Chocolate! Modern Dwellers chocolate, to be precise! A better first topic than any other. Modern Dwellers is the only chocolate-y place of its sort in Alaska (that I know of, I would love to be proven wrong), and I'm grateful that it also happens to be a good one. For this posting I went with a friend to the new downtown location, which opened up a few months ago. It's a bit tidier than the one on 36th, but in a way more convenient spot. Really, I can't even describe how downright delightful a dreamy cup of spicy chocolate is on a chilly day. Let me try anyway!
First up, we ordered a spicy cup of Mayan drinking chocolate (drinking chocolate is thicker and more concentrated than its hot chocolate brethren). A swirl of dangerously dark chocolate floating in freshly whipped cream, this is so. dang. good. Really. You first take a sip; the light, airy foam of cream still on your lips; the thick chocolate ooze so warm and deep; then, seconds later, the glorious twitter of a thousand peppery synapses dance down your throat. Over dramatic, you say? You obviously haven't tried it.
Next, we tried four different types of homemade truffles. The Margarita Zing was pretty surprising, featuring bittersweet ganache, lime zest, tequila, and pink Hawaiian sea salt. The flavor was really unique (and commendably reminiscent of a real margarita) and certainly delicious. After that was the Pistachio Passion, which had a lemon zest white ganache and pistachios on top. It was incredibly light and refreshing. I'm usually not a huge fan of white chocolate, but the lemon zest really carried it. The Berbere, named after the Ethiopian spice mix, was probably my favorite. It had amazing curry-like overtones that went wonderfully well with the dark chocolate.
And finally, the Salmon Surprise truffle, topped with flakes of smoked salmon. Yes, salmon. Though perhaps a bit shameful, I admit I tried it purely for the sake of trying it. But lack of noble motives aside, it caught me off guard. It wasn't bad, or even fishy - the salmon imparted a nice smoky flavor that I can't say I've had with chocolate before. That said, I don't know if I'd be super tempted to get it again. It was more a cerebral experience than one of strictly pleasure.
Modern Dwellers is a place I've been to a few times now and I have to commend them for really pushing the envelope in Anchorage. Although it's maybe a bit spendy for some, great decor, an array of handmade jewelry and art, and a very nice selection of exotic chocolates at the 36th location really fill out the experience and I can happily suggest it to anyone who can't wait to get their fill of everyone's vice: chocolate.
Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge
423 G Street
http://www.moderndwellers.com/
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