5th Avenue Chocolate Tier, New York

Since 1973, 5th Avenue Chocolatiere's confectioners have risen before the rooster's crow to handcraft all natural, 100% Belgian-style chocolate into sweet treats. Created by founder John Whaley in a successful at-home experiment, signature truffles incorporate secret proportions of fresh cocoa powder, whole cream, and butter. Indulgences range from caramels to cookies, and chocolatiers mold cocoa into more than 100 shapes such as the Empire State Building and New York City Metro Card; a fungible currency for riding chocolate trains or bribing a crooked bus driver.