In celebration of its Fifth Anniversary, uptown swank gets a retro resurgence as Alison Nelson unveils Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel on Monday, 21 May 2007. Towering above the bustling streets of... More

In celebration of its Fifth Anniversary, uptown swank gets a retro resurgence as Alison Nelson unveils Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel on Monday, 21 May 2007. Towering above the bustling streets of New York's fashion Mecca and situated on the 3rd floor atrium of Henri Bendel located at 712 Fifth Avenue between 55th and 56th Street, this sleek new dining destination incorporates the best of fashion, art, style and food into a rich atmosphere that is fresh and inviting, playful and serene, eclectic and chic. Crafted with a nod to the ever-changing caprices of fashion and the inventiveness of the woman who dons the latest trends but mixes them up with flair, Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel adds mischief to manners with its modern take on high-society savoir faire. If it’s time to introduce a new location to your cultural repertoire, look no further than the artfully curated interior and equally enticing menu at Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel. CHOCOLATE BAR AT HENRI BENDEL Welcome to Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel, a devilishly sophisticated playground, where mod counters and open café seating seem to float within the café’s airy quarters, where the staff is exclusively and fashionably attired in a chic, cap sleeve mini dress by one of Bendel’s favorite designers, Stacey Bendet for Alice + Olivia. Feminine yet eclectic design elements, including creamy leather couches, eye-catching graphics and smooth modernist lighting, combine fluidly to add texture to the surroundings and usher in the next generation of cosmopolitan luxe. Despite the refreshingly modern feel, still a hint of nostalgia embeds itself within the retro-reconfigured furnishings that add vibrancy to timeless style. “Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel is a contemporary take on a social salon, where our Bendel girl can have a quick coffee or a leisurely meal,” states Ed Bucciarelli, CEO and President of Henri Bendel. “The café offers a new spin on classic New York fare with its own line of savory selections, chocolate sandwiches, gourmet soups and mixed greens—including a revamped return of the legendary Bendel’s Salad.” The café also serves a fine assortment of Chocolate Bar’s award-winning truffles, baked goods, and confections alongside a selection of imported wine and champagne. An array of coffee and tea offerings will also be available, including Ma Rose 1927, a unique green tea blend exclusive to Bendel’s that contains hints of rose petal, a nostalgic nod to Mr. Bendel’s preferred flower and one time signature perfume. Enter a world of irresistible influence and edgy refinement, where indulgence is only a teacup or designer dress away. For more information please visit www.chocolatebarnyc.com Henri Bendel, Manhattan’s legendary Fifth Avenue boutique -- known for fabulous shopping events, frequent celebrity sightings, and dramatic window displays -- has long influenced the shape of American fashion with an unmistakable sense of style and a keen eye for the new and the next in accessories, beauty and fashion. One of New York’s chicest shopping environments; Henri Bendel is a destination for the world’s most stylish shoppers. CHOCOLATE BAR Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar announced recently that the company has reached a partnership deal with Dubai-based NewCo, a newly established subsidiary of United Restaurant Development (URD), to expand the brand to Duabi (UAE) and the Middle East. The deal could bring as many as 30 Alison Nelson Chocolate Bar’s to the region whose territories include the Kingdom of Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The boutiques are expected to begin rolling out over 2007 as part of an aggressive expansion plan to bring Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar’s into new settings and markets. In 2006, the company opened its second location Chocolate Bar LBI in Long Beach Island located in Beach Haven, NJ which includes a retail component, a bar counter and a new line of baked goods. In 2007, Chocolate Bar Toronto, a hybrid chocolate boutique/ spirits bar, is planning to open in partnership with nightclub legend Peter Gatien. Chocolate Bar products can be found around the globe in such illustrious destinations as Soho House, Henri Bendel, IFC Waverly, The Chambers Hotel, Charlie Trotters, Landmark Theaters, the Andy Warhol Museum, Mission Bay Foods, Sunshine Cinemas, Le Grand Marche, Haute Chocolate and Zanzabelle to name a few. Chocolate Bar is a candy store for grown-ups offering cosmopolitan luxury through old-fashioned collections and unique inspirations. Incorporating style, comfort and classic New York treats, Chocolate Bar features retro-reconfigured sweets along with a signature line of nostalgia-influenced chocolate bars. Since it’s inception in 2002, Chocolate Bar has received numerous awards including “Best Chocolate Store” from Timeout New York, 2 Citysearch “Best of Shopping” Awards, the Gourmand World Cookbook Award and more. The boutique's dazzling menu includes authentic New York egg creams, rich coffee, fine teas, nine kinds of iced and hot chocolates and pastries. Decadent confections are available for everything from corporate gifts to personalized wedding and party favors. Online orders are available through Chocolate Bar's dynamic web site which allows visitors to order a host of scrumptious items including truffles, chocolate bars, hot chocolate, tea and more. Chocolate Bar is located at 48 Eighth Avenue between Horatio and Jane Streets. In the heart of New York's West Village sits a small storefront that has started a mini-revolution among chocolate lovers. Chocolate Bar, a cozy but cosmopolitan sweet ship has broken chocolate out of its stuffy Valentine mold and inspired the notion that this cherished treat can be fun, unfussy and possess more than a dash of decadence. Fully devoted to reviving the nostalgia-influenced confections that once graced the tables of the World's Fair, Automats, Boardwalks and dime-store candy shops, carnivals and diners of yesteryear, Chocolate Bar continues to churn out retro-reconfigured favorites using only the freshest ingredients and highest quality. This year, the future is now and chocolate is the life of the party! All aspects of youth culture, from punk rock to mod fashion, luxury and graphic design are prevalent in this season's provocative collection. Not a substance to be treated with reserve, it's a slightly sweet-bitter-caffeinated, completely legal party enhancer. It's serious brew. At Chocolate Bar the world of cosmopolitan cocoa is filled with swinging sugar soirees and perfect chocolate martinis. CHOCOLATE BAR LBI Pack your bikini’s, surf’s up! This Memorial Day weekend starting Friday, 25 May 2007, Chocolate Bar LBI makes waves as it celebrates its Grand Reopening in a new, larger-than-life location – the entire first floor of 220 Centre Street in Beach Haven, New Jersey; site of the old Faria’s Surf Shop. Beachcombers looking to escape the heat can now indulge in Chocolate Bar’s palatial new 2,500-square foot cafe which includes on-site baking, a soda fountain, fresh popcorn, a full selection of gelato and lounge seating. Follow the current to Chocolate Bar LBI and curb your cravings with the boutiques award-winning truffles and confections. Refresh with a classic drink menu of iced milk shakes, coffee & teas, fresh baked goods including muffins, croissants, spicy brownies, cookies and scones. Dig into truffles, signature bars, graffiti, retro and artist bars, toffee and more. With expanded operating hours from Noon-12AM, Monday-Sunday, there will always be a time to treat yourself. Avoid a chocolate wipeout and head to the Atlantic Ocean where you can always find Betties hanging 10. Directions: Exit 63 from the Garden State Parkway. Take 72 East to the end and make right on Long Beach Boulevard. Follow for 7 miles. Make left on Centre Street (Kapler's Pharmacy on corner). Chocolate Bar is located on the right at 220 Centre Street in the old Faria’s Surf Shop location. Chocolate Bar: Awards Winner Shecky’s 2006 New York City Best Chocolate Fix: Chocolate Bar Winner of 2 Citysearch 2005 Shopping Awards: “Best Gourmet Store” & “Best West Village Shop” Winner Citysearch Best Hot Chocolate: Chocolate Bar Winner 2006 Crain’s “40 Under 40”: Alison Nelson, Founder & Owner Timeout New York 2004 Eat Out Award Winner: “Best Chocolate Store” Winner 2005 Gourmet News “20 Under 40”: Alison Nelson, Founder & Owner Winner 2005 Gourmand World Cookbook Award Chocolate Bar: Recipes and Entertaining Ideas For Living The Sweet Life Winner 2003 New York Daily News Best Holiday Sampler: Chocolate Bar Finalist: 2003 London Design Awards: Chocolate Bar Packaging
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I've mentioned my love for shoes and chocolate before and I'll do it again. Bergdorf has the BEST shoe collection in the city. Hipsters and trendy types can head to the fifth floor for Marc Jacobs... More

I've mentioned my love for shoes and chocolate before and I'll do it again. Bergdorf has the BEST shoe collection in the city. Hipsters and trendy types can head to the fifth floor for Marc Jacobs and other of the moment shoes. The traditionalists--Manolo, Choo, Laboutin--can stay on two in the gorgeous shoe salon. If there's a heaven it may look like this. Sale time is insane, but fun. On yeah, there are plenty of clothes here too and an entire floor devoted to skincare and makeup.
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Bergdorf Goodman's is just "wow" in a department store. Is it the quality of the merchandise or the immense variety contained within each department, i don't know. But it's a mesmerizing and... More

Bergdorf Goodman's is just "wow" in a department store. Is it the quality of the merchandise or the immense variety contained within each department, i don't know. But it's a mesmerizing and dizzying experience, with their little nooks and crannies contained on the 5th floor (my favorite floor). This floor contains all the women's contemporary fashions from well-known designers like Theory and DVR, as well little corners containing smaller, independent labels you will not find elsewhere. Their accessories section normally requires I wear a bib to stop my drooling, and the basement Beauty level outshines any Sephora I know. Truly heaven for the beauty aficionado, carrying established and truly obscure brands throughout this immense space. Even if you don't purchase anything, stick around and you're sure to have a celebrity sighting on the first level or the show salon on 2. That will make the trip all the more worth while.
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I love Bergdorf's. From the Best & Co. children's section to the nail spa, I love just about every inch of this silver box with lavender tissue paper paradise. Sure, it is expensive. Sure, dogs... More

I love Bergdorf's. From the Best & Co. children's section to the nail spa, I love just about every inch of this silver box with lavender tissue paper paradise. Sure, it is expensive. Sure, dogs have been spotted standing on top of glass cases trying on jewelry. Sure, the staff can be snotty (but not the women at gift wrap - they rule). Sure, some of the floors are STILL under construction. But I just walk in like I own the place and don't let any of this bother me. They have some great sales during the year and I have to say that there is no better place to pick out a hostess gift. You can find good prices if you are willing to wander through the maze of floors. You can also just splurge before walking out to wander through Central Park or down 5th on a beautiful day. Be a lady who lunches and enjoy the best of BG.
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I love this store and dream about all the things I wish I could afford. The store is so pretty and big that there's something for everyone. One simply must stop by - it's a must see for tourists as... More

I love this store and dream about all the things I wish I could afford. The store is so pretty and big that there's something for everyone. One simply must stop by - it's a must see for tourists as there's nothing quite like it. Every floor has a theme and different design scheme. My favorite floors are the beauty and shoe floors. When I walk through the beauty products and counters, I just want to buy everything up. Great layout and wonderful if a bit snooty service. The best time to go is when they have their big shoe sales. One can get a decent Manolo pair for a discounted yet still steep price. Try the spa!
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Bergdorf Goodman is such a wonderful department store that I feel it's hard for any others to compete. The selection of goods is upscale and expensive, but if this is what you like, then this is... More

Bergdorf Goodman is such a wonderful department store that I feel it's hard for any others to compete. The selection of goods is upscale and expensive, but if this is what you like, then this is where you should shop. The building is beautiful as is the inside. The cafe On Five is delicious and the gotham salad is the thing to get. The sales people are courteous and helpful and the merchandise is always orderly and clean. The new shoe dept and the beauty floor are some of the best in the city!
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I rate this store very good because of the fancy decor and elegant atmosphere. You can't help but be swept up in the New York style. The clothing is geared toward older, more affluent women as you... More

I rate this store very good because of the fancy decor and elegant atmosphere. You can't help but be swept up in the New York style. The clothing is geared toward older, more affluent women as you will be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of sequins on everyday wear, gaudy jewelry and the "sales" which knock a few dollars off here and there but largely leave everything out of the average person's budget.
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