Chocolate!
May 25, 2006 | 12:52 pm
#181
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: A bunch of pretty little colored plastic cards.
Posts: 334
This might sound strange but the best chocolate I have encountered thus far has been from a shop (in the Mercato Mall) that I think only exists in Dubai (or the U.A.E.) called Dolce Antico. The chocolate is smooth and rich, unlike any I have had before (and trust me I have had my share ;-)). If anyone knows where to get these outside of Dubai...please let me know :-).
A close second (okay tie) is the Italian chocolatier Venchi. They are simply AMAZING. They also have a superior sugar-free collection unlike any you will find elsewhere. You can normally find them in some shops and online here in the U.S.
...and then there is Vosages chocolate with outposts in the U.S. They have amazing flavors that you do not see anywhere else.
A close second (okay tie) is the Italian chocolatier Venchi. They are simply AMAZING. They also have a superior sugar-free collection unlike any you will find elsewhere. You can normally find them in some shops and online here in the U.S.
...and then there is Vosages chocolate with outposts in the U.S. They have amazing flavors that you do not see anywhere else.
May 25, 2006 | 10:28 pm
#182
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: AA EXP "Life is good! Really good.""
Posts: 4,923
Originally Posted by jmgendron
I often have strong cravings for chocolate, and typically make molten chocolate cakes when home on the weekends. It's quick and easy, here's the recipe for 2 cakes: 3.5 ounces dk chocolate, 1 tbps butter, 2 tbps sugar, 1.5 tpsb flour, one egg, pinch salt, dash of vanilla. Just melt the chocolate in the microwave, cream the sugar and butter, then combine other non chocolate ingredients. Add in the chocolate, and then spoon into two ramkins. Place in the oven for 8 minutes at 400 degrees. Garnish with whip cream (could add berries, orange zest, etc). Very addictive.
After hours of web research I made your molten chocolate cakes tonight. What a perfect recipe! Simple ingredients, not too much of anything and absolutely wonderful.
I made four cakes, using two bars of New Tree belgian dark choclate bars. So glad I didn't skimp and use Nestle's choco chips. Made two in ramekins, two in custard cups. Next time for company I will try large muffin tins.
Anthony Bourdain, keep watching your back.
May 26, 2006 | 6:23 pm
#183
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 16,126
Dagoba Chocolates makes a wonderful chilies and cocoa nibs hot chocolate called Xocolatl. Dagoba makes single origin organic chocolates. Yummy!
Dec 1, 2006 | 11:13 pm
#184
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,956
You don't have to go to Belgium. Costco now has Kirkland brand Belgian chocolate which is actually Neuhuas. How do I know the true identity of the chocolate?
It says on the box "made for Neuhaus USA."
It looks and tastes like Neuhaus. Some of the chocolates are even in the shape of the Neuhaus "N".
Unbelievably, the cost is $12.99 for a one pound box. If word gets out in Belgium, they'll be doing mileage runs to here to buy the chocolate.
It says on the box "made for Neuhaus USA."
It looks and tastes like Neuhaus. Some of the chocolates are even in the shape of the Neuhaus "N".
Unbelievably, the cost is $12.99 for a one pound box. If word gets out in Belgium, they'll be doing mileage runs to here to buy the chocolate.
Dec 2, 2006 | 9:13 am
#185
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PBI
Programs: DL 2.8 MM/PM, AA MM/GLD, Marriott LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,823
Dec 2, 2006 | 9:22 am
#186
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,925
This definitely ranks up there with the best tips I've received on this board. Thank you! While I wouldn't give a box marked Kirkland as a gift, this is great to know for my own use. I love Neuhaus. ^
Dec 3, 2006 | 12:25 am
#188
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: AA EXP "Life is good! Really good.""
Posts: 4,923
We have just concluded a six-month deal importing a particular chocolate from Belgium. The wholesale cost to us was $16 for 7 oz. tin.
Costco is currently selling the same product under the Kirkland brand 14 oz $14. Do the math. It IS the same product.
If you can live with the Kirkland label and tacky box, shop Costco. We're screwed, but there is no reason you should be too.
Costco is currently selling the same product under the Kirkland brand 14 oz $14. Do the math. It IS the same product.
If you can live with the Kirkland label and tacky box, shop Costco. We're screwed, but there is no reason you should be too.
Dec 3, 2006 | 2:10 am
#189
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,593
Is it the same product? I've never tasted it, so that is a real question, and not rhetorical. But in the past I have run into Neuhaus made for the US market (sold by Macy's for circa $40/lb) that was quite different from the Neuhaus sold in Europe. Not worse, but definitely different (and I preferred the European version). But Trader Joe has so many different chocolates now (ranging from poor to fabulous), that I'm not sure Neuhaus is good enough any more ... it certainly is no longer the world's best chocolate, and a lot of the smaller specialty chocolate makers have it outflanked (particular with the 'single origin' offerings which sometimes are outstanding).
Dec 3, 2006 | 8:52 am
#190
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: now GRR- still missing my POP sunshine!
Programs: AA, UA, DL, US, NWorst
Posts: 158
I often have strong cravings for chocolate, and typically make molten chocolate cakes when home on the weekends. It's quick and easy, here's the recipe for 2 cakes: 3.5 ounces dk chocolate, 1 tbps butter, 2 tbps sugar, 1.5 tpsb flour, one egg, pinch salt, dash of vanilla. Just melt the chocolate in the microwave, cream the sugar and butter, then combine other non chocolate ingredients. Add in the chocolate, and then spoon into two ramkins. Place in the oven for 8 minutes at 400 degrees. Garnish with whip cream (could add berries, orange zest, etc). Very addictive.
Dec 3, 2006 | 9:19 am
#191
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,956
OK, I think we may be referring to a number of different things here. My original post referred to a 16 oz. offering at Costco which is clearly Neuhaus. Someone else has now referred to a 14 oz. offering at Costco, but not said it was Neuhaus. Anyone know what the 14 oz. one is?
Is it the same product? I've never tasted it, so that is a real question, and not rhetorical. But in the past I have run into Neuhaus made for the US market (sold by Macy's for circa $40/lb) that was quite different from the Neuhaus sold in Europe. Not worse, but definitely different (and I preferred the European version). But Trader Joe has so many different chocolates now (ranging from poor to fabulous), that I'm not sure Neuhaus is good enough any more ... it certainly is no longer the world's best chocolate, and a lot of the smaller specialty chocolate makers have it outflanked (particular with the 'single origin' offerings which sometimes are outstanding).
Dec 4, 2006 | 3:40 pm
#193
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AA 3 MM, IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,589
I'm in Bruxelles early February to do a Leonidas and Neuhaus run. Actually, it's a mileage run, but I'll be there to pick up the pralines and grab a cone frites with mayonaise and a gaufre Ligeois with Chantilly.
I think that Neuhaus goes for $55 to $60 per pound these days here in the US.
I think that Neuhaus goes for $55 to $60 per pound these days here in the US.
Dec 4, 2006 | 4:44 pm
#194
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,956
I suspect your Costco may not have it, given that it is kind of obvious if you are looking for it. The "made for Neuhaus USA" is in small letters. I believe it says "Belgian Chocolate" or something like that on the box.
When I get home tonight I will take a photo, post it on the web, and provide a link.
When I get home tonight I will take a photo, post it on the web, and provide a link.
Dec 4, 2006 | 5:07 pm
#195
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,635
Francophile, don't you find MARCOLINI's chocolates to be better than Leonidas or Neuhaus?
After many many tastings, I come to conclusion that I really really like MARCOLINI and LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT (France) the best!
UOTE=francophile;6792516]I'm in Bruxelles early February to do a Leonidas and Neuhaus run. Actually, it's a mileage run, but I'll be there to pick up the pralines and grab a cone frites with mayonaise and a gaufre Ligeois with Chantilly.
I think that Neuhaus goes for $55 to $60 per pound these days here in the US.[/QUOTE]
After many many tastings, I come to conclusion that I really really like MARCOLINI and LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT (France) the best!
UOTE=francophile;6792516]I'm in Bruxelles early February to do a Leonidas and Neuhaus run. Actually, it's a mileage run, but I'll be there to pick up the pralines and grab a cone frites with mayonaise and a gaufre Ligeois with Chantilly.
I think that Neuhaus goes for $55 to $60 per pound these days here in the US.[/QUOTE]