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 »
Elizabeth LaBau: I can usually find things I like about most chocolates, occasionally I find chocolates I really enjoy, and very rarely I taste chocolates I strongly dislike. Most chocolate falls somewhere along the spectrum of mediocre to good, but sometimes I am lucky enough to encounter chocolate that I absolutely love. The truffles I … Read more »
My mom, Lucille, with one of my cousins and three of my sisters. I’m the smallest one, second to the left. The shop is always crazy around the holidays. We’re flying around the kitchen making seasonal treats like peppermint bark and truffles and chocolate snowmen (and women, too). I like to think I’m carrying on … Read more »
