27 March 2016

On a cool but sunny Saturday last weekend, and with Easter just around the corner, hubby and I decided to hop on our bicycles in search of Sydney’s offerings of bunnies, bilbies, eggs and other Easter treats.

Pedal power took us over the Sydney Harbour Bridge (we never get bored of cycling over the Bridge, admiring the brilliant blue harbour beneath while being overtaken by serious, lycra-clad cyclists) and Anzac Bridge, to the inner west suburb of Rozelle.

IMG_0212 copyFirst stop – Belle Fleur Fine Chocolates. With 4 generations of chocolate-making experience under their belts, they definitely know their chocolates! We were not disappointed, with shelves and shelves decked out with Easter hampers of chocolate bunnies, bilbies and eggs, and their every-day range of beautiful, hand-crafted chocolates.

I decided to try their version of a hot-cross bun – white chocolate, filled with apple and cinnamon flavoured milk chocolate ganache, shaped like a miniature hot cross bun. The first bite brought on memories of a soft and fluffy cinnamon bun; the apple was perhaps a tad too subtle. A bit on the sweet side but, overall, a commendable interpretation of the traditional hot cross bun.

IMG_0211The salted caramel filled dark chocolate egg was delectable. The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate complemented the sweet and saltiness of the caramel, resulting in a well balanced treat for the tastebuds. The cute miniature bunnies and bilbies are a sure winner for kids and adults alike. I felt a little indulgent, biting into the dark chocolate Easter bunny. But all was forgotten when the  crisp chocolate shell unmasked the silky, smooth hazelnut praline beneath it. Delicious!

IMG_0210Sticking with the Easter theme, we hopped next door to Victoire bakery, discovering their hot cross bun with a twist. The hot “croissant” bun – comprising layers of flaky croissant pastry, sitting atop a traditional hot cross bun. In theory, an interesting combination. The croissant layer was flaky, but sadly, the bun was a tad dry. A creative effort though.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Easter “egg” hunt, as we roam the city in search of more Easter treats!

 

 

 

 

19 March 2016

As a lover of all things chocolate, with a passion for travel thrown in, it’s my goal to seek the ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE. Is the EXPERIENCE purely about the act of consuming chocolate? Or should the EXPERIENCE engage all senses, and bring us pleasure and enjoyment? Or is it about creating lasting memories?

This blog is my way of sharing my adventures, as I roam the globe in search of the ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE. Along the way, we will see, smell, taste, touch and hear about chocolate. We will endeavour to engage with chocoholics, connoisseurs, chocolate makers, chocolatiers and travellers the world over, exchanging stories and experiences.

Please join me on my ADVENTURES IN SEARCH OF THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE!