(moonstruckchocolate.com) – Portland, Oregon (Pioneer Place) 

How I heard of this place: We happened to walk by, as my sister felt the urge to return to her old stomping grounds in and around Pioneer Place. The weather, having turned icy cold led us indoors, where we stumbled upon Moonstruck…Chocolate.

Type of cuisine: Everything chocolate. “Whether you’re enjoying one of our award-winning chocolates, sipping a gourmet beverage or indulging in a decadent dessert, our Moonstruck Chocolate Cafés offer an oasis in your day. So settle in, relax and let the chocolate take you away.”

Ambiance: A circular booth in the middle of a mall, this chocolate haven offers a retreat from your shopping extravaganza, or a casual place to sit and enjoy a beverage as others shop, or even as an excuse to get off of the cold, windy, winter streets of Portland. Tables and chairs available for patrons sipping delicious chocolate and espresso beverages, gazing at shoppers passing by, and staring into the glass display cases with rows and rows of chocolate truffles.

What I ordered: My mom wished to keep it simple and ordered a small (8-ounce) cup of coffee and a dark chocolate truffle with chocolate ganache, topped with cocoa nibs. My dad selected a 12-ounce mocha. My sister and I shared a cup of cayenne-spiced drinking chocolate. Each beverage was accompanied by a sparkly red chocolate covered cherry to sweeten the palate before indulging in your beverage.

What I loved: I loved that each beverage came with a little treat!

Why I loved it: Conveniently located and easy to access in the mall’s Rotunda. The drinking chocolate was thick and flavorful, truly spicy, giving your taste buds a surprise!

Cost: Average ($2-$4 per espresso beverage)