Forum Activity for @Soft centred

How far have you gone for a box of chocolates?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I admit to being very, very impressed by your dedication to good chocolates and the lengths you go to obtain them. Undoubtedly you are a true chocophile (Definition: "Someone with a great love for, an inordinate attraction to, chocolates. Chocophiles don't just buy chocolates, they worship them at the altars of Theobroma; they don't just unwrap chocolates, they undress them; and they don't just eat chocolates, they have passionate encounters with them.").When I lived in London I used to go by Eurostar to Paris for chocolates, but the journey was much shorter than yours. I don't know of anyone who has travelled further than you for chocolates, but I did once read of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild who, in his will of 1905, left 25,000 gold Francs to his son-in-law Albert, 'So that he might buy himself some chocolates'.

Vivid metaphors

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Here's one of my own, from my book The Language of Chocolates: "The best way to eat a ganache is to let it slowly deliquesce on the tongue like a communion wafer".

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

"When I was young, there were only two kinds of chocolates and two or three kinds of people." - Lord Glenconner

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

"There is no metaphysics on earth like chocolates." - Fernando Pessoa (Portuguese poet)

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

"Chocolate is one of the most delicious and noble factors of our whole existence."- Dr. Chantal Favre-Bismuth. Quoted in Mort Rosenblum's book, 'Chocolate, A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light'
updated by @Soft centred: 09/12/15 17:25:35

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

Those of you who love quotable quotes may like to know I have recently published a 100-page book which is choc-full of them. Called The Language of Chocolates, it is a collection of sayings, definitions, allusions, connections and illustrations (mostly my own) on everything there is to like about chocolates. Sara Jane Stanes, one of the founders of the Academy of Chocolate in the UK, described it as utterly compelling and enjoyable; and Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat , said it was scrumptious. I think it is an ideal handbook or reference for chocophiles - a book that can be taken everywhere, and something to be reached for when in need of an elegant snack, or some sweet inspiration. If you would like to obtain a box, I mean a copy, for yourself, the book is available from www.amazon.com and other online booksellers. Here is a picture of he cover:

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

I was recently sent this little-known by Alexander Pushkin. It was written shortly after he was advised to abstain from chocolate (for the sake of his health!). Perhaps he should have changed his doctor instead.Requiem for a Chocolate PralineI loved you, and I probably still do,And for a while the feeling may remain ....But let my love no longer trouble you,I do not wish to cause you any pain.I loved you; and the hopelessness I knew,The jealousy, the shyness - though in vain -Made up a love so tender and so trueAs may God grant you to be loved again.

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

As well as a passion for chocolates I also have a passion for chocolate quotes. I have been collecting them for many years and will be publishing book of them soon. Most of the quotes will be my own (amusing images, definitions, and insights), but I'm also flavoring the book with quotes from others, as well as with illustrations that demonstrate the power and allure of this superb confectionery. Here's a taste of things to come:"Significantly, in pronouncing the word 'chocolate' the lips are pouted as if to kiss.""Hope that one day this ecstasy comes over you - you see the world from afar and it is a truffle.""Whoever said the best things in life are free was obviously not a lover of top quality chocolates."CHOCOMANIA: The condition of being enthralled by chocolates. the fact that it cannot be cured should not necessarily be seen as cause for concern.