Review of the Glendale Chocolate Affaire
Posted in: Opinion
Sadly, this "Affaire" was less of a chocolate affair than a trinkets, funnel cakes and and tie-dye affair.Oh, there were chocolate pizzas by Cerretas - a local candy company and many chocolate flavored drinks. Also, milk chocolate dips for cheesecake or key lime pie and of course - ice cream toppings.But we at CLTC are FINE CHOCOLATE seekers and the pickings were very slim, indeed.However, there were 3 very good exceptions. And, they are worthy of mention.Personally, I'm not a huge toffee fan, however - Lee Ann's Fine Toffee is worth a mention. The white chocolate macadamia toffee was truly delectable. www.LeeAnnsToffee.com Now, let's get to the fine chocolate!We had a very interesting experience at the Wei of Chocolate booth - run by Lisa Reinhardt.On display was their Sensual Love Organic Dark Chocolate 74% Cacao blend with herbs & spices known for their aphrodisiac qualities.I'll let you be the judge of that claim.There was also Daily Love Organic Dark Chocolate 74% cacao with a delightful chili finish - I enjoyed it very much.Their 65% cacao product contains chai herbs & spices - it's called Daily Gratitude Organic Dark Chocolate.All products are 100% organic Fair Trade cocoa and 100% vegan. www.WeiofChocolate.com I must say that one of my favorite chocolate experiences occured at the ZoColate Bar Booth - run by Malena Lopez-Maggi and Clive Brown - a global chocolate travel enthusiast (much like ourselves).They incorporate a great deal of Val Rhona product in their confections - with pepper and fruit finishes that had us swooning.The mold designs are quite whimsical and to us, they were the true artisans of the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. www.TheXocolateBar.com Grenada ChocolateThis is one of the best sites for chocolate resources. Enjoy!
updated by @Holly & Paul Stabin: 05/07/15 10:04:30
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.
