Max Brenner Brings 'Chocolate Experience' to Bethesda

When "fast-casual" chocolate eateryMax Brenner opens next week in Bethesda, chocolate lovers will have a chance to experience chocolate in a whole new way.

Max Brenner is not just any ordinary chocolate shop. Its chocolate drinks and menu items are designed not to be gobbled, but to be savored.

Take its chocolate fondue, for example. The pot of chocolate comes with toffee sauce, fruits and cake to make for personalized, unhurried dipping, easily sharable with a friend.

Hot chocolate is served in a special "hug mug," designed to be hugged by two hands. And, the "kangaroo cup" is perfect for a chocolate-coffee combination: Chocolate squares sit and melt in a little pouch that drains the chocolate into the coffee. A special spoon fits perfectly into the pouch to get at the last bits of melted chocolate. Watch Max Brenner Executive Chef Katzie Guy-Hamilton demonstrate the kangaroo cup.

There's also a note of whimsy to the offerings. Milkshakes are served in an "Alice cup" with a "drink me" label suggestive of childhood classic Alice in Wonderland. Ice cream popsicles come with dipping sauces and toppings, encouraging diners to play with their food and enjoy the experience.

For something more grownup, there is the chocolate shot served in a "suckao" vessel, which has a tea light at the bottom to keep the steamed milk with a shot of raw chocolate hot.

The First Max Brenner chocolate shop opened in Israel in 1996. Since then, it's spread to Australia, Asia and the U.S. While many locations are full-service restaurants offering more than just dessert, the Bethesda location will be a "fast-casual" eatery serving primarily chocolate desserts and drinks. Diners will order at the bar (the counter) and choose a seat. A "chocolista" will bring out the orders to the tables.

The Bethesda location will open during the third week of July at 7263 Woodmont Ave. and will serve breakfast items in the morning, as well as chocolate drinks and edibles into late evening. Stay tuned to Patch and follow @MaxBrennerUSA on Twitter for the latest updates.