A sixth-floor view of Haussmann’s Paris. For eight days, I had the pleasure of breathing in all Paris has to offer. What a treat to enjoy a city so full of life. How do you begin to describe it? History, art, architecture, fashion, food, chocolate, joie de vivre … j’aime Paris! I rented a sixth … Read more »
The Medici Fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Throughout the spring, the thought of returning to Paris has motivated and excited me. It’s a city that holds special meaning for me. It was there, as a teenager, that my lifelong passion for chocolate truly began. Now, after weeks of reading various guidebooks and daydreaming, it’s … Read more »
Aboard the Regent Seven Seas. What in the world am I doing at sea? Good question. It started in December, on the day of our first big snowstorm. You know the day–the University closed, we got 18 or more inches of snow. I walked into work and thought, “Great, I can have a catch-up day … Read more »
When I visit the Upala Organic Cacao Growers Cooperative in Costa Rica, chocolate tasting and lots of discussion are usually on the itinerary. After the rush of the winter holidays, it’s fun to be able to focus once again on our monthly chocolate tastings. You’ve probably heard of wine tastings, but chocolate? Well, first off, … Read more »
I recently had the pleasure to present at the first Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest. What a fantastic way to spend a cold Saturday! There was a great crowd that mingled happily among an even mix of cheese and beer producers. There were about 20 booths with a cheese maker and a brewer standing side-by-side. … Read more »
I recently had the pleasure to present at the first Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest. What a fantastic way to spend a cold Saturday! There was a great crowd that mingled happily among an even mix of cheese and beer producers. There were about 20 booths with a cheese maker and a brewer standing side-by-side. … Read more »
Here are the beer/chocolate pairings from the Fromagination event:
I invite Tony Bourdain of the Travel Channel’s “No Reservations” to come to Costa Rica with her and meet the cacao farmers.
Another new decade ahead of us. A few days ago, I was talking with a friend and we remembered how monumental 1970 seemed to us then, our first cognizance of a new decade. We wondered at the year 2000; we’d be old if we were even alive! Here it is – 10 years after the … Read more »
I’m packing light. You don’t need to pack a lot of clothes to visit Costa Rica. It’s hot, even in January. Besides, I need the space in my suitcase to bring back the wondrously robust dark chocolate that makes my Rica Organica and Cointreau truffles special. I leave on New Year’s Day, which seems appropriate. … Read more »
