Little known fact, I’m not just obsessed with magic, I’m also gaga over chocolate. And, I’ve spent years exploring the NYC chocolate scene, from obscure boutique chocolate crafters to surprisingly luscious imported-cocoas, buried unsuspectingly in the fray of products at some of the largest eateries and stores in New York.

In fact, it’s not unusual for me to slip into one of these purveyors of edible magic after a show for a quick bite of heaven, to entertain friends or pick up a chocolate gift bound to make not only the recipient, but everyone who witnesses the gift gush with envy.

I’ve put together this insider list of the most magical chocolate shops in NYC. Go visit, drink in the aroma of hand-crafted chocolate and the cozy environs, allowing every sense to come alive. Bring friends, share this list and, always, bring something home for those who couldn’t go.

1. Marie Belle – http://www.mariebelle.com/ These are the chocolates I choose to serve guests to my ultra-exclusive midnight show. Each piece is artistically painted with gorgeous eye-catching color images. You won’t believe them until you see, and then (ultimately) gobble them down.

2. Leodinas Belgian Chocolates – http://www.leonidas-chocolate.com/ Vice President Joe Biden was in there recently buying chocolates. Maybe their extra-fresh creamy ingredients make Biden speak extra-fresh!

3. Black Hound – http://www.blackhoundny.com/ – This classic East Village bakery is acclaimed for its insanely rich variety of chocolate cakes and decadent mini-chocolate truffles.

4. Li-Lac Chocolates – http://www.li-lacchocolates.com/ – For more than 87 years, this charming, neighborhood chocolate shop has produced delicious old fashioned chocolate confections.

5. Jacques Torres – http://www.mrchocolate.com – Every time I visit Brooklyn, I make it a point to stop at the original Jacques Torres shop under the Brooklyn Bridge. Now that they’ve opened up branches in Tribeca and the Upper West Side, it makes it easier to shop for their delectable sweets.

6. Vosges Chocolates – http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/ – Luxury chocolate produced organically in a green facility that is powered by 100% renewable energy.

7. Mast Brothers Chocolate – http://www.mastbrotherschocolate.com – The creation of two brothers, this Brooklyn-based chocolate workshop handcrafts cocoa blocks from family-farmed beans sourced from around the world.

8. La Maison du Chocolate – http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/ (or literally, The House of Chocolate). Exquisitely crafted and displayed French chocolates and truffles that melt in your mouth. I always stop by their midtown shop whenever I’m near Rockefeller Center.

9. Teuscher – http://www.teuschermadison.com/ – The best champagne truffles ever!

10. Bond Street Chocolate – http://www.bondstchocolate.com – This wondrous little shop boasts an eclectic collection of mouthwatering chocolates and gifts, from chocolate Buddhas dusted with 24 karat gold to milk chocolate bars with caramelized almonds and sea salt that are so addictive, they’re known to the locals as the “crack” bar.

11. Francois Chocolate Bar – Newest location at the Plaza – http://www.fcchocolatebar.com – Chocolate as art, these fine chocolate creations are so stunning to look at you almost feel bad eating them…but that doesn’t last long!

12. Neuhaus – http://www.neuhauschocolate.com/ – Upscale Belgian chocolates at their Broadway and 76th Street branch. I like the ones shaped like dollar signs 🙂

13. 5th Avenue Chocolatiere – http://www.5thavenuechocolatiere.com/ – Enjoy their 100% Belgian chocolate and cocoa-covered truffles.

14. Mondel Chocolate – http://www.mondelchocolates.com/index.htm – This is the shop where Katharine Hepburn used to frequent for her chocolate purchases. Old-world, like stepping back in history.

15. Bespoke Chocolates – http://www.bespokechocolates.com – Tucked away on a hidden alley on the Lower East Side, this charming shop hand-crafts each piece before your eyes in small, sublime batches. Be sure to try their pretzel-covered sea-salted caramels.

16. Kee’s Chocolates – http://www.keeschocolates.com/ – Using fresh and often exotic ingredients in their exquisite chocolate creations: yuzu from Japan, sea salt from France, and saffron from Spain. Try their crème brulee chocolate. It’ll become your new favorite.

17. Max Brenner – http://www.maxbrenner.com/ – This guy is like a modern day Willy Wonka. Who would’ve thought of making a chocolate pizza? You can find that, and tons of other ingenious creations, here. Multiple locations in Manhattan.

18. Martine’s Chocolates – http://www.martineschocolates.com – Watch these fine chocolates prepared in front of your very eyes.

19. Varsano’s Chocolates – http://www.varsanos.com – Known for an insane selection of old-fashioned, fun and even downright whimsical handmade chocolates.

20. Levain Bakery – http://levainbakery.com/ – This Upper West Side bakery serves up what are very likely the most sinful cookies in the city, weighing in at a warm, dissolve-in-your-mouth 6 ounces a piece.

21. Silver Moon Bakery – http://www.silvermoonbakery.com/ – Higher up on the UWS, this neighborhood bakery delights with a hearty selection of chocolate, cookies and muffins.

22. Le Pain Quotidien – http://www.lepainquotidien.com/ – The chocolate-hazelnut spread here is even better than Nutella (if that is humanly possible). Also, try their chocolate chip cookies. They’re the same diameter as a volleyball. Try spiking one of these into your mouth.

23. L’Atelier du Chocolat – http://www.egchocolates.com/ – Dubbed by Zagats as the “Tiffany’s of Truffles,” this beautifully appointed, intimate Flatiron shop is sure to delight.

24. Evelyn’s Chocolates – http://evelynschocolates.com/ – This tiny John Street shop is a Wall Street fave for handmade chocolate.

25. Dylan’s Candy Bar – http://www.dylanscandybar.com/ – The mecca of all candy shops, the world’s largest candy store (NYC flagship store is 15,000 square feet).  They carry over 5,000 different kinds of candy and signature chocolates.  A must stop for every family.