chocolates

Chocolatier Michel Cluizel's Holiday Chocolate Collection

Filed under: Dining

The Michel Cluizel chocolate shop in Rockefeller Center Shop in New York City is celebrating a year as a retail location in New York City with the creation of three signature, seasonal collections.

The Harvest Collection captures autumn with a selection that includes Hérisson Noir, a croquant shell filled with rich hazelnut and almond praline, shaped like a thistle you might see in the fall forest; Châtaigne, which is the shape of half a chestnut and has chestnut paste ganache with rum; the Noix Lait or Noix Noire are a milk or dark chocolate walnut shaped confection, made with pure hazelnut praline, white chocolate and walnut pieces; the Cannelleo, a milk chocolate shell made with 45% cocoa filled with cinnamon gianduja; the Champignon Caramel, a mushroom shaped chocolate filled caramel at the bottom and crunchy croquant at the top; Pomme de Pin Or, gianduja with vanilla pod in the shape of a seasonal pine cone; the Tango, a crunchy praline and caramel ganache in dark chocolate; Macarolats, or Macaroons, that come in assorted flavors such as cinnamon, chataigne whiskey, pumpkin, and Earl Grey tea and a Milk Chocolate Bar studded with salted butter caramel pieces. This collection is available in three sizes: $45, $75, and $125.

The Holiday Collection features Sapin, a dark chocolate tree decorated with dried fruits, marbles and chips; a Bonhomme de Neige, the cheery white chocolate snowman shown at right; a snowflake with Papillottes, which are traditional French treats in colorful, shiny wrapping in six assorted colors and flavors, including gianduja, almond and hazelnut crunchy praline, almond and hazelnut praline, almond paste, ganache with dark chocolate, caramel ganache; two Succettes des Montagnes, old-fashioned almond and hazelnut praline lollipops that are painted with winter sports scenes, such as skiing, snowboarding and snowball fights and Macedoine de Noel, an assortment of seven miniature Christmas chocolates including a snowman, a Santa, a tree, a gift, a Yule log, a boot, and a stocking. This collection retails for $45.

Gallery: Chocolat Michel Cluizel Holiday Selections

Tags: chocolates, holiday chocolates, holiday gift ideas, holiday shopping, michel cluizel

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Photo Tour: Taste TV's Los Angeles Chocolate Salon

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

I swung by Taste TV's Chocolate Salon in Pasadena, California this afternoon. I wrote about this annual event last year but didn't attend so I figured it was time to check it out. While the $25 (at the door) fee was a bit exorbitant, there was at least plenty of chocolate samples to tempt the appetite. After the jump, a few of the most delicious.

Tags: chocolate, chocolate tastings, chocolates, tastetv

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Benedetto: A Chocolate a Dieter Could Love

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

One of the single-greatest undermining factor of most diets is the craving for sweets, chocolate in particular. While not marketing the Benedetto cacao and protein products as a diet food per se, the confections get close enough to doing the trick that they're worth a second bite.

The dark chocolate Cupola Mints come packaged as five bite-sized confections with a grand total of just 122 calories, and only 26 of them from fat. And, more importantly, they serve up a powerful energy protein wallop of 11.4 grams -- almost 25% of a 2,000 calorie diet's daily value.

The whey blend of proteins in the Cubetti (cube in Italian) raspberry confections, with 178 calories per five candies, provide 18.8 grams or 38% of the daily nutritional dose. Each flavored center is made of all-natural, pure why protein with no sugar or fat -- hence the relatively low calorie count.

Taste-wise, my palate wasn't fooled into thinking these were Godiva's by a long shot, but they nevertheless satisfied the 4 p.m urge to raid the kids' candy jar. The manufacturer describes the inside mint as pillowy. I would call them gelatinous, better served after some refrigeration than mushy as they were when the UPS driver delivered my samples from Utah.

The caramel-centered confections covered in gourmet dark chocolate (63% Cacao) were my favorite and did stave off a late afternoon munchies attack. The manufacturer says the products are suitable for any diet demanding the leanest proteins and are safe for diabetics' use.

Benedetto, a Park City-based company, is clearly striving to raise the bar for taste, texture, and nutrition in what is found in traditional protein bar supplements. On that level, they've succeeded.

The idea was hatched in a gym workout by friends in San Francisco in 2006, who reasoned that "protein bars taste bad" and candy bars with protein additives are "still junk food." After funding research and development for three years, they came up with these confections -- just in time to join the juvenile obesity drumbeat.

Three packs retail for $19.95.

Tags: benedetto, benedetto chocolates, chocolates, health, luxist reviews, mints, protein chocolates

Local Luxury: ChocoLee Chocolates Opens In Boston

by Donna Rodgers (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

If you are looking for the very best chocolate in Boston--designed and concocted in Boston--there is really only one choice. ChocoLee Chocolates (at the intersection of Montgomery and Dartmouth Streets) has just reopened in a new location!

Chef Lee Napoli, a pastry chef at such Boston-greats as Maison Robert, Anago, Metro, Bricco, The Buttery and Sandrine's Bistro, dreamed of her own line of handcrafted custom chocolates. Napoli has won many awards, including Yankee Magazine's Best Five Chocolate Makers in New England (2009), because her artisan chocolate is simply perfect.

At ChocoLee's grand reopening on March 20th, 2010, Madeleine Martino of Marblehead, Massachusetts, said "Nobody makes chocolate like Lee. When you walk into the store, you can see how passionately she loves chocolate! I absolutely crave the salted caramel!"

"Lee designs and makes the chocolate here," said Karen Jane of Boston. "She isn't buying someone else's designs, she isn't a global franchise, and she isn't collecting the world of other artisans. After I found this chocolate, I have never preferred another."

Tags: boston, chocolate shop, chocolates, chocolee, local luxury

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Sweet Treats to Send Your Sweetheart on Valentine's Day

by Deb West (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Holiday Guides

For those of you who want to send a delicious delicacy to the one you love on Valentine's Day there are some great mail order options. Whether you like cookies or chocolates there is something for everyone.

We write about Dean & Deluca a lot here on Luxist in part because they consistently offer quality products for the discerning gourmand from various manufacturers around the world. Their offerings for Valentine's Day are no exception:

From Valerie Confections an artisinal confectioner in Los Angeles, come chocolates designated as Pour Elle and Pour Homme. Each box contains 3 large chocolate hearts and 8 small hearts with the "For Her" gift box having traces of edible rose petals and the "For Him" gift box is completed with caramel and toffee filled chocolates. Each set of 11 pieces retails for $30.00 a box.
Chocolat Moderne in New York city is represented with a red box filled with 12 hand painted chocolate hearts. The $36.00 box contains two each of six different flavors.
For those who like their sweets from France, the Pyramide des Tropiques from Francois Pralus, is a great choice for serious chocolate lovers who are more interested in the chocolate itself than cute Valentine wrapping. A stack of 10 individual bars each made with beans from a different part of the world and a 75% cocoa content for $12.00.
Eleni's specializes in selling hand iced cookies. There is an adorable box of pink and purple XO shaped cookies 18 for $50.00 If you go to Eleni's web-site there are just under 20 different designs from which you can pick the perfect option for your sweetie.

All of these purveyors have their own web-sites and it is up to you to decide whether you'd like to comparison shop quickly through Dean & Deluca or take your time and order individually from the different stores. Either way you will come away "smelling like roses" but "tasting like chocolate" a perfect combination for Valentine's Day.

Gallery: Sweet Treats For Valentine's Day

Tags: chocolates, cookies, Dean Deluca, DeanDeluca, elenis, heart, valentines day, ValentinesDay

Seven His and Hers Recommendations for Valentine's Day: A Box of Chocolates and a Box of Cigars

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Dining

Of course, you don't have to stick to the gender stereotypes on this one. Men do enjoy chocolate, and I've met more than a handful of ladies who are happy to cut and light a double corona. So, feel free to mix and match as you see fit. You'll have all the tools you'll need to make the best choices, thanks to chocolate and cigar recommendations from Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club.

Some of the selections aren't surprising, according to Lee. "Obvious choices are the fine selections from Godiva, Lindt and Ghiradelli, but we thought we'd suggest some exotic chocolate indulgences you might not be aware of." He continues, "Chocolatiers can now be reached from anywhere around the globe. Our advisers did an exhaustive search, and the choices prove it was well worth it."

Let's start with eight chocolate recommendations that are sure to make your evening fantastic.

Tags: burlwood, cao, chocolate, chocolates, cigar, cigars, crumbs, Crumbs Bake Shop, CrumbsBakeShop, ghirardelli, gift, gifts, godiva, GodivaChocolate, GraycliffHotel, lindt, lindt chocolate, LindtChocolate, LindtLindorTruffles, Romeo and Juliet, romeo y julieta, RomeoAndJuliet, RomeoYJulieta, tatuaje, tatuajes, valentine, valentines, valentines day, valentines-day, ValentinesDay

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Pairing Chocolate and Wine

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine

Chocolate and wine, two of our favorite things. It only makes sense to pair them together, right? There are some who feel they don't mix well at all, but many people find that wine and chocolate can really enhance and bring out the best in each other. To get started remember that there are no rules, just the fun of experimenting with whatever combinations you like. There are, however, a few rules of thumb to consider.

Approach wine and chocolate tasting the same way you would any other tasting: start with the light options and move your way through the spectrum to the darker, heavier flavors. In general, the sweeter the chocolate the sweeter the wine should be, and the lighter the chocolate (consider flavor, not just color) the lighter the wine. Full-bodied, heavy red wines will best complement dark and bittersweet chocolates, while a light riesling or dessert wine will more likely pair well with a sweet milk chocolate. Many think champagne is wonderful with white chocolate.

One other aspect to think about when considering which wines and chocolates will go well together is each of their predominate and underlying flavors -- you'll get very different results when you choose varieties that have similar flavors versus those with very contrasting ones.

Tags: cadillac-pedia, chocolate, chocolates, main-pedia, sweets-pedia, wine, wine-pedia

How to Store Fine Chocolate

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

It can be seriously disappointing to unwrap a chocolate candy only to find it covered in gray spots and gone past its prime. Thankfully, though, chocolate will stay fresh and flavorful for quite awhile if you store it properly.

The best place to store chocolate is in a cool, dry, dark place -- like a pantry in the basement. You want it cool enough not to soften the chocolate but not so cold (like in the refrigerator) that condensation will form when you take it out. Condensation dehydrates chocolate and downgrades the texture and flavor, and it can also cause "sugar bloom," the unsightly white or grayish spots caused when the sugar rises to the chocolate's surface.

Also, chocolate will absorb the smells and flavors of the foods stored with it, so although it doesn't normally have to be kept in an airtight container you might want to seal it up if you'll be keeping it in a pantry with something pungent, like onions.

As a general rule, fine chocolates (especially those with fillings) should be eaten within a few weeks to a month for the best flavor and texture. When stored properly, however, milk chocolate can last up to a year and dark, unsweetened chocolate slightly longer.

Note: If you must store chocolate in the refrigerator (i.e. you live in a very hot and humid climate) then keep it in an airtight container and let it come to room temperature before opening or unwrapping it (to help prevent condensation).

Tags: chocolate, chocolates, main-pedia, storage, sweets, sweets-pedia

Courvoisier Truffles, A Small Splurge

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Sometimes a small splurge is also about taking the time to enjoy it. These Courvoisier truffles invite you to sit down and savor the experience.The truffles combine Bissinger's fine 55 percent dark chocolate with a cask-strength blend of Courvoisier XO cognac. The result is a rich taste kissed with a hint of warmth. A box of 18 pieces is $36.

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Tags: chocolates, courvoisier, smallsplurge, smallsplurges, truffles

Patrick Roger Chocolates

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

These beautiful, marble-like chocolates are just a few of the decadent creations from European chocolatier Patrick Roger. Known in part for his exotic flavor combinations, the above box of Couleurs has two different blends: Amazone (caramel and acidulous lime from Brazil) and Savage (caramel scented with vervain and yuzu). He's also known for his creative packaging and chocolate presentations (i.e. 3 foot long boxes and lifesized dark chocolate black bears), but my favorite is definitely this Tiffany-like pretty blue box. It just brings up such luxe vibes with so little effort. See the gallery below for prices and more Patrick Roger goodies.

Gallery: Patrick Roger Chocolates

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Tags: candy, chocolate, chocolates, patrick roger, PatrickRoger

Valentine Essentials: Chocolate!

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Holiday Guides

Valentine's Day just wouldn't feel right without chocolate, and although those cardboard heart boxes full of waxy chocolates are certainly nostalgic eating them can leave something to be desired. Take the romance up a notch this Vday with decadent, luxe chocolate from one of the best chocolatiers in the country. Whether you and your sweetie prefer truffles, chocolate blends that are specially formulated to go with your favorite wine, or even hot chocolate, there's something out there for every taste. And most of them are so pretty to look at you might find yourself hesitating to eat them (just for a second).

Gallery: Romantic and Luxe Valentine Chocolates

Valentine Spice Truffle Collection by Hedonist Artisan Chocolates

Gift Box Extraordinaire by Chocolat Céleste

Tags: chocolate, chocolates, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay, vday09

Same-day Flowers to 150 Countries

by Meg Massie (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

If you're like me, you might have had a panic attack when you finally realized that it's already the middle of December and you haven't done any holiday shopping yet. If you're even more like me, then you're hopeless when it comes to picking out gifts for friends and family. Thankfully, there are some classic standbys out there to help you get through your holiday shopping with as little stress as possible.

In this season of extreme home decorating, everyone can appreciate a lovely flower arrangement. Flora2000 is a high-end flower delivery service offering same-day deliveries to 150 countries, and I'm in love with their bouquets. Even if you've put off your holiday shopping until the last minute, you can still get gorgeous gifts sent out ahead of Santa's sleigh. Whether you're ordering flowers for local delivery or overseas shipment, you'll be amazed by Flora2000's speedy service, and the arrangements are top-of-the-line.

In addition to over 3,000 floral arrangements, Flora2000 offers a wide selection of gourmet gift boxes and chocolates.

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Tags: chocolates, christmas, flora2000, floral-arrangements, flowers, gift-baskets, gifts, holidays, roses

The Aficionado's Collection Chocolates

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Dining

The House Of Grauer is catering to the cigar smokers among us this holiday season by offering The Aficionados Collection of chocolates specially designed just for them. Depending on the assortment you choose, flavors include delicacies like Italian roasted hazelnut, milk chocolate with French organic bee pollen, and Sri Lankan cinnamon. Leaves, sticks, and rings of swiss chocolate are boxed up beautifully and formulated expressly to enhance the cigar smoking ritual and bring new levels of flavor and sensation to the experience. Prices range from $65 for 14 pieces to $275 for the 104 piece Magnum Mixed Collection.

Via ForbesLife

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Tags: chocolate, chocolates, cigars, grauer, house of grauer, HouseOfGrauer

Sir Hans Sloane Bespoke Chocolates

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Services

The Bespoke Chocolates service from Sir Hans Sloane is about so much more than just customizing a box of chocolates by ordering how many you want each of different available flavors -- they actually mix and make personalized chocolates just for you. As in no two patrons have the same formula.

My mouth is watering already.

The process starts with a series of interviews, followed by a series of tastings, and finally ending in the delivery of 60 chocolates made by master chocolatier Bill McCarrick in a handmade rosewood-and-maple inlaid box. Also included is a copy of the chocolate tasting consultations and a backup box of an additional 60 chocolates. YUM. $2400.

Gallery: Chocolate Delights

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Tags: bespoke, chocolate, chocolates, Sir Hans Sloane, SirHansSloane

The Noka-Riedel Experience

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine

Red wine and chocolates, you can't get a much more perfect pairing for romance than that. The inspiration for the NOKA-RIEDEL Experience came from 10th generation glass maker George Riedel and his exquisite glassware, and it includes one of two combinations of chocolate and glasses. There's the "2-piece Vintages with 2 Cabernet Glasses" or the "4-piece Truffles with 2 Champagne Glasses."

Apparently when George Riedel visited the NOKA Chocolates boutique in Dallas for a tasting he said that combining the chocolates with champagne in a RIEDEL varietal-specific glass resulted in an experience that was "beyond words." $96-$104

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Tags: chocolate, chocolates, noka, reidel, truffles, valentine, valentines, valentines day, ValentinesDay, wine