Forum Activity for @Chocoflyer

Chocolate on TV- Chocoholics Unwrapped on Food Channel!

Posted in: News & New Product Press

April 11 @ 10pm the Food Channel is visiting some great chocolatiers on their show Unwrapped: Chocoholics. The description reads they will go inside AMANO Artisan chocolates and the humongous Mercado Chocolate Loco store in Hollywood, as well as show how Hershey Kisses are made! Sounds like a show worth watching (with a choco-snack in hand of course....)! Enjoy.
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/20/15 02:38:38

Chocolate on TV- lots to watch on Food Network this week!!

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Ok here are 2 more shows to look out for, both on the History Channel:Feb 12, 8-9pm, Modern Marvels: The history of Candy -includes the Hershey co. and See's Candy Co.....Feb 13, 8-9pm, Modern Marvels: The history of Chocolate- includes the making of M&Ms and much more going back to the Aztecs....I think these have been shown before but still fun to watch....Enjoy!

Chocolate on TV- lots to watch on Food Network this week!!

Posted in: News & New Product Press

February is really the month for chocolate shows on TV - Im sure due to Valentine's Day coming up. There are a lot of Chocolate themed shows on Food Network starting this week and more to come...ck your TV Guide or Food Network listings online for complete schedules (please post and share what you find so we can all set our DVRs!).What I know of so far:Sat 2/7 8pm-11pm is 3 hours of Food Network Challenge and Iron Chef all with highly renowned chefs competing with chocolate, then again more competitions on Sun 2/8 from 8-11pm. One of these is the Choc Evening Gowns competition from the NYC Choc Show, and another is creating major city landmarks entirely of chocolate.....enjoy and please share what else you find!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/19/15 13:25:10

New Chocolate Show on TV-

Posted in: News & New Product Press

The Food Network is airing a new series with a goofy title that happens to focus on growing & manufacturing chocolate this week. Sunny Anderson visits a real working cacao farm in Hawaii owned by The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory Co. Then she follows cacao beans on their journey to a Guittard Chocolate factory in CA, and tops it off with famous Frozen Hot Cocoa in NYC. Sounds like a great trip!Show title; "How'd That Get On My Plate?"Airs: 8/11 @8:30 pm ET & 8/24 @4:30 pm ETChannel: Food Network
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/13/15 08:51:31

Must be the world's largest international chocolate wrapper collection....

Posted in: News & New Product Press

There is a website created by a man in Czech Republic who has collected thousands of chocolate wrappers from almost every country in the world! It is beautifully put together and under the section "museum" he has them all scanned and grouped by country of origin, plus there are manufacturer details and so much more! This is really an impressive site made with a lot of LOVE for CHOCOLATE and the ART of wrappers worlwide! Take a look! www.chocolatewrappers.info
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/12/15 22:40:16

"What do you mean they're closed?!?" - a story of chocolate discovery

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Several months ago I visited San Francisco- choco-paradise- with the sole intention of finding every chocolate shop in the city (ok I also took a regular city sights tour) and to take the Gourmet Walks Chocolate Tour. Among the shops on this tour was Fog City News, which i had heard about and was SO excited to see- over 200 brands of choc in one room! This was seriously like a pilgrimage and sure to rock my world- until the tour started and the guide says" "Unfortunately Fog City News is closed for Presidents Day" - wait WHAT??? are you kidding me? Freakin Presidents Day!!???? what kind of reason is that to close? well it just so happens that Fog City News is in the Financial District which was all shut down for that extended weekend so....crap. CRAP on a CRAP CRACKER i say! now what? Im all the way here from Florida! Its not like I can just come back in a few days or next week! So i try to get over it by enjoying the rest of the tour (See's and Leonidas were substituted for Fog Ctiy- so i was happy enough- tour was still great).Well next day im on a mission in another part of town and have Chocolate Covered on my list- having never heard or read about it, all i have is the address. It looks small and unassuming from the front, but upon entering I am completely dumbfounded and shaken to my core- this is it! THIS is the WALL OF CHOCOLATE i was hoping & dreaming to see at Fog City! OMG there were so many bars & varieties of choco-goodness i could hardly take it all in, and the owner was immediatly friendly and helpful, we chatted and had much knowledge in common- I was so stoked to find this place and he agreed he is compared to Fog City a lot but in a totally cooler neighborhood and with an even bigger selection! So i was just thrilled to pieces, this shop made my day after the massive disappointment day before- anyone looking for any kind of choc bar can find it right here in a cute shoe box size shop called Chocolate Covered- Thank you Jack, thank you ten-fold. Many choco-blessings to you good man. Choc on.(and yes, i will be back for Fog City next time...)Please share YOUR chocolate discoveries here, it would be fun to hear everyone's adventures and travel stories!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/17/15 13:41:11

Frey's rainbow of unique flavors bars.....

Posted in: Tasting Notes

There were some revisions made to include dark choc....my mistake.

Frey's rainbow of unique flavors bars.....

Posted in: Tasting Notes

I will be adding photos soon to show the beautiful rainbow of flavors offered by Frey's Supreme line of choc- they are a Swiss co. that apparently made this line exclusivley for Target stores to break into the American market (according to their website press releases) A little history: Frey is a 100% Swiss co. started waaaay back in 1887 in the little village of Aargau, Switzerland as a small family business run by brothers Max & Robert Frey. Today, Chocolate Frey is still made entirely in Buchs, Switz. where the complete manufacture process, from bean-to-bar, occurs. The bars are quite slim and have some very UNIQUE flavors- here's a list:Rhubarb & Aloe VeraWhite Lemon & LimeJaponaise (hazelnut & meringue crunch)TiramisuHot Chili PepperBouquet D'OrangesCitron & Poivre (black pepper)Cafe & Cacao NibPecan & CaramelCoeur de MacadamieCinnamon & Blood OrangeWhite w/BlueberryMerveille de LaitNoir SatinGingerbread (holiday only)Cinnamon Coriander (holiday only)About half of these are white chocolate based, and I just can't eat white choc (sorry, just Ick to me) so I have tried the other flavors with milk & dark choc. The Tiramisu, Japonaise, Pecan & Caramel were all very good for super milky Swiss milk choc- the flavors really came through - but I much preferred the dark choc. I am impressed with the variety of flavors but some are just beyond me to actually eat. I would love to know what tasting notes others have....they are very affordable at only $1.99. Has anyone else seen these at Target and tried them??
updated by @Chocoflyer: 05/08/15 02:00:29

Can your palate be trained or are some just stronger than others?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Thank you Casey I appreciate your knowledgable feedback and those are alll excellent suggestions. I will give it a try! Hopefully Im just a normal taster who needs to try harder.....

Can your palate be trained or are some just stronger than others?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

I may not be using the term palate exactly right, but Im sad to say I think mine was just born weak. I have been a chocophile for over 20 years but I still don't seem to taste ALL of the various nuances and flavors in diff chocolates that most of the chocolate experts and critics describe. I taste some, but not to the degree that many others do...its a bummer. Is this something we can train, like a muscle or sense ( ie. lose your sight and hearing gets better?) and if so, how do I work on this? Any suggestions?
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/14/15 06:23:12

Tasting Notes: Terry's Toffee, Chicago

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Being a major choc covered toffee fan, I visited Terry's website and was delighted by the flavor offerings (espec. Chai and Pistachio, as well as biscotti and more....) They did not appear to have a mix/ variety box offering so I emailed and they got right back to me and said Yes they will put any mix together that I would like and take special orders via phone or email. So thats my plan, in preparation for a Toffee Showdown im planning to taste test many diff brands of toffee and see who really knocks my socks off!Anyone else tried Terry's or have toffee recommendations?

Chocolate Zoom Online Magazine new spring issue :)

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Chocolate Zoom is a NYC based online magazine devoted to all things chocolate. They are really great at covering all aspects of the choco-world, with special focus on NYC chocolatiers as well. For more info pls ck out their website- and be sure to look at back issues (archives) too, there's a wealth of past articles on just about every-choco-thing you can think of! Enjoy. http://www.chocolatezoom.com
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/13/15 06:30:59

NEW Roca toffee thins and caramels!

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Found these NEW Roca treats at the Walgreens ck out stand- what a sweet surprise! Made by Brown & Haley, the Almond Roca co., they come in 2 more flavors too- Milk Toffee and Dark Truffle. The Dark Toffee rocked my world, really thick dark choc covered buttercrunch toffee with that very distinctive Almond Roca flavor...Mmmmmmm so good. And the Milk Truffle has very Roca flavored caramel inside milk choc sticks. I did not find any of the almond bits they mentioned on the box, which would have been better, but tasty nontheless. If I do go back for more it will be the Dark Truffle and Dark Toffee for sure. Well worth a teensy $2.50/box - certainly this is more in the chocolate candy category, not anywhere near gourmet or high end.....ingredients list on the way for a member's request.....Please try these and send in your tasting notes too!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/12/15 17:38:30

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

"You know you're a chocophile when an entire shelf of your pantry is nothing but chocolate products- with a quick rotation" - ChocoflyerPS- I keep all mine in a large plastic storage bin for freshness and organization- one stop snacking!

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

"Chocolate- the more you share, the more complete you become" - from a Dove Promises message

Chocolate shops in Quebec, Canada?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Wow, thank you SO much for taking the generous time to reply with all this great info- I will certainly print it, use it, and can't wait to visit!

Chocolate shops in Quebec, Canada?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Thanx Clay- I also found not only a choc FESTIVAL but a choc MUSEUM too- in the little town of Bromont, about 40 miles from Montreal. Its in May this year- I cant afford to travel that soon but hopefully next year- im sure May is just a lovely time to visit Quebec!

Chocolate shops in Quebec, Canada?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Im heading to Quebec in the next year for a tour of the area/province, and am compiling a list of all area chocolate shops- any suggestions? Ive also heard there's a chocolate festival there too- anyone been? Thank you- always good to get tips from locals!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 05/04/15 00:39:44

Review of the Oregon Chocolate Festival from an attendee

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Photos of the Oregon Choc Fest have been added- take a look!

Review of the Oregon Chocolate Festival from an attendee

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

If anyone else reading attended this festival, please leave your comments/ impressions too! Thanx!

Review of the Oregon Chocolate Festival from an attendee

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

The 4th Annual Oregon Chocolate Festival was Mar 7-9 in charming Ashland, OR. A fantastic event, it featured chocolatiers from all over the state in a wonderful historic setting, the Ashland Springs Hotel. This adorable town is best known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and is located about an hour flight from Portland, at the very south end of the state in the Rogue River Valley. PICS COMING SOON.Here is a list of chocolate vendors featured - there were also wineries, coffee roasters, and some other food vendors. Also a mini orchestra and outdoor wine/beer garden- really an elegant affair! We got lucky with clear blue skies, spectacular weather. As a native Oregonian I was VERY proud of how our state came together for this, plan to return every year if I can (all the way from Florida now) Highly recommended to everyone!LILLIBELLE FARMS- choc covered Oregon berries/ decadent modern ganache/ trufflesBRANSONS CHOC- to die for Amaretto TrufflesEUPHORIA CHOC- going on 20+ years- woo hoo!BROWNIE SHOTZ- bite size choc covered browniesCARY'S- wonderful soft crunch toffee now avail in Whole Foods Markets nationwideDAGOBA ORGANIC- born and raised right here in Ashland- unique flavor barsTHE CHOCOLATE BEAGLE- truffles and custom cakesKEKAU CHOC- gorgeous chocs with very modern twist of flavorsLULUS RAW CHOC ALCHEMY- gourmet raw chocolate delights, nothing artificialCHERRY COUNTRY- choc covered dried organic Royal Ann cherries and nutsMAJESTIC CHOC- full spectrum of hand made chocsSILLY RABBIT CHOCOLATE CO.-cute bunnys hopping all over with trays of chocs!TWO BROTHERS FOOD CO. - decadent choc sauce (wouldnt know by the name)WILLHITE CHOC- hand made ganche filled trufflesSOS PEAR STATION- famous Oregon pears covered in choc saucePUDDIN RIVER CHOC- full spectrum of hand made choc treatsPETE'S GOURMET CONFECTIONS- choc dipped homemade marshmallowsPENNINGTON FARMS- choc chip cookies, brownies, jamsOn top of all the FREE choc samples, everyone had choc for sale at special festival discounts, and you are given a nice bag at the check in to collect all your treasures. The Fest tix are good for 2 days ($20 at door) If you decide to go, there are plenty of hotels and most offer a Choc Fest package with event tix and also half price to theatre at the famous Shakespeare Festival.There were also a full slate of chocolate seminars, a Gallery Choc Art Walk, lectures, kids activities, prize drawings,specialty gourmet dinner packages with local chefs, and plenty of local artisan chocolatiers to talk with one on one- everyone is very approachable, no pretentious ppl here....just GREAT chocolatiers celebrating what we all love!For the official festival website go to www.ashlandspringshotel.com
updated by @Chocoflyer: 05/09/15 03:05:11

Its Grand Opening time!!!!

Posted in: News & New Product Press

To fellow chocophiles:I know we are all pinching pennies now in this economy, but if you have any to spare and are craving EXCELLENT chocolates, ck out Lillie Belles website and mailorder some- you will really be pleasantly rewarded!

Its Grand Opening time!!!!

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Congrats Jeff and to your team- i was just at the Oregon Chocolate Festival (so fun- talked to you about the new NYC choc show space) and then we had a little time before my flight sunday so we went to your shop in Central Point (is that the one shop you are having the opening for? or somewhere else too?) I have great pics I can send along and REALLY loved the shop- yes very open windows to the kitchen and lovely staff and just AWESOME chocs- i swear yours were the best of the whole festival (although Bransons Amaretto Truffles were also incredible).Im so impressed with your flavors and beauty of the chocs- I will be ordering more too i promise! For me and gifts-Best of luck, and all i can recommend is a bigger sign on the building and maybe some grass instead of pavement out front....I know these things take time....Keep on Chocin On

Chocolate Slotting Mapping Idea

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I think this is a GREAT idea, I love it! Im all about lists, espec for diff cities and where to buy choc. What a cool resource to have. Hope more ppl participate- give it time. Only thing is that some shops carry so many brands, it would be really hard to list (like Choc Covered or Fog City News in San Fran) but in those cases, you could just refer ppl to their websites or ph. # to call. I will try to come up with a list soon- maybe Portland, OR (hometown) or Tampa, FL (current residence).

Review of "The Chocolate Guide: Western Edition"

Posted in: Opinion

I also agree with Clays assesment of the rather poor editing quality, unfortunately its true. But Im glad someone started the ball rolling on choc guides as they are fun to look at and can be a good resource- but like Clay said, not all choc shops are represented (only those that "subscribe" to Taste TV- TCB Cafe Press- the publisher) and certain regions are NOT covered enough- although their website says a Central USA guide book is still coming....one would certainly want to also gather info off the web for a complete listing of any regions visited.Choc on!

Review of "The Chocolate Guide: Western Edition"

Posted in: Opinion

I have also pre-ordered the Eastern edition of this book, Amazon estimates the shipping date for end of April/ early May - its only $10.85 to pre order. I hope others discover these guides too, they are just choc full of photos and great info for any choco lover....

Chocolate on TV

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Food Network has a lighthearted look at chocolate with "HAM ON THE STREET" airing Wed, March 5 @ 9:30am (30 min)Please add any chocolate TV show listings here so we can all have our DVRs ready!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/14/15 14:33:38

Chocolate Cafes in New York City

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

BTW Max Brenners is truly a cafe with a sit down menu a la chocolate- its quite large and painted kinda like a choc factory- really fun!

Chocolate Cafes in New York City

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

In addition to Clays list, I recommend Max Brenner's Chocolate cafe for a really fun, unique experience. Also please see my Top Ten list of Choc in NYC!! its a Forum....

Cocoaroma has a new issue!

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Right on- how funny too I just ckd my email and CocoaRoma sent me a new issue email! I havnt heard from them in ages, then it comes up twice in one day- cool! Im all over it.....

Cocoaroma has a new issue!

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Wow so cool to see this mag is still in production- I got the first 3 issues long time ago then never saw it again! I am actually going to San Fran thurs, wonder if I can buy it out there? I will also look into subscribing- i know its much better than "Chocolatier" which is almost all recipes anymore (so sad, I loved that mag years ago but its really not good anymore for the price)- I agree with you Cocoaroma really KNOWS chocolate and loves every aspect of it like we do! Thanx for posting the cover too, very cool.

Top 10 Questions You Want To Ask Michael Antonorsi of Chuao Chocolatier

Posted in: Opinion

Michael- LOVE your banana choc0-pods- mmmmmm- thats such a nice unusual flavor . Can you PLEASE also make dark choc with banana and/or COCONUT and/or cinnamon? that would be heavenly! Thank you and best of luck with Chuao

My Top Ten places to buy choc in NYC (but there are so many more...)

Posted in: Opinion

I have noticed quite a few choc shops with Brooklyn address- can u tell me for a visitor w/out a car, can i take the subway to brooklyn and walk to most of the choc shops easily? Is it a fairly compact area?

My Top Ten places to buy choc in NYC (but there are so many more...)

Posted in: Opinion

Richart is quite an established french co., 20+ years old, they are well known for small square pieced with both exquisite and unusual flavors & artwork on them- really quite impressive! and expensive...but worth it. Their shops look so much like art galleries thath many ppl dont realize they are choc shops! I think there are 2 in nYC, sorry dont have adress this moment...Payard is a very beautiful cafe inside with dark mahogany type wood decor and a choc counter on one side, choc & coffee drinks on the other side and I think serves cafe food also. They have been shown on shows like Cashmere Mafia and cater to a ritzy crowd, upper east side, but their chocolates are surprisingly "affordable" compared to many others in NYC- i got quite a few for $10. they were really delicious too. Highly recommended.

My Top Ten places to buy choc in NYC (but there are so many more...)

Posted in: Opinion

1- Jaques Torres Chocolate Haven- a temple of fine choc with factory on site2- Michael Cluizel- stunning shop, delicious and fair priced3- La Maison du Chocolat- a French classic that never goes out of style4- Richart- like shopping at an art gallery5- Scharffen Berger- adorable closet size shop, classy6- Dean & Deluca- incredible selection, always a surprise in store7- Payard - elegant yet very affordable pieces and pastries8- Max Brenner Cafe- how to have FUN with chocolate!9- Kee's- very unique, special, smallest shop ever10- Vosges- gorgeous as well as delicious and daring
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/18/15 04:29:44

Charlemagne's Plain, Green Tea and Cinnamon Bars

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Sera- you are quite eloquent with your descriptions, thanx for all the details and photo too. I look forward to trying this chocolate, espec the Belize and Cinnamon bars. When i do I will compare/contrast w/ your great tasting notes...

What does "Master Chocolatier" mean anyway?

Posted in: Opinion

Maybe its like Master of your Domain- being the kitchen or choc shop in this case. Or its the title for anyone with any type of formal education on chocolate making- who has then taken that training and now produces a product of their own, so they are the Master Chocolatier of that business (like Head Chef). I wonder what those under them are called - sous chocolatiers? ha ha

Godiva Chocolate room- AKA "shameless Valentines promotions"

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Another new Valentine promo comes from Michel Cluizel Dessert room in NYC- they are offering a special dessert for 2 with an acclaimed pastry chef and a box of Cluizel chocs to take home.....more details at the website Im sure (i got it as an email promo). Man I wish i could afford to live in NYC! Its all happening there!

Godiva Chocolate room- AKA "shameless Valentines promotions"

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Photo of Godiva's chocolate room- amazing- walls, artwork, candles- almost EVERYTHING is chocolate! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22914565/displaymode/1176/rstry/22903236/from/ET/

Godiva Chocolate room- AKA "shameless Valentines promotions"

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Heres a link to one of the more elaborate Valentines promos lately- by Godiva- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22903236/from/ET/ certainly would be fun!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/14/15 18:10:10

Anyone heard of this Chocolatier/Chocolate?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Sounds a lot like the Mexican type chocolate by IBARRA (red and yellow pkg) that comes in "hockey puck" size wafers, divided to cut like a pizza, that you add to warm milk over the stove, mix and melt all together - makes a killer hot chocolate! Its just cocoa mass, sugar, and cinnamon- very simple- but not meant for eating straight. Has not been conched at all- very grainy. I would like to try Don Puglisi- Did you try to make the hot cocoa?

Criollo bars- Brands & recommendations?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Having read in Discover Chocolate and other books how rare the Criollo bean is, Im curious to taste bars made exclusively with it or some variety of it. So far im aware of these brands/ bars made with criollo:Amedei PorcelanaBonnatSur Del LagoAmbanjaAnyone tried any others? Tasting notes? Depending on the beans fermentation/ drying/ roasting process there could be major differences in taste even if they are all criollo (learned from Clay's book) Would be interesting to do a blind taste comparison with them all.....
updated by @Chocoflyer: 05/13/15 04:26:12