Forum Activity for @Sera

Free Bean to Bar chocolate in exchange for critique

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Hal,I'd love to give you feedback with the packaging design. I'll send you an email.

Instructed tasting of Milk Chocolate at the Fancy Food Show on June 29-July 1

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Argh! I'm only going on Sunday! :/

Weird Flavors and Inclusions in Chocolate

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Some combinations I've had which I thought were "out of the box"Vosges's Mo's Bacon Bar: oddly the salty smoky bacons works really well with chocolate. Think chocolate chip pancake breakfast minus the pancakes!Vere's Anise Espresso Bar: The licorice-like flavor of the anise worked nicely with the dark chocolate.Like Cybele, I also tried Japan's Pumpkin (as in actual Kabocha Squash) Kitkat. I LOVED it.I also really love the combination of tea and chocolate. Vosges Matcha bar is really nice, as is Chuao's Earl Grey. I'm just WAITING for someone to do a white chocolate with Chamomile tea.

White Chocolate- is it really chocolate?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

To me, white chocolate is real chocolate. You can't deny that the cocoa butter is there!Granted, a lot of the common white chocolate on the market really isn't, using vegetable oils instead of cocoa butter like Cybele pointed out. It's such a shame too, since white chocolate, when done well, it so lovely!

Quotable Quotes

Posted in: Opinion

I love that Sandra Boynton one! I have her "Chocolate: A Consuming Passion Book", it's too cute!

Its Grand Opening time!!!!

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Congrats! I wish I lived in the area so I could go!

Chocolate Slotting Mapping Idea

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I noticed lots of stores missing and the random companies and offices listed in Chocomap. Good to know I wasn't the only one stumped by this.Exactly what I'm after Clay.

Chocolate Slotting Mapping Idea

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Ahh, I remember you mentioning that now in the video of the Google talk you gave. What a great area of knowledge to have! I admit that the more sophisticated the applications get, the most likely I am to get confused by them since I'm always trying to "think ahead" of the programming. :PI understand the concerns you have for openrecord, and I do admit the lack of visual appeal really irks me as well. Ahh, the RISD curse, right?Sounds like your developer friend might be our best bet. I look forward to hearing how you like this new interface!

Chocolate Slotting Mapping Idea

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Ooo, that looks like a good option Clay! I like how easily it is to format and edit, which is think it really important, since not only could we locate a brand of chocolate, but things like tasting notes, places to buy (also recommendations, because store x might have old or badly stored bars, etc).I think user ease is a BIG component in making this work, and openrecord.org, albeit bad visual design, has that.Is there any way to search for other applications similar to this?

Chocolate Slotting Mapping Idea

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Sounds great.

Chocolate Slotting Mapping Idea

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I'm so happy to hear that something similar is already being organized Clay! I'll organize my research, and hold out on posted any of material like you suggest.I think if this works out, it would be so extremely useful!

Chocolate Slotting Mapping Idea

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Ok, I have this crazy idea that I'm throwing out there to see what you guys think. If it's feasible, I think it's be a really interesting and effective way to buy chocolate.What if we started a list where we'd write in stores that we know carry a certain chocolate brands and types. Take for example, if I were to write about some shops in New York City, I'd list shopes that I've been in recently and what I've seen there. That way, if we were looking for a certain bar, we'd know exactly where to go get it.For example:Dean and Deluca (Prince St and Broadway): Bonnat (Chuao and 100% bars), Pralus, D&D Brand Bars, Christopher Norman Bonbons, etc.Trump Palace Chocolate Shop (68th and 3rd Ave): Pralus (75% bars, Caramel Bar Pyramid), Amedei (Chuao, Procelana, Red, Blonde, White Pistachio, etc), Vosges (Wooloomooloo), Coppenuer, Chocolove, etc...Whole Foods (14th st Union Square): Neuhaus 75%, Vosges line, Lake Champlain ( Bars, Truffles, 5 star bars), Valrhona (75%), etc.This way, we'd have a resource to consult if we were looking for something specific.So what do you all think? Do you think this would be useful? A waste of time?
updated by @Sera: 04/09/15 16:56:04

How to grow cacao at home

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Oh cool! Sounds like you profited from a unique opportunity there.

How to grow cacao at home

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

That's so cool! May I ask where you bought it?

Chocolate Cafes in New York City

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

*adds to my list*Thank you Seby.

Chocolate Cafes in New York City

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Thank you so much for your reply Clay! I knew I was only recalling a few, but I didn't realize what a tiny tip of the iceberg it was! Wow!I was thinking Michel Cluizel's place would be a good place to start since I know his chocolate so well. Are there any among these that you would specifically recommend (maybe instead)?

Chocolate Cafes in New York City

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Can anyone recommend a chocolate cafe in New York City? I have a friend coming to visit who's a chocophile as well and I'd like a place that's good to sit and talk for a bit. I'd also like to be able to sample chocolate squares and/or bonbons as opposed to drinking chocolate or chocolate desserts.The only ones I can think of at the moment are Vosges Haut Chocolate in SoHo, Michel Cluizel cafe in ABC Carpets and MarieBelle on Broome St.Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
updated by @Sera: 04/09/15 14:34:41

Is It Okay (Really) To Say You Like Milk Chocolate?

Posted in: Opinion

I'm the same, I'll eat any chocolate (even white *gasp*!) if it's good. I don't discriminate!After seeing that article, I really want to try that Amedei Milk bar now....

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

Posted in: Opinion

Easy, what's your favorite chocolate?

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

Posted in: Opinion

Thanks so much! The both sound awesome!

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

Posted in: Opinion

Lovely list! Thanks for pointing it out.Never heard of #4 and #7, mind providing more info?

Charlemagne's Plain, Green Tea and Cinnamon Bars

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Here's the tasting notes for the organic Charlemagne bars I bought last week. Charlemagne Plain Belize: (red wrapper): 84% solids. The design is sl sleek, with the bar being very long and slim. The cardboard opens to reveal a tightly sealed plastic wrapper in a rich shimmery brown color. The bar is one solid block ,about 1/4 inch thick and has minimal designs on the top. Not even blocks to indicate how much you should eat. The smell itself is very bitter, strong notes of coffee, pine trees and wood. overall it it gives me a very "wet" impression. The snap was strong, but I noticed some small bubble holes in the break, which was otherwise clean. In the mouth, the flavor is very subdued and first and lightly sweet. I got notes of cocoa, caramel and a little vanilla. I kept expecting the flavor to grow and change into something more bitter as the aroma indicated, but instead the flavors just grew in intensity. The wetness gets stronger, the cocoa dominates with the caramel and vanilla becoming supporting cast. The mouthfeel is extremely smooth and rich. Once the flavors quickly hit their apex, they stay steadfast and unchanging until they lightly peter out in the finish, with very light notes of vanilla and sugar. It reminds of the flavor you are left with after drinking an excellent mug of hot chocolate. I was surprised with no bitterness, sourness or tannic qualities and am impressed with the lovely flavors expressed in this bar. I'll definitely be buying this one again. My favorite of the bunch. Green Tea (green wrapper): 74% solids. Same gorgeous packaging. The chocolate itself looks a tad darker in color, but has the same simple design on the top side. The smell to this is very exotic. It's very much like green tea with bright fresh grassy notes, but also has a big floral quality to it that I typically do not associate with green tea. It smells more like jasmine green to me. The snap is soft despite the 74% mass, but the break is extremely clean. The dark chocolate has a wonderful mild cocoa flavor with notes of cream, tart red berries and citrus. The flavor waits a few moments before releasing the berry and citrus flavors, which gives it a subtle sour quality and leaves a slightly dry and pleasantly clean finish, with a note of the berries but no tartness. The main flavor of the chocolate is the tea, which, doesn't taste of green at all. The grassy notes in the aroma are gone and I get a very intense floral jasmine tea flavor to it which is exotic and brings out a pear-like fruitiness in the chocolate as the notes of the tea linger on the palate. This bar is delightful since there's a lot going on and it gives you the time to play and notice all the different nuances that are going on. "After Dinner" Dark chocolate with a subtle cinnamon flavor (blue wrapper): 74% mass. This bar look a little darker in color than the other two, with blue undertones in the brown. The snap is much sharper as well, and the break is clean. The aroma is a little sour, I smell red fruits, coffee and tobacco. No hint of cinnamon. Once in the mouth it has a beautiful melt. The chocolate feels nice and cool on the tongue. The flavor is of buttery cocoa at first with notes of pine. I then notice the cinnamon, but it's very subtle, and it adds a woody accent to the chocolate as opposed to a spicy one like I'm used to and have come to expect. I taste no hints of the red fruits that I smelled, but toward the end of the flavor ride I get subtle sour notes of grapefruit and citrus, lime perhaps? The finish is clean and disappears quickly on the tongue leaving a slightly dry note. I was surprised by the woodsyness in this bar and although it was nice chocolate, I didn't enjoy it as much as the others.Please share your notes if you've tasted these. I'm curious to see how they compare!
updated by @Sera: 04/21/15 13:14:40

Bodum Chocolate Jug

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

That's AWESOME! What a great gift idea! Where did you buy them, just curious? I got mine from mexgrocer.com.

Bodum Chocolate Jug

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I've been using a molinillo for frothy hot chocolate. A uni-tasker, yes, but it's very pretty. I guess I'm just old fashioned.

Godiva Chocolate room- AKA "shameless Valentines promotions"

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

MMmmm....I'd eat the furniture. :D

Anyone heard of this Chocolatier/Chocolate?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Yes, they do look very similar! I'm happy to see Ibarra put nutritional information for theirs, ha ha. I haven't tried it yet, I'm pacing myself! I'll report back when I do.

Anyone heard of this Chocolatier/Chocolate?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Thanks Clay! It sounds so interesting, can't wait to try it!

Anyone heard of this Chocolatier/Chocolate?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

I found this bar at my local gourmet shop that's meant to be a "rustic" drinking chocolate. It's made by this Italian company called Don Puglisi. http://www.laboratoriodonpuglisi.it/dovesiamo.htm Anyone know of it?The directions on the bar say to cut off one of the sectioned blocks and melt in hot water or milk. The only ingredients are 45% cocoa mass and cane sugar.
updated by @Sera: 05/16/15 15:54:52

Criollo bars- Brands & recommendations?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Thanks so much for starting this Chocoflyer! I highly recommend the Amedei Porcelana bar, which is the favorite out of the two I've tried. Here's my tasting notes:Amedei: Chuao 70%Powerful smell of toasted coffee and red fruits. The snap is extremely hard and the break is the cleanest I've ever seen. Just flawless. The aroma at the break is more spicy and roasted with notes of cocoa. The mouthfeel is very smooth with no grain. The flavor is very tart and fruity, I get the flavors of plums, cherries, prunes and raisins. The flavor grows and intensifies at first, then subsides to a subtler flavor of cream and butter. The finish is a tad tart and a little sour but very clean.Amedai: Porcelana 70%This smells very sweet, especially in comparison to the Chuao bar. I detect notes of vanilla, cream, caramel and a bit of almond. The break is also extremely clean with a good, healthy snap. The chocolate is smooth but feels dry and cool. I taste the flavors of vanilla, milk powder, some honey and a kiss of raspberry as the ned. Has a nice even progression of flavor and leaves a clean finish.

Trader Joe's 72% Chocolate Bars...

Posted in: Opinion

Wish I could give them a try, sadly there's no TJs near me.

Favorite Chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Why don't we all share our favorite chocolate (I know, there's never one!) with our tasting notes? That way we can compare and contrast and hopefully find new chocolates that will appeal to our individual palettes.I'll share some of mine when I have my notes later tonight.
updated by @Sera: 05/13/15 14:04:16

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

Here's the link to my tasting notes: Click here!

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

Ok, here's what I purchased"Vivani: Dark Chocolate with Green Tea, Dark Chocolate with LemonCharlemagne: Plain (red wrapper), with Cinnamon (blue wrapper) and Green Tea (green wrapper)Michel Cluizel: Ier Cre de Planation of Sao Tome (bright blue wrapper) and the Madagascar (orange wrapper).Don Puglisi Rustic Drinking Chocolate BarI also saw some new things there that I've never heard of. I would have written it down but I didn't have a pen on me and my camera was home with its battery getting charged. Figures! *sigh*

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

Chocoflyer, I love, love, LOVE the Banana ChocPods too! I'm just enamored with that company, all of Chuao Chocolatier's stuff is so good!

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

Sarah, thanks so much for your reply! Looks like I'll have to give Cluizel, Santander and Vivani a try.

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

Thanks Clay! I'll give them a shot.

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

I got a head of myself there, posting before I finished! Would you recommend them at all?

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

Thank you so much Clay! That's them!

Chocolate You Would Recommend?

Posted in: Opinion

I'm going to be at my "local" gourmet store tomorrow and hope to be picking up some new chocolate there. I'm hoping to try something new, and I know they carry some of these brands:Michel CluizelHachez (I've had the Coco'Arriba before and wasn't too impressed)GuittardSantander (I've heard iffy things about this one)Cafe TasseNirvanaVivaniThere's also a brand that showed up there recently and I can't remember the name. It comes in a very long and thin package (think 2 inches wide by 11 inches tall) and is color coded. I remember eyeing the green tea flavor. I also recall it was from Europe. Any idea what brand this might be?If anyone has any recommendations on what I should pick up, or something else to look for, please speak up! Thanks in advance,~S
updated by @Sera: 04/24/15 11:42:25