I used to frequent the mall so often for a post dinner stroll that certain employees throughout the mall recognized my family and I. All that changed with the pandemic but we're finally venturing back every so often.
A number of my mall favorite stores have gone including Godiva, but it got me Googling Läderach and how the Swiss chocolatier came to be at the Galleria. As background, Läderach only expanded to North America in 2019, so fairly recently. At the beginning of 2021, they signed an asset purchase agreement with Godiva which had them take over the leases of a number of US Godiva locations - of which I assume the Houston Galleria location is one. They currently have 37+ locations in the USA.
Läderach had similar offerings to Godiva. You've got the display case with the individual chocolates/truffles/pralines (some of which are alcoholic). They also have walls of prepackaged/gift boxed delectables. But here are the differences: there's no soft serve or hot chocolate... BUT they do have Frisch Schoggi (Fresh Chocolate) - slabs of chocolate similar to the chocolate "bark" seen here - which sets them apart. Gourmet chocolate bark! Also, all of their products are MADE in Switzerland and shipped to their stores (I can't imagine the shipping costs for that, lol). Godiva, being found internationally, has chocolate churning factories in Pennsylvania and Turkey in addition to Belgium, where the company originated.
For my first visit (Thursday night) they had a steady stream of customers up to closing. Only 2 employees that were trying to attend to everyone. I thought for a bit because I was trying to take a poll in my party to see what flavors I should get (don't know why I try... I almost always end up choosing the flavors) so they tended to other people first to the point I was waiting when I was ready. However, they were great with questions.
I ended up getting some Frisch Schoggi. They allow you to sample before buying - sometimes a decent sized piece since they break it by hand. I'm not sure if they have a limit; I sampled 2 before making my decision. I was apprehensive since I didn't want to commit to something if it was too sweet but the Strawberry curd was perfect! Probably help by the quark in it. I ended up getting the Strawberry Curd and dark chocolate Florentine. You can taste the quality ingredients and the product was decadent and super smooth.
Note: they asked if I had food allergies before I tried some and they have vegan options! Major kudos there. If you have nut allergies, you might have a problem. Nuts were a big component in many of their flavors.
That would explain why it's sold by weight at the rate of $55.60/lb - not to mention the name on the bottom of the slabs. Fancy! I'm not sure if it's the same for their display case chocolates but I'll find out my next visit.
This place is a little more expensive than Godiva (around the $45/lb range), but I assume we're helping cover shipping costs in addition to everything else. Both great chocolates but I've only had Godiva's case chocolates so until I try Läderach's, I cannot give a proper review. HOWEVER, I can say it is delicious and perfect as a treat. I enjoyed my first taste of Läderach and look forward to exploring more! read more