Belgian Chocolatier Opens New UWS Café

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus has brought its signature pralines and premium chocolates to the Upper West Side, opening a new store at 189 Columbus Ave. near West 68th Street, that adds coffee and chocolate mousse to the company's traditional retail offerings.

The store, which opened May 1 in the storefront previously occupied by Vive La Crepe, is Neuhaus' ninth Manhattan location and part of the company's growing presence across the United States.

"We like to be part of the community," Utah Deforce, marketing coordinator for Neuhaus, told Patch. "The Upper West Side was an area where we didn't really have a presence yet."

Founded in Belgium in 1857, Neuhaus traces its roots to a pharmacy.

According to Deforce, the company's founder originally coated medicine in chocolate to make it more enjoyable for customers, an innovation that eventually evolved into one of the world's best-known luxury chocolate brands.

Today, the company operates 15 stores throughout the United States, including locations on Long Island, in Philadelphia and throughout the Washington, D.C., area.

The Upper West Side shop introduces a slightly different concept than many of Neuhaus' other locations.

In addition to the company's assortment of pralines and chocolate products, customers can also order coffee and a specialty chocolate mousse that is currently available at only a handful of stores.

Visitors can browse a bulk chocolate counter and create custom assortments featuring their favorite pieces. The store also offers pre-packaged chocolate collections, chocolate bars and other signature products from the Belgian brand.

Deforce said the response from neighborhood residents has been positive since opening. The company recently hosted a local event to introduce itself to nearby residents and increase awareness of the new location.

"We had very good feedback," Deforce said. "People are excited about the concept, especially with the coffee offering."

Neuhaus is located at 189 Columbus Ave.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.