Venchi Chocolate Boutique
Tucked in a corner of La Centrale at Brickell City Centre is a high-ceilinged, chic chocolate boutique and gelateria whose origin dates back to the 1800s, when young Silvano Venchi opened a pastry shop in Cuneo, south of Turin. He used Piedmont hazelnuts in his candies, which became popular throughout Italy and the rest of Europe. Today, their boutiques stock bins of colorfully wrapped chocolates; jars of a luxurious creamy chocolate spread made with cocoa, hazelnuts and olive oil; and tubs of traditional gelato, lovingly swirled on cones or in cups. Top, if you want, with caramelized hazelnuts, chocolate praline, whipped cream and order a hot chocolate or espresso. The experience is purely Italian, right down to the elegant gift packaging.
