SWEET BITES

CHOCOLATE IS DIVINE…so mix in gourmet cheese samples, along with a glass of wine, and you may never go home. Red Elephant, the new chocolate café on State Street, will have you saying “Oooh!” the moment you walk through the door. In 2012, owner Richard Koenings launched his line of premium smallbatch, handcrafted chocolates meant to be savored in the relaxed environment the café offers. The Madison location is an extension—and expansion—of the original in Milwaukee, outfitted with a wine chiller, cheese platters and a mobile demonstration table for on-site “how a truffle is made” demos. Come prepared as Koenings says, “to dine for dessert” on Johnny Walker Red Whiskey and Rum Chatta truffles, dark chocolate sea salted caramels, chocolate-covered red velvet cake bites and chocolate coffee. Every woman in town should be thinking: “Are we there yet?”