By Andrew Berlanstein
Every year Americans spend more than $1 billion on chocolate in the days and hours before Valentine’s Day, according to industry statistics, and it’s no coincidence. Chocolate has many romantic and sexual characteristics.
Chocolate is an identified aphrodisiac, thanks to the chemicals phenethylamine and theobromine that can supposedly cause sexual stimulation. A study by the British Broadcasting Corporation showed that when chocolate melts in one’s mouth, it’s not only pleasant for one’s taste buds, it actually increases heart rate and brain activity in ways similar to that of passionate kissing.
That’s why when some Boston chocolate lovers want to turn each other on – or just send some sweets to mom – they head to Athan’s European Chocolatier and Bakery located in Brookline on Beacon Street.
“Valentine’s Day is, of course, one of the busiest days of the year for us,” said Aristides Athanasopoulos, president of Athan’s Inc. “We tend to sell lots of chocolate and pastries for the holiday.”
Athan’s offers a mouthwatering selection of handmade chocolates in a rustic cafe setting, with high ceilings and walls adorned by paintings, which contributes to the ideal intimacy for Valentine’s browsing. Athan’s aims for a European idiom – its sister stores are located in Kalamata, Greece.
In the middle of the store is a multi-storied round table with a diverse and brilliant display of chocolate creations – peanut butter cups, puffed rice bars and caramel filled chocolates – wrapped in elegant gold foil. The little delights are presented on posh silver platters among gift boxes and big chocolate heart pops.
The cafe serves the most unique cocoa products around. Chocolatiers there also dabble in unusual items like chocolate-covered candied oranges, figs and dates, as well as homemade marzipan.
Rich, French-style mousse tortes like the “Jamaica,” with dark chocolate truffle mousse studded with sweet cherries, layered between chocolate genoise sponge and covered in dark chocolate ganache, sell fastest, Athan said – and they taste heavenly. Another, the Bolero, Athan’s signature creation, is a milk chocolate mousse between chocolate genoise sponge, covered in a shell of sliced almonds and topped with strawberries.
And for those who can’t tolerate too much sugary stimulation, Athan’s dark chocolate is bitter, a little brittle and very smooth. Athan’s chocolates are lavish and fresh.
“We make all of our pastries and chocolates daily at our workshop,” said Angela Divaris, who co-manages Athan’s with Athanasopoulos, her husband.
The business’ namesake, Athanasopoulos, and his wife, have been married to the store for longer than eight years, but only married to each other for six, although their roots run deep together. Their goal was to bring a little bit of Greece to Boston by using traditional recipes and techniques.
Because of the popularity of the bakery, Athan’s opened another location in Brighton Center on Washington Street in 2005.
The Brookline headquarters has a romantic interior and is the perfect place to sit with your significant other to enjoy a cup of delicious coffee roast or one of their many flavors of authentic Gelato.
If you put off making plans or forgot about this Valentine’s Day, it’s not too late. Athan’s prices their chocolates by weight, so you are free to create your own gift bag, bypassing the annoyance of resorting to a cheesy heart-shaped box from Russel Stover. Athan’s also has lots of different gift packages ready for purchase with varieties of chocolates, cakes, tortes, truffles, biscuits and pastries ranging in price from $10 to $25.
Orders can be made by calling (617)734-7028.
