Bar of the Week: Domori Chuao

The tiny Venezuelan village of Chuao consistently produces the world's most expensive criollo cacao.  In the hands of master chocolate makers, this cacao frequently becomes some of the world's most revered (and most expensive) bars.

Our bar of the week is Italian maker Domori's take on the legendary region.  Although the plantation--Hacienda San Jose--on which these beans are grown sits outside the boundaries of Chuao proper, this 70% dark chocolate is clearly a member of the Chuao family, with great depth and a multi-faceted personality.  A juicy blueberry note is sweetened by hints of molasses and honey, mellowing to toasted almond tones and a long finish.

Stop by on Saturday, February 4th, for a taste of Domori's Chuao and marvel at just how much flavor they manage to pack into this dainty little package.

Bar of the Week; Cluizel's Mangaro Lait

Our bar of the week is a bit of a surprise:  a 50% milk chocolate made from single-origin Madagascan cacao, Michel Cluizel's Mangaro Lait bar is less sweet than you might expect of milk chocolate, and less fruity than you might expect of Madagascan chocolate.  On the plus side, it has Cluizel's trademark creamy texture, perfectly matched with warmly nutty notes of steamed milk and roasted hazelnuts. 

Come by on Saturday, January 28th, to savor a sample of Cluizel's Mangaro Lait. 

Bar of the Week: Amedei's Pistachio

 

Nuts and chocolate are a combination as old as the hills, but our bar of the week is an unusual combination; this bar from Italian chocolate maker Amedei features creamy white chocolate dotted with premium Sicilian pistachios.  If you enjoy either pistachios or white chocolate alone, you'll love the luxurious taste of them together.  The contrast between the unctuous, vanilla-tinged chocolate and the crisp pieces of nut makes this a delicate but lively treat. 

Come by on Saturday, January 21st, for a taste of this out-of-the-ordinary bar.  

Bar of the Week: Patric's Mint

Feeling a little bedraggled after all that celebrating?  How about a fresh flavor for the new year?  Our first bar of the week of 2012 is the Mint OMG from small-batch chocolate maker Patric:  smooth dark chocolate plus cool peppermint oil equals refreshingly delicious.

Stop by on Saturday, January 14th, for a sample of Patric's eye-opening Mint OMG bar.