would come back just for that), but the chocolates themselves were pretty mediocre. Please, Moonstruck, spice it up a little - maybe a nice basil caramel chocolate would help liven up the offerings a bit.
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Review from Jenny K.
2/18/2011 1 photo
It was two Christmas ago when my uncle shared his box of Moonstruck chocolates with us at the kids table. First and foremost, I was amazed by a boxful of handcrafted chocolates. Then I began to wonder where they were sold.
More than two years later, J took me to 23rd St, where Moonstruck and I were finally reunited in the form of... a chocolate sundae. Warm chocolate syrup and ice-cream in a cozy cafe. ah.
A week ago-ish, Mr. K and I saw someone proposed in front of the Cafe. We went inside to visit the ladybug truffles they made for Valentines Day.
Oh all those sweet memories with Moonstruck. Heart. -
Review from Keith T.
3/29/2011 2 photos
This is a fantastic place to pick up a nice little spot of dessert. Their animal-shaped truffles are adorable and delicious. It was kind of hard to bite off their faces...
The lady who helped us was extremely patient and kind. She expertly answered any questions we had. All in all, it was a great experience, and I'd love to go back the next time I'm in Portland. -
Review from Svetlana S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/29/2011
I can't vouch for their coffee, but they know their chocolate! They'll let you sample and tell you everything about it. Grenada truffle was almost divine. Pricy indeed, but totally worth it!
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Review from Jenni L.
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I popped in here over the weekend for a coffee and a little sugar with a friend. The gal at the front counter, Jain, was very knowledgable and friendly. She helped us select a few truffles that were well suited to each of our tastes. I sampled the Sriracha Chili & Ginger truffle which was really unique, and decided to take one home, as well as the dark chocolate caramel with pink sea salt and a dark pure gold truffle. I also ordered a double mocchiato and sat down with my friend to enjoy some well needed caffeine.
The shop, itself, if pretty cozy and cute. There's not a wealth of space, but plenty of little tables and a couch well suited for taking a break from a day of shopping. The prices were right, I think my truffles were all about $2 a piece, and my coffee not much more than $2, which was fair.
My only negative remark for the place is that there was another sales girl, Lauren, (actually I assume it was the manager or some sort of lead) was quite short and somewhat rude to her co-worker. This, in fact, was the only reason I paid any attention to the name badges. The tone in which she directed her was slightly demeaning, and I left feeling slightly sorry for Jain for having to put up with her, especially after she had given us such stellar service.
I assume it was probably due to a busy day, but it's probably not great PR for the company to have a customer notice that kind of behavior amongst the staff. I'd much rather assume everyone is more close-knit and nice to each other. -
Review from marlene s.
San Leandro, CA
2/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was so cute. Lots of cute lovely truffles to pick from. Even a bunch for 50% off. My friend and I both got hot chocolates and hung out for a few minutes. My milk mayan chocolate was so good and came with whipped cream and little chocolate pieces sprinkled on top! Couched seating, free wi-fi, credit cards accepted, and good service!
I even found some mayan chocolate powder packets at the grocery store and gave some to a friend and she enjoyed it! I wish this place was in the bay area! -
Review from Esther Y.
7/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Portland sure has a lot of great dessert places. Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe is one of them. This little cafe is simple yet aesthetically pleasing, and its display of desserts is mouthwatering (and cute! Chocolate fish shapes like Nemo, anyone?). You can sample any of the treats in the display before committing! I settled on a Conquistador by the server's recommendation and a coffee macaroon. I felt a little pretentious eating a $2 piece of chocolate smaller than my pinky (the Conquistador), and with each bite, I kept thinking, "there goes $1...there goes another 25 cents..." but it was worth it. The coffee-flavored macaroon and was also delicious! I also shared a yummy hot chocolate drink, which came with a little piece of dark chocolate. Yum!
Thanks to my friend John C. for kindly treating us! So very sweet (literally)!Listed in: Best of PDX
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Review from Kenny P.
1/13/2011
Nice one...
Love the lay out of the store.. The girl who helped our orders are extremely nice and helpful (she is Asian and work for tonight shift around 7 PM - Thursday of 13th)
They also have a great variety of chocolates..
Everything is just wonderful...
If the price is not that high, I would go there again, again and again every day...
Love this one :) -
Review from Annika H.
Portland, OR
8/20/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Best milkshakes in Portland. While Moonstrucks known for it's delicious and unique chocolates (they have one in the shape of a hippo!), I can never bring myself pay up $2.25 for one piece of chocolate. Mainly because they look too pretty to eat! But I always come in for a delicious ice cream sundae, Mayan hot chocolate, or a Conquistador milkshake (chocolate, caramel, hazelnuts, and thick enough to be ice cream).
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Review from S R.
Oakland, CA
10/3/2010
Great chocolates and chocolates in a cafe that's actually nicely furnished inviting, not "charmingly divey". Order the Mayan iced chocolate drink and you won't be sorry.
I really like their little quirky touches, like their Duck and Beaver truffles to commemorate the Oregon vs Oregon State rivalry.
Please come back to the Bay Area! -
Review from Shannon F.
Portland, OR
1/10/2011
I've been going to Moonstruck for years and they have yet to disappoint. My latest obsession is with French Macaroon's and I must say I have gone to a few different bakeries in the area and I still think these are some of the best and at a reasonable price as well. They don't have many flavors but as always with anything there the chocolate is divine and the Fleur De Sel is wonderful with just enough salt to really compliment the caramel.
If you're looking for something a bit more decadent than See's and a nice cozy inviting place to sit and chat with friends or just people watch on 23rd then Moonstruck is definitely the place for you! -
Review from Lesley R.
6/5/2010 2 photos
MOONSTRUCK Chocolate is based out of Portland, OR.
The reason I am giving it 3 stars is because I did not like the atmosphere. "Trendy-third" has too much attitude, and this establishment continues it past the curb. (some shops on 23rd do not get into this garbage, some do - this did)
Next time I want the chocolate? I would just go to one of their retailers and get some of their chocolate there.
Moonstruck is a chocolate company run by some local Portland folks (I had the pleasure of engaging with them at my old job so I got an inside view of the actual people behind "the little critters"). They have very good chocolate, are easy to find all around Portland, and are *very creative* with their fun shapes of chocolate.
When I had chocolate from Moonstruck I had one of the *little donkeys* (election time). They were seriously good. But, I had many others, not just these.
Other fun shapes I might have to hunt down to try...
...clown fish chocolates and chocolate caramel starfish. Two days ago I was out at the Gaston Market in Gaston, OR and they had Moonstruck LADYBUGS at the front register (someone posted a photo of one of them).
As of print date they have these shapes:
little ice cream cones
little critter collection? way too much fun
cupcake collection
foil wrapped crescent moons
little foil wrapped stars
for a graduate a gorgeous embossed star
a huge sample box with 40 pieces?!
They have six (6) of their own locations, and countless retailers all over the Portland, Oregon area. This location is easy for me to get to because it is right off Burnside on "trendy-third".
To me, at least this location, was not very "warm" when it comes to people being friendly. They tried to be nice, but....I am from Iowa where people are genuinely friendly and so know the difference. I rarely feel like 23rd is genuine.
I had their chocolate milkshake....but maybe I should not have just cause of all the dairy. It was very good tasting, however. I also picked up a box of "critters" as a gift for someone.
I think next time I would just seek out a retailer and get a box of great chocolate without all the stuck up garbage I would have to go through on 23rd. Life is too short. -
Review from Jen K.
8/31/2008 1 photo
Are you feeling stressed out by the coming election? Can't decide if you want to Barack the Vote or elect Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and the old dude? Well it is a good thing we have Moonstruck to help a voter out. Their latest themed chocolate confections are The Election Collection '08. Candidates are the Donkey Truffle (milk chocolate, cinnamon and crushed almonds) and the Elephant Truffle (dark chocolate extra-bittersweet ganache).
They both look rather cute on the outside, even though I'm a bit disturbed by the gray chocolate shell. But the proof is in the heart of the truffle. And although I was pulling for my little donkey friend, survey says Elephant Truffle for the win! -
Review from Hannah L.
6/24/2009
Although I live in Seattle, thankfully this doesn't have to be a long-distance relationship because I can buy Moonstruck Chocolate truffles and caramels here in town. But from now on a Portland visit will not be complete without a stop here. A mandatory stop....
Three highlights from the last trip are the Mayan Truffle, the Tuaca Truffle, and the Dark Chocolate Cajeta Caramel. From milk chocolate dusted with cinnamon sugar to a milk chocolate shell surrounding a smoky exotic liqueur and creamy ganache to a smooth caramel made with hints of goat cheese, these three were so delicious that they demanded to be savored, eaten slowly, allowed to melt and meld in the mouth.
Somehow the six truffles made it through a long walk in the hills, nestled into their little bag. But when we got back to the car, they were summarily devoured. Slowly.... -
Review from Holly A.
2/20/2008
So I have never been to one of their cafes, I think they would never get me to leave. But, be warned Portland Chocolate Cafes - here I come!
Now, I have had the pleasure of their beautiful truffles that you just want to fondle before you put them in your mouth, and then let them just melt into fantasy. WOOF. Moonstruck has the yummiest milk chocolate that keeps me coming back for more ... even when I have to pay astronomical shipping charges to my hot ass city in the Summer. They always package everything carefully with great attention to detail.
I thought nothing could compare to Ghirardelli until I tasted Moonstruck. (I don't particularly think Godiva is all that - it's very good, but it's not the best.)Listed in: ZZZZzzzzzzz
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Review from Monique L.
Beaverton, OR
4/13/2009
I LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE!!!! Not the milked-down (new word) sweet junk most of the big companies produce now. I mean rich bitter tasty goodness. And that is why I am a big BIG fan of Moonstruck. A friend brought us here on our last visit to Portland and I fell in love.
Their truffles are cute, rich and melt in your mouth. The chocolate bars are sooo good and sooo rich. My favourites are the basic Dark Chocolate and the Dark Chocolate Chile Variado. So spicy, it'll make you sweat!
So there are two drawbacks to this awesome chocolate, they are very expensive, and difficult to find in Southern California, only a few places carry a selection of their stuff. But at least you can order online. -
Review from Adam P.
4/30/2008
As I sit here with a cute little bow tied around a tiny box, some $13 or so dollars lighter in the wallet, I am faced with the profound question: Would any of these truffles really satisfy my craving for candy 3x more than, say, a twix bar?
A philosopher, am I.
I got suckered into the 6 truffles by they way. I wanted 4, but the alluring counter person winked slyly at me and suggested I get the full mini-box. These folks now work on commission or something? Anyway, I checked the 'per piece' pricing out, and there was little/no difference. But I was too swoony to resist...swoony for the chocolate, (I tell myself).
For the CHOCOHOLICS I will explain each truffle I had.
"the Mayan" - this is sprinkles with some granular sugary dust. It's milk chocolate, with a lovely inside. It was one of the bonus chocolates recommended to me by the winking saleslady.
"milk chocolate" - standard milk with softer milk inside. Wonderful, creamy, worth getting
"hazelnut tower" - this bad boy was worth it's 2 bucks. If I go back, I'll get a 2 pack of these Or maybe a 1 hazel nut and 1 mayan. very creamy, not too rich!
'Bailey's Irish truffle': ok, I get it, liquor and candy taste good. save yourself a buck and take a swig of the bottle of baileys in your bar, and bite into a warm Hershey bar. Kinda meh, in case you didn't guess.
A white chocolate truffle - I don't remember the name, but I always get a white chocolate truffle on the theory that I should like some other type of chocolate besides milk (i am far less of a dark chocolate fan). Every time, I like it, but then every time I immediately want milk chocolate next. This time was no exception.
"italia cappuccino" truffle: if you like mocha, you like this. I like mocha , I liked this. Apropos of nothing, I hate coffee ice cream, but mocha ice cream? Delish. -
Review from Brian R.
Boca Raton, FL
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great chocolates, but they lose a star for being obscenely expensive. Each piece runs 2.25 to 3.75! I didn't pay that much in Germany's fine chocolatiers even getting reamed on the Euro... Forget the gold standard. They probably have an armored truck deliver the day's supply of chocolate!
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Review from Bill F.
Seattle, WA
12/10/2010
Lovely chocolates made locally. Great espresso drinks. Very lovely, patient and easy-going staff. I enjoy getting evrything at this cafe. They have a great selection of caramels and truffles that really do taste tremendous.
Often, I purchase gifts here for people and bring them back to Seattle. I suppose I need to look for a Theo Chocolate cafe if there is one back home. This store is not to be missed for any chocolate lover. -
Review from Kelly M.
Portland, OR
8/9/2007
Good chocolates bought individually or in boxes along with an entire menu of chocolate drinks of both the hot and cold variety.
While Moonstruck has gained more local success and opened more stores over the course of the past few years, they've lost their homey feel and are feeling more like a chain.
A sweet chain it is, though. -
Review from Erin O.
3/23/2008
What strikes me about theses chocolates is that they're exceptionally darling. Everything is well presented and packaged - which makes them great for gifts.
And for stuffing my face with. -
Review from Courtney M.
Killeen, TX
8/21/2007
WOW.
Chocolate to fucking die for, end of story.
This is a truffle lovers heaven.
The hot chocolate? So good it's silly.
HELLO!
*And my cousin Luke works here, he's the cute redhead,
stop in and say hello to him, he's a sweetpea.* -
Review from Lorri E.
Portland, OR
2/10/2008
Da Dum. Da Dum. Da Dum. DaDumDaDumDaDumDaDum! = My heart after eating too many Moonstruck chocolates.
Your chocoholics history lesson: "The heart speeding up is a reaction to the theobromine and caffeine from the cacao found in the fine chocolate. Cacao seeds are used to make chocolate. While theobromine and caffeine are similar, theobromine stimulates the heart to a greater degree. While theobromine is not as addictive as caffeine, it has been cited as possibly causing addiction to chocolate.
The Maya believed that the kakaw (cacao) was discovered by the gods in a mountain that also contained other delectable foods to be used by the Maya." (courtesy Wikipedia)
I don't really care why the chocolate makes me so happy, it just does. Moonstruck, your Ocumarian truffle is the bomb. Many others are quite good as well, depending on personal preference. I recommend you visit the shop and get chocs while they are fresh.
If you want one of the best milkshakes in the city, visit Moonstruck--they'll whip you one up, and yes--they actually grind up chocolate truffles and toss them in there. Wow. I only allow myself to indulge about once a year or less in this divine taste treat, but if it's a chocolate shake you're after--wow.
Not cheap--but that's because they have real (high percentage) cacao in them, and not cheaper filler ingredients.
(p.s.note to those with dogs - the reason chocolate is toxic to dogs is due to the theobromine which speeds up the heart and can cause cardiac arrest in dogs. So, no chocolates for dogs. Especially dark chocolate which has higher amounts of cacao than milk chocolate. I learned this after my dog snagged and then ate my dense dark chocolate birthday cake one year.) -
Review from Eric C.
Portland, OR
12/17/2007
Oh I made a mistake. I went here and had a wonderful Chocolate au Lait and Brownie one crisp winter night and while everything was great I did not see the hot chocolate with chile drink which I would have ordered in a split second.
I am happy that I have an excuse to return now! -
Review from Sasha S.
5/19/2007
Decadent is only one word to describe this business. Expensive would be the next on the description list. If you're visiting Portland, or looking for a place to go after a crappy day... you'll love it here.
Some people indulge in alcohol to take away a painful day- I devote myself to chocolate. There's nothing more soothing than a flourless chocolate torte with a little scoop of ice cream to drown my sorrows and gain a few pounds.
It's expensive though- be aware. $3 a piece for truffle pieces. I got a 16 piece chocolate box for my grandmother for Christmas a couple of years ago, $32. She loved it, and it's a really nice place to go to show you really care, and help someone feel better, or enjoy life.
It's heavenly, glorious, and a wallet eater... it's just awesome chocolate. -
Review from Holly M.
Portland, OR
7/13/2009
I'll admit it:
I am not a chocoholic.
But I LOVE Moonstruck. On the scale of Choclatey Awesomenes, it rates Choctacular (which is the best).
I love how they get really creative with their chocolates depending on the season, and how they have a variety of chocolates (dark, high cacao, milk chocolate, etc.).
I came here to buy some chocolates for a friend, and their selection was easy to understand, the the people behind the choclatey goodness were super helpful.
And this is coming from a non-chocoholic. -
Review from Natalie K.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2010
I would have never discovered their heavenly creations if it weren't for my career. I've worked with the corporate location in a business relationship for almost a year now and it wasn't until this past December that I decided to give their chocolates a whirl.
I'm not a very big fan of chocolate to begin with but oh my word. These chocolates are delicious! The online ordering makes it so easy to order some myself or to ship some off as a gift (I love the feature where you can write whatever you please in the attached card) and when the chocolates arrive, they're so neatly wrapped!
Hopefully, one day soon, there will be cafes all across the country again and the Northwest's best kept secret can be shared with us all. -
Review from Katie W.
Beaverton, OR
1/2/2008
If heaven was a chocolate, Moonstruck would sell it.
It's kind of unfair, the way they ruined all other chocolates for me. Oh well!
