Forum Activity for @Chocoflyer

Trader Joe's 72% Chocolate Bars...

Posted in: Opinion

I agree Trader Joes chocolate is really very good for the low LOW prices it charges- how do they do it?? Must be the volume of sales---- they are not in very state yet, but they are VERY popular on the west coast....hope they come south to FL!!

Review of The Chocolate Guide by AK Crump:

Posted in: Opinion

The 2008Western edition of The Chocolate Guide by A.K.Crump and TasteTV is available on Amazon.com and other major book co. websites. The book is packed FULL of photos, and thus is printed on heavier glossy paper stock, very nice. It breaks up the areas into Southern California, Northern Cal., Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, and British Columbia.There are spotlights of many individual chocolatiers, a small section on wine & choc, a bit on Chocolate perfume & the Chocolate Lifestyle, but mostly it is glorious color photos & descriptions of shops, chocolates, and an extensive directory of ALL the choc shops in each of the regions, listed by city, with address and contact info for easy reference. I for one am happy to finally see a choc book (besides Clay Gordon's excellent Discover Chocolate) that is NOT 95 % recipes, 5 % choc-info (only one recipe in here! love it). This is a very useful guide and although choc shops can come & go, this appears to be an annual publication if it gets enough SUPPORT and sales. A choco-travellers perfect guidebook (albeit a little heavy to carry) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED- 4 stars- 5 diamonds!!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/18/15 11:46:56

Chocolate on TV

Posted in: News & New Product Press

The History Channel has a great series called Modern Marvels and on Thur 7/3 they are covering the history of Chocolate! Highly recommended so set your DVRs!

Chocolate on TV

Posted in: News & New Product Press

More Food Network shows!FEB 11, 8:00- 10pm, a Chocoblock with Alton Brown/ Good Eats making fudge, The Secret Life of Chocolate History, and Chocolate Unwrapped!ck their website for repeats and more chocolate shows- just type in the keyword and you get plenty to watch!

Chocolate on TV

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Now that it's February, many channels seem to have special shows on our favorite topic all month- Chocolate- here we can inform each other of chocolate TV coming up:FOOD NETWORK:FEB 6, 9pm, All Star Chocolate RecipesFEB 9, 8pm-11pm Food Network Challenges featuring Chocolate and Chocolate evening gowns are created by 5 top pastry chefs!FEB 10, 7-9pm, Food Network challenges using chocolateFEB 10, 9-10pm, Iron Chef America- chocolate battle
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/13/15 03:56:42

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

I also recommend the Chocolate Covered nibs by Taza & the Banana Choco Pods by Chuao. Delicious!

Who has the highest concentration of Chocolate shops?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I am going to San Fran and made a list and map of the choc shops- 35 counting Fog City News and TCHO which opens summer 08. There are more if you count all the Godivas and Sees. A VERY CHOCO LOVING CITY!! Also there's the Charles Choc & Scharffen Berger choc factory tours in Oakland across the bay...actually Oakland has quite a few choc shops too. Im taking the Gourmet Walks Chocolate Tour (6 shops) and then created my own list of additional shops to visit- Ill take pics and post when i return...can't wait!The other city i know is really choc-full of shops is CHICAGO- anyone ever been on their choc tour or their own?

Who has the highest concentration of Chocolate shops?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Ok you are a VERY lucky man, Im sure you know that, but where do I get more details on this tour? I have actually been to both cities (college study-abroad) but would love to go back.....wish that US exchange rate would improve!Oh and how about Zurich? I know the Swiss reportedly EAT more choc than anyone else (22 lbs/yr) but do they have the most choc shops i wonder?? I gotta say London really seems to have the widest variety, chocolatiers and co's from all over....my next trip has to be the Chocolate Ecstasy Tours there- again, wish that darn exchange rate would get better!

Who has the highest concentration of Chocolate shops?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

This is just for fun but does anyone know what city in the world has the most chocolate shops per capita? Im thinking probably Paris, London, or NYC, but maybe not- does anyone know for sure? Choc shops meaning only those where bar and bon bon/ truffle type chocolate is the #1 product: "Chocolateries" (not patisseries, grocerys, or bakeries).
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/16/15 21:14:04

Fine chocolate getting more expensive?

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Does this mean we will (or already have?) seen bars made from Vietnam grown beans (origin bars)? Are they regular mass market beans or will they grow fine beans too - anything special about Vietnam cacao?

Fine chocolate getting more expensive?

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Thank you so much Clay for all the great insider info- I had a suspicion Cluizel made D&G chocs - I remember walking into their NY store, picking out 3 small pieces and the clerk said- That will be $15- I almost choked! I politley narrowed my choice to one (dark croquant) and later when i went to M. Cluizel in the ABC Carpet store the piece i bought was there too! But I dismissed it, like "that cant be., 2 totally diff brands"........ but Voila, they are one! I forget the price diff but yes it was less. Branding is a VERY powerful tool indeed.You are a fountain of knowledge.....

Fine chocolate getting more expensive?

Posted in: News & New Product Press

I do realize this is NOT fine chocolate by any means, but here is an article explining why Hershey is raising their prices: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22882731/from/ET/

Fine chocolate getting more expensive?

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Yes, you are so right- Of all the obsessions we could have, Chocolate is still one of the most affordable. Even the finest bars are avail for $15-$20 usually, and good quality chocolate will always be within reach in comparison to wine etc....Thank goodness!Is it true that Debauve et Gallais is still the most expensive chocolates in the world? Last i ckd it was $45/ lb.

Fine chocolate getting more expensive?

Posted in: News & New Product Press

I hear from several chocolatiers that prices are rising on fine beans since they are becoming more popular and there's higher demand- but would that not eventually help the price go down since more will be grown and available? Any thoughts?
updated by @Chocoflyer: 04/13/15 08:46:57

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

SAN FRANCISCO is truly a chocolate lovers paradise! I just visited and WOW was I impressed, here's a rundown of shops (if you need more details let me know- address, ph #s etc)CHOCOLATE COVERED (over 325 diff brands, many rare and new, blew me away!)RECCHIUTI CONFECTIONSSCHARFFEN BERGERTEUSCHERRICHARTLEONIDASCHOCOLATE HEAVENSAN FRAN CHOCOLATE STOREGHIRARDELLIFUDGE HOUSESCHOGGI SWISS CHOCFOG CITY NEWS (over 200 brands)(closed for Presidents Day when i was there- drat!!)CONFETTI LE CHOCMOONSTRUCKLUV BOX CHOCCOCOA BELLA (sells fresh pieces from major artisan chocolatiers grouped by country- awesome)Z CIOCCOLATOXOX TRUFFLESBITTERSWEET CAFEBELGANO CHOCCHOCOLATE ON CASTROJOSEPH SCHMIDTSAN FRAN CHOC FACTORY5 STAR TRUFFLESCHRISTOPHER ELBOW CHOC (truly gorgeous and delicious, brand new in SF)ROCKY MT. CHOCGODIVASEE'STCHO- Opening shop summer 08 on Pier 17PLUS ACROSS THE BAY....Scharffen Berger Factory and Cafe Cacao in BerkleyCosmic Choc in OaklandMichael Mischer in OaklandCharles Choc and Factory in EmeryvilleIf I missed any please let me know! I will add photos soon....

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

LAS VEGAS- who knew Vegas was such a choco lovers town? I have a layover there next week flying to OR so I casually looked into whats available and found a lot!ETHEL'S CHOCOLATE LOUNGE- at Fashion Show Mall and the Ethel chocolate Factory nearby in Henderson, NVETHELS Choc shops- inside Flamingo Hotel and in every Terminal at McCarren Airport (LAS)CHOCOLATE HEAVEN- inside Riviera HotelVOSGES HAUT CHOCOLATE- Inside the ultra fancy Forum shops at Caesars Palace hotelCHOCOLATE SWAN- inside Mandaly Bay hotelTEUSCHER SWISS CHOC- inside Planet Hollywood hotelLENOTRE- inside Paris hotelM&M WORLD- in Showcase Mall with VERY large marquee on the strip next to MGM hotel - can't miss it!CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN inside Bellagio Hotel @ Jean Phillip PatisserieGODIVA- inside Fashion Show Mall and Planet Hollywood hotelROCKY MT. CHOCOLATES- inside Planet Hollywood hotelGHIRARDELLI- inside Imperial Palace hotelif anyone has any to add, please do!
updated by @Chocoflyer: 06/08/15 15:58:17

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

FYI I saw these same kiosks in San Francisco airport- that means they are being placed by some airport consortium because all the choc co's are totally diff- wouldnot be one brand putting them out. Look for these at the airports you fly too and report back! They are not stands with ppp llike a shop, just oneof the display kiosks in the news/ magazine areas.

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Has anyone else seen the PREMIUM CHOCOLATE KIOSKS in AIRPORTS around the country? My airport here in FL has these fabulous stand alone kiosks labeled "Premium Chocolate" at all the news stands- they have been here about 4-5 months or so. They sell Scharffen Berger, Gold & Blacks, Dagoba, Guylian, Dove Rich Dark, Ghirardelli Intense Dark & squares, Cacao Reserve by Hershey, Nestle Treasures bar and truffles, and Hershey Organic. I think its so great to see better choc getting to this level, where the general public has way more to choose from than just the standard waxy Hershey bar (which by the way I see their Special Dark avail more than the milk lately...) Obviously our tastes are changing and all the advertising is paying off.....So look out for these kiosks if you will- Im not sure if they are specific to this airport or not....hope not!

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Sarah- Would love to taste and also see all those chocs from such cool places- can you post the wrapper pics w/ the tasting notes? Pretty please?BTW did you see all the wrappers I posted? makes me smile just browsing thru them....mmmmm....

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Yes I invited him! Im glad he joined and cant say enough great things about the shop- wish you could see it , ever get to Tampa? For it to open in my town of all places (Oct 07) just blows me away- before them i had to mail order or travel to big cities to get the choc he sells, now its right up the street! There is chocolate god/ goddess looking over me........

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

A NEW fabulous choc shop has opened here in Tampa, its a temple of choc really- called CHOXOTICA (such a cool name). Its unlike any choc shop Ive been too, very cool, soothing ambiance with low lights and high end choc bars lined up all around the store with descriptive details of every bar - not unlike a wine or cigar shop. AND they serve hot & cold choc-drinks using the best chocolate (you choose whick kind) and filtered water so the cacao flavor is not dilutted by milk or cream. Please ck out their website for a full "virtual" experience. www.choxotica.com

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Another great trick to use is ABOUT.com, type in the city and then search for Choc shops....comes up with tons of shops and links....

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

As much as I would love to, iv never had the time to get out to the boroughs- Im always in and outof NYC on quick 3 day trips. But i do know Brooklyn has a really good variety- when i really want to find choc in a specific area i use either CHOCOMAP.com (limited only because shop owners have to submit their info to be included) or CITYSEARCH.com, which is kinda like the Yellow Pages- type in what city (like brooklyn or queens) state, and key word search "chocolate" Or "chocolate shops"- you'll get pages of shops, with map links, addresses and reviews! And for imports i look for "import grocery", "russian food", "polish food", etc....usually where there are ethnic restaurants there are also groceries importing for those groups- so fun to poke around and see what diff. ppl eat!

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Surprisingly, I was able to get the Western Edition Chocolate guide on Amazon just last week! They seem to have very low stock but it is published and avail if you keep an eye on it- i paid $10.85. AWESOME beautiful book. Eastern edition comes out late Feb and is avail for pre-order.

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Anyone anywhere in the world can find chocolate shops in their area on CHOCOMAP.COM! Just enter your region and city and up pops a map with pinpoints of shops- click on those for name, address, contact info and reviews- its awesome! Any shop can add their info for FREE, and anyone can review shops or suggest to add shops.What a great resource!

Where to Buy Chocolate

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

For Floridians or anyone visiting, here's great choc shop info: http://floridatrend.com/article.asp?aid=48288 Who knew so much great choc in FL!?

What Makes an Artisan Chocolate Artisan?

Posted in: Opinion

Heres a link to a great article discussing the impact of growing artisan chocolatiers: http://www.chocolatezoom.com/article.php.Socially-Responsible-Artisan-Chocolates/33/ Chocolate Zoom is an online chocolate magazine with GREAT info, highly recommended to ck out their archive section of articles on almost anything you can think of related to choc!

What Makes an Artisan Chocolate Artisan?

Posted in: Opinion

I agree with all the above- small batches, hand made rather than machine mass produced, created by one or a few designers that are like artists with flavors, constantly tweaking and trying new combos or designs for choc bars, truffles etc. Mostly I think it means that the choc does not come off an assembly line where the same product is reproduced a million times. Artisans usually have "limited editions" and when they're gone, thats it!

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Im not a beer or wine drinker, but I do love a good deep rich hot chocolate with Bailey's or Ameratto Di Sorono added....