31 December 2017
2017 has been an amazing year! A year of many highlights filled with multiple global chocolate adventures, wonderful chocolate connections that I now call friends and many a memorable tastings of newly discovered chocolates the world over.
Hence, in the remaining hours of 2017, I’ll grasp the golden opportunity to pay tribute to my top 5 chocolate adventures of this year:
Adventure #5. “Amazing Race” exploration of Melbourne’s top chocolate attractions in a day: I unmasked the secrets behind the red door of East Elevation to reveal the bean to bar brilliance that is Monsieur Truffe, stumbled upon Tad Lombardo’s highly addictive chocolate sourdough bar, set foot into Burch & Purchese’s modern day Hansel and Gretel “candy house”, feasted on the handcrafted chocolate jewels at Xocolatl and Bibelot, and visited the artisanal hot chocolate maker Mork Chocolate Brew House. I came to the controversial conclusion, at least for now, that Melbourne reigns over Sydney in the craft chocolate arena.
Adventure #4. Deep diving into Dutch chocolates in Amsterdam: It was here that I discovered the world renowned giant bon bons of Puccini Bomboni, contemporary chocolate batons at Metropolitan, the chocolate institution that is Chocolaterie Pompadour Tea Rooms, the hip Dutch bean to bar chocolates of Urban Cacao, spent the afternoon discussing and sampling craft chocolates at Adil’s Chocolatl and shopped for craft chocolates at Vanroselen Fine Chocolates. The Dutch revolutionised modern day chocolate and still punches above its weight in global chocolate exports.
Adventure #3. Attending the Dallas Chocolate Festival: This was my eye opening introduction to the world of American craft chocolates, that left me wanting more. I was privileged to meet Art from Amano Chocolate, Rob from Fresco Chocolate, Greg from Dandelion Chocolate, Adam and Dustin from Dick Taylor Chocolate, Ben from Potomac Chocolate and the chocolate celebrity list goes on. It was also through this experience that I came up with my five top tips for a first-rate chocolate festival experience.
Adventure #2. First hand discovery of the French chocolate flair, in the French gastronomic capital of Lyon: I was blown away by the impressive range of artisanal chocolates from Bernachon, Pralus and Voisin, finessed through generational mastery, as well as the more contemporary chocolatiers Chokola and Philippe Bel. It’s clearly evident that craft chocolates fit perfectly into the Lyon’s immersive culture of fine foods and wines, and is a major drawcard for chocolate connoisseurs around the world.
Adventure #1. Uniting with chocolate lovers at the Northwest Chocolate Festival: This was clearly the most experiential chocolate event of my year! From the depth and breath of American and overseas craft chocolates showcased to the many opportunities to rub shoulders with industry influencers including passionate cacao growers, chocolate makers and chocolate bloggers the world over. As I’ve mentioned previously, the sense of kinship, community and collaboration amongst all players in the chocolate value chain makes this event uniquely special.
What’s in stored for 2018? You’ll have to continue following my chocolate eat-ventures to find out! Meanwhile, here’s wishing my chocolate friends the world over a bigger and better 2018 filled with love, happiness, laughter and amazing chocolates!