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PhillyStyle: Chocolate Overload

At behest and via the courtesy of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Jaunted spent the weekend in 6th Borough for a sleepover and tour--meaning this trip was on Ben Franklin, Rocky, and Boyz II Men--or something like that. Our thoughts are scattered below. Enjoy.

One thing we heard from quite a few Philadelphians on our trip is that Philly doesn't really have many celebrities...besides Will Smith and ?uestlove. As a result, a lot of "local characters," such as bloggers and restaurant owners and the like, become Philly's celebrity equivalent. Joey Sweeney of Philebrity is one example we heard cited. Tom Block, though we didn't hear him specifically namechecked in those conversations, could certainly be another.

Block co-founded Thomas Sweet Ice Cream & Chocolate, a popular Jersey-based chain. He had plans to retire from the chocolate business, but before he could, his daughter Sara scooped him up for another venture. The two co-own and run Naked Chocolate, a Walnut Street desert café. The elder Block, thanks to his looks and jovial demeanor, reminds us of Willa Wonka and is definitely a treasure.

He and Sara serve up delicious hot chocolate, plus truffles and baked goods, all day. Naked Chocolate isn't a bakery in the traditional sense--they don't open super-early to offer muffins for your pre-work breakfast--but they do have a great brownie equivalent they like to call a "nudo." You can grab one with a coffee at 10 am, or come in after dinner to top off your food coma. We weren't able to see one for ourselves, but we hear Sara has also prepared Turkey-shaped blocks of chocolate in honor of Thanksgiving. Vegetarian, and SO much better than Tofurkey!

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· Philadelphia Field Trip coverage [Jaunted]