Chocolate. What can one say? It’s delicious, of course. Makes a great gift. Butters people up. Smooths ruffled feathers. It’s delicious. Oh, I said that didn’t I? Well, it’s true enough to bear repeating.

I am not ashamed to admit I have a bit of a chocolate “thing” and I am not alone. New York is full of chocoholics and as a result is awash in places for those folks to feed their habit. There are so many choices that it can be difficult to know where to start.

Of course, you could pick up a Hershey bar or Milky way at any corner deli or grocery store if you were desperate for a fix but if you really want a chocoholic experience to remember, check out some of these shops and boutiques. Many of them have more than one location and these can be found on their individual websites.

• Maison du Chocolat (1018 Madison Ave., nr. 78th St.; 212-744-7117)
• Martine’s Chocolates (in Bloomingdale’s)
• Jacques Torres Chocolates (66 Water St., nr. Dock St., Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-875-9772)
• Richart Design et Chocolat (7 E. 55th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-371-9369)
• Neuhaus Chocolatier (2151 Broadway, nr. 75th St.; 212-712-2112)
• Teuscher (25 E. 61st St., nr. Madison Ave.; 800-554-0624)
• MarieBelle (484 Broome St., nr. W. Broadway; 212-925-6999)
• Vosges Haut Chocolat (132 Spring St., nr. Greene St.; 212-625-2929)
• Chocolate Bar (48 Eighth Ave., nr. Jane St.; 212-366-1541)
• Kee’s Chocolates (80 Thompson St., nr. Spring St.; 212-334-3284)
• Christopher Norman Chocolates (60 New St., nr. Beaver St.; 212-402-1243
• Li-Lac (120 Christopher St., nr. Hudson St.; 212-242-7374)
• Evelyn’s Chocolates (4 John St., nr. Broadway; 212-267-5170)
• Varsano’s Chocolates (179 W. 4th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-352-1171)
• Chocolate Haven (350 Hudson at King St.; 212-414-2462)
• Black Hound (170 Second Avenue between 10th/11th Sts.; 212-979-9505)
• Dylan’s Candy Bar (1011 3rd Avenue at 60th St., 646-735-0078)
• Hershey’s Times Square (48th and Broadway, 212-581-9100)
• Godiva (various locations including but not limited to Times Square, Grand Central, Rockefeller Plaza, Shops at Columbus Circle. See Godiva website for contact information)
• Payard: 1032 Lexington Avenue, near 73rd Street (212-717-5252)
• Divalicious (365 Broome Street; 212-343-1243)
• Max Brenner (841Broadway between 13th and 14th Streets)
• Chocolate Room (86 Fifth Ave Brooklyn: 718-783-2900)

But chocolate isn’t just for eating. This delightful delicacy is also makes a beautiful
beverage. Not only do many of the shops listed above offer up their versions, below are some other eateries there you will find some of the best hot (and frozen hot) chocolate in the city

• City Bakery: 3 West 18th Street (212-366-1414)
• Serendipity3: 225 East 60th Street (212-838-3531)

City Bakery, in fact, holds an annual Chocolate Festival every Feb with a different featured Hot Chocolate flavor each day.

And look – we all know that chocolates are great for Valentine’s Day but if you are a true chocolate lover, it can’t be confined to just one day a year. How about a chocolate tour? You have a choice – this being a city fond of the sweet stuff. There’s Sweet Walks and the NYC New Cuisine Chocolate Tour. This might also be a great way for a choco-centric couple to spend the day together. Think of it, wandering hand in hand along the city streets, tasting chocolates as you go. Go on, you’ll get points for thinking of something original.

And last but not least, don’t forget to check out Chocolate Week New York, held annually in November.