I won’t deny it. I’ve got a crush on Max’s at Excelsior & Grand in St. Louis Park. It’ s not metformin hydrochloride 500 mg side effects that I don’t have other sources of pretty things and chocolates…but this one is simply superb. It’s not a large shop, but it’s laid out well. You have your spaces for jewelry, spaces for chocolate, spaces for gifts…and every once in a while, they overlap. Tastefully. And, though there is a marked difference between jewelery and chocolate, they are both equally pleasing to the eye in both packaging and display at Max’s.
It’s chocolate for the aesthete.
It’s chocolate for the gourmand.
And, it’s no wonder I’ve got such a crush.
I had the opportunity to snap some shots as my friend interviewed the owner of Max’s, Ellen Hertz, about the chocolate she handpicks and stocks for us. Being an aspiring connoisseur of both chocolate and design, I appreciate the care that is put into both the products and their packaging–seeing how each chocolate manufacturer chooses to house its wares, whether glossy, matte, or see-through to the goods. And, I admit, how it looks affects how much I want to buy it. If it is pleasing to the eye, I automatically assume that it will be pleasing to my palette. Looking around, my eye first saw what it liked…but then read what I would like to taste. Cardamom…sea salt…pepitas…caramel…cherries…chiles…edamame…con leche…toffee…espresso. Ah, to see such variety from so many places; Belgium, Madagascar, France, even Salt Lake City. Yes, the Twin Cities has a few chocolate crafters to brag about for certain, but this is definitely one area from which “buying local” isn’t necessarily how to go about getting your cacao-made muchness.
Chanukah begins tomorrow. Christmas is coming soon. Heck, just because it’s Tuesday: Get over there and get yourself some of what Max’s has to offer, whether a “Tile,” a “SLAB,” or even a caramel channeled shoe. They’ve got it.
Color indicating array.
Peek-a-boo boxes. Always my favorite. Always.
Content-appropriate take-out containers.
Tied up side effects of metformin hcl 500mg with a bow, a classic and elegant presentation for truffles.
Sweet suffering.
It hits the spot with the transparent packaging.
Mix the delicious with the letterpress and I’m in heaven.
Hey, Hey Hazelnut! Move over, Nutella!
My coffee needs one of these…especially with the crown of approval on it. Not as fond of the look as I am the idea. Function and form.
Sophisticated. Pure and simple.
Moderne Chocolate with Futura font above Madagascar chocolate that comes with intensity ratings. Win-win.
Anytime the packaging says “sultry,” it’s got my attention.
I don’t know Italian, but I know cardamom. Yum.
A little art nouveau? Perhaps Bauhaus?
Absolutely appealing.
I appreciate the lack of pretension. It is what it is…and it is a SLAB. A “thick chunk of handcrafted dark chocolate.”
Does this remind anyone else of IKEA packaging? Like I should turn over the box to see how the bittersweet chocolate TILES should be assembled?
Can’t forget the glitz. Considering it’s chocolate filled with caramel, it’s yet one more time I’m in search of the large shoe section.