Dining review: chocolate and more at Max Brenner Chocolate Bar in Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches
Max Brenner is the ultimate indulgence for any serious chocoholic.
Less is more. But not when it comes to chocolate.
And definitely not when it comes to Max Brenner and his indulgent chocolate bar where there are different rules of engagement. Milk, dark or white ... more is more.
Max and his chocolatey heaven is one place where sugar isn’t a dirty word. You can’t avoid the stuff, it comes in first aid tins, whipped up as milkshakes, disguised as take home boxes of oh-so-delicious pralines and served as exploding chocolate shots.
So let’s get started. Max Brenner arrived in NSW in 2000 and set up shop at Manly Wharf back in January 2003. Chocoholics pay attention, Manly was one of the first, there are now Max Brenners stretching from New York to Tokyo.
Manly has recently reopened after a revamp, it has been perfectly timed for Easter. The new look store has been opened up, there’s more seating on the upper level where there are water views and the display case with all the retail chocolates, sweet treats and gift items have moved to the front of the store.
Temptation appears on every surface.
Chocolate is pretty addictive stuff and Max Brenner goes through more than 20 tonnes of chocolate each month. It is mostly sourced from quality growers in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
Hot chocolate the Max way is huggable. Well, the curvy mugs are. Chocolate hug mugs are made with melted milk, dark or white chocolate and milk. That’s almost it. But if that’s not quite enough — and trust me it is — then there are those extras like mint, salted caramel, coconut or crunchy waffle balls.
Move into sweet territory on this menu and there’s a mind-blowing assortment of chocolate and sugary hits. These are indulgent desserts and they shouldn’t be attempted alone. They are made to share.
We’ve tackled two of the most popular treats, along with a ridiculously sweet salted caramel milkshake. Our sweet treats are the tutti-frutti waffle — just one waffle, not two, is one of the bestsellers in Manly, and the signature chocolate souffle.
The single serve Belgian waffle comes with chopped banana, strawberries, vanilla ice cream and it is drizzled with milk chocolate. Who doesn’t like ice cream? It’s sweet, chewy, fruity and there’s just enough liquidy chocolate to keep everyone happy.
The signature chocolate souffle is more like chocolate fondant than real souffle. It’s dark, rich and gooey and surprisingly not too sweet. Alone on a plate with a drizzle of chocolate, it is $10.50. But it cries out for more. Add on strawberries and squirty (sweetened) whipped cream and the price and our waistlines blow out.
Both are enjoyable, but in moderation, and definitely not every day.
Max Brenner is, and should always be, a treat whether you’re in Manly or New York.
Twitter: @beverley_hudec
Essentials
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, 11 East Esp, Manly
Phone: 9977 4931
Open: 6.45am — 10pm
Go for: Tutti-fruitti Belgian waffle with ice cream fresh strawberries and banana, $14.50; chocolate souffle with whipped cream and strawberries, $15; classic hot chocolate made with milk chocolate, $5.90; white chocolate crumb cheesecake, $11.20
Vibe: Maxed out
Bottom line: $44, for two
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