Chocolate!
Jan 13, 2007 | 3:09 pm
#226
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AA 3 MM, IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,589
You know, I actually find Champagne to pair well with chocolate. Am I weird? I also find Champagne goes very well with french fries
Jan 18, 2007 | 5:46 pm
#227
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,658
That is a super place and that tasting is wonderful. Highly recommend.
I loaded up on the Costco/Neuhaus chocolate today. They had quite a lot at the Costco nearest me. Just opened a box ... now I need some regular Neuhaus so I can do a side-by-side comparison. Thanks again for the tip.
Did you do the wine and chocolate pairings at Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch? I had to after reading about it on FT. The rock salt chocolate was definitely among the more unusual flavors but it sure worked well with the cab they paired it with. We also had the masala chai dark chocolate with a shiraz and a lavender chocolate, unfortunately I can't remember what wine they paired that with.
Did you do the wine and chocolate pairings at Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch? I had to after reading about it on FT. The rock salt chocolate was definitely among the more unusual flavors but it sure worked well with the cab they paired it with. We also had the masala chai dark chocolate with a shiraz and a lavender chocolate, unfortunately I can't remember what wine they paired that with.
Jan 18, 2007 | 5:53 pm
#230
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,658
You are so correct!
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.
Jan 19, 2007 | 12:02 am
#232
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: OW/AA, DL, UA; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,960
I wonder how it compares to the chocolate bar at the Peninsula in Chicago (at 1/3 the price).
Chocolate Bar at The Peninsula
108 E. Superior St.
312-337-2888
The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago offers hope for the clinically depressed with its Chocolate Bar. From 8 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet features between 10 and 15 high-end confections, including cinnamon truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate pot de crme, plus beverages like lavender-scented white chocolate cocoa and more. $26 per person.
Chocolate Bar at The Peninsula
108 E. Superior St.
312-337-2888
The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago offers hope for the clinically depressed with its Chocolate Bar. From 8 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet features between 10 and 15 high-end confections, including cinnamon truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate pot de crme, plus beverages like lavender-scented white chocolate cocoa and more. $26 per person.
One of my first FT events was going to an FT Chicago Do at this...it was awesome. Perhaps it's time to fudge...nudge the ORD FT crowd into spotting another one of these. Glad to hear the Penninsula still does this!
Jan 20, 2007 | 2:13 am
#234
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: PDX-ish
Programs: AS, DL
Posts: 107
Best chocolate ice cream
This isn't quite so extraordinary as Belgian chocolate, but I've been seriously "jonesing" for Glacier Ice Cream's (Boulder, CO) Double Dark chocolate ice cream for months..It isn't available in stores anywhere. They've also got a flavor called Death by Chocolate that's the Double Dark with extra chunks of chocolate and a fudge swirl.
Yum!
http://www.glacierhomemadeicecream.com
Yum!
http://www.glacierhomemadeicecream.com
Jan 20, 2007 | 11:22 am
#236
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,593
An acceptable substitute (which is available in stores everywhere) is Godiva's Belgian chocolate ice cream. Even better, but less available, is the Double Rainbow chocolate (sold by TJ at some stores, mostly west coast; Double Rainbow is made in SF).
Jan 20, 2007 | 9:45 pm
#237
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,658
Very amazed about all your posts. Please do not get upset: Godiva is average both as ch. and ice cream.
Now Double R: that is superb!
Now Double R: that is superb!
Jan 20, 2007 | 10:11 pm
#238
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,593
Double Rainbow is good ice cream for US style. I think their coffee blast is their best flavour, but the chocolate is worth seeking out (a lot better than anything Ben&Jerry makes, as a point of comparison). But limited distribution, so not available to most of the US population. While Godiva seems to be everywhere. Sometimes availability makes up for an inferior product. And it is still far better than "conventional" ice cream.
Jan 21, 2007 | 8:56 pm
#240
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: PDX-ish
Programs: AS, DL
Posts: 107
Sounds like it's taste-test time!
Actually I agree that Godiva ice cream is generally disappointing. They have one good kind -- only. The other chocolate flavours are disappointing (and there are a dozen). Only the Belgian Dark ice cream is any good......
Double Rainbow is good ice cream for US style. I think their coffee blast is their best flavour, but the chocolate is worth seeking out (a lot better than anything Ben&Jerry makes, as a point of comparison). But limited distribution, so not available to most of the US population.
Double Rainbow is good ice cream for US style. I think their coffee blast is their best flavour, but the chocolate is worth seeking out (a lot better than anything Ben&Jerry makes, as a point of comparison). But limited distribution, so not available to most of the US population.
Thanks for the suggestions! I was able to acquire a container of Double Rainbow Ultra Chocolate at TJ's tonight, so I'm halfway to my comparison test. I've only snuck a before dinner taste, but so far, no complaints!