I'm such a chocolate freak that my husband enrolled me in the Chocolate of the Month Club for our anniversary.

Alas, I had to drop out after 4 months when I put on an equal amount of pounds. But if you're also a chocolate nut, you'll love the dramatic Rise Bar on the 14th floor of the new Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park. It's not the easiest hotel to get to - take a cab, and not the subway -- but the trip is worth it for the beauty of the hotel, this specific view and, of course, the delectable chocolate.

From a corner table of this rooftop enclave, you'll be rewarded for your trek down here with one of the most beautiful views in New York (which includes the Statue of Liberty off in the distance). Plus, you'll be able to satiate the chocolate gods from a table full of the best chocolate deserts you've ever tasted outside of Belgium.

They won't always have this chocolate buffet, (although they will have the chocolate drinks, e.g., Godiva chocolate with vodka and gold flakes on top, not to mention 11 types of martinis that don't have chocolate in them) but they will be offering chocolate fondue there. And I'll bet there are enough chocolate freaks like me that some other chocolate goodies will always be available in that bar for you.

If you're looking for an easier place in New York to get to, and something more substantial to eat - you can always go down to the Chocolate Bar for desert -- plan on having at least one meal at the Marriott Marquis. They've renovated their restaurants on the 8th floor and it's a guaranteed outstanding dining experience.

There are half a dozen restaurants and lounges here at the base of their 37-story atrium, and this expansive dining area is worth coming to for its looks alone. But you might as well eat while you're there, and you can choose the Katen Sushi Bar, the Broadway Lounge (which overlooks Times Square and offers affordable tapas), and The View, offering excellent prix fixe for pre-and post theater dinners. These restaurants are all under the direction of Executive Chef George McNeill, one of 55 certified master chefs in the U.S.

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© Paulette Cooper
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Last Updated: February 10 2003