At first, the Aztecs punished their enemies by pouring hot chocolate down their throats, until the proud warriors found out their foes actually liked it and promptly switched to molten gold. Relive the pleasure of those lucky few conquistadors with today's deal: for $7, you get $15 worth of Lazar's Chocolate. This Groupon can be redeemed online with the option of in-store pick-up, or in person at any of Lazar's three store locations. The Lazar family's cacao-based recipes trace their roots back more than 70 years to the sweet, chocolate-lined streets of Europe, and form the basis of a store that Edible Queens magazine says is "one of Queens's best-kept secrets." Unleash your sweet tooth's creativity with a custom box of treats ($14 for 1/2 lb.), or surrender your taste buds to the pre-constructed house selection of hand-dipped chocolates, including nutty, fruity, and truffle varieties ($14 for 1/2 lb.). Chocolate-covered peanut-butter mini pretzels ($14 for 1/2 lb.) combine the best elements of PB&J sandwiches and impromptu football parties, chocolate-dipped cookies come dressed to impress in three mouth-watering flavors ($12 for 1/2 lb.), and milk-chocolate blackberries ($4.50 each) make excellent gifts for any tech-savvy friend who constantly fights the urge to dip his iPod in a gallon of hot chocolate.

Reviews

ABC, the Great Neck Record, New York Newsday, and Edible Queens magazine all featured Lazar's Chocolate Shop:

• The rich aroma of chocolate hits you instantly when you walk into the narrow, 750-square-foot Bayside store. Seasonal treats are placed in the front for easy pickup, while novelty items, boxed chocolates and bagged candies line the right side of the store. The main draw is the display case on the left, which showcases a dizzying array of candies. – Andrea Lillo, Edible Queens magazine
• The pride of Lazar's Hanukkah line, however, are "wish bars," made from any variety of chocolate (milk, dark, white, nut-filled) with wrappers that are custom-produced on the spot. – Erica Marcus, New York Newsday