Шоколад/ Shokolad/ Chocolate (or in other words Breakfast in Russia)

Vrau Vodka finally managed to go to Vodkaland.

Ok as it was for work, it was technically more whirlwind MoscowMetroland than Vodkaland, but it was every bit as crazy and exciting as I thought it would be.

Somewhere in between a quick Midnight trip to Red Square and wall-to-wall meetings strung together with trips in 'Funny Cars'*, I mentioned to my colleagues that I love breakfast and write a Blog about it. My Russian colleague (who for reasons known only to he and I shall be called Jason Donovan for the purpose of this Blog), artfully managed to squeeze in a coffee and late breakfast snack for us at one of his favourite breakfast places so that I could see it.

It is a cafe called Кафе Шоколад (you have no idea how impressed I am that I managed to google and find that!). Translated, it means simply 'Cafe Chocolate'. Breakfast AND Chocolate? Hell yeah.

There are so many reasons to love Кафе Шоколад...

#1 For workaholics (or late night party animals) they start serving pancakes at 4am
#2 Talking of pancakes the Russians aren't famous for Blinis for nothing. I ate two different kinds - one a delicious variety made with curd, the other a more tradional thin version.  Both were served with lovely fresh berries and compote.
#3 You could easily have blinis, caviar and vodka. For Breakfast.
#4 They have a whole section of drinks called 'Hot Winter Non Alchoholic Cocktails' - the perfect warm, sugar recharge you need after a busy winter's day in Moscow. Predictably I had the Winter alcohol Free Mojitto
#5 If you aren't lucky enough to have your own Minister of Transport, Catering and all things Russian like we were, they have menus in English (not as common as you would think)
#6 The range of coffees is extensive and the coffee is delicious
#7 There are several branches all over Moscow
#8 They have play areas for kids
#9 They serve eggs and pastries too if pancakes aren't your bag.

I hope I get a chance to return soon - if with the help of Jason D. I managed to find this gem in two days, who know how many could be discovered on a longer trip!

*Funny Cars: In Moscow, common practise for getting around by road involves a unique 5 step plan:
Step 1: Stand on the side of the road with your thumb out
Step 2: A car will stop
Step 3: Negotate a price to take you to your chosen destination
Step 4: Jump in
Step 5: Pay
I believe they call this supply and demand.
Caution: This not to be attempted in any other city in the World and I strongly recommend against doing it without a Russian Minister of Transport with you,

Кафе Шоколад
Website, Menu, Locations