Chocolate research, or maybe just self-indulgence

[redbird]

I have a $90 windfall from the company super bowl pool (which was as random as a raffle ticket), and various people have suggested I spend it on chocolate.

The question then became, What kind of chocolate?

We are not actually short of chocolate, but it seems like it might be fun to spend it on new and different chocolate. New to me, that is. The current stock is Green and Black dark, cherry, and Maya Gold; Cote d'Or Noir de Noir; and a bar of milk chocolate with dried tomatoes that I ought to open already.

I'm looking for recommendations: either things I can reasonably pick up in my normal travels (which basically means New York City, and Cambridge, Somerville, or Arlington, Mass., or possibly downtown Madison or bits of Montreal) or that the company will ship to me. This can be anything from the small net-based business to a commercial bar I haven't tried yet.

If I follow your recommendation, I'm going to try to find a way to give you a share, so if it's something you don't eat yourself but think I would like (e.g., your ex-roommate's favorite), say so.

I tend to prefer dark chocolate, but will consider milk (white "chocolate" doesn't count).

I have a few dislikes that limit things. I don't like coffee or mint. I don't want peanut butter, almonds, or whole hazelnuts (I do like walnuts and pecans). And I don't want anything that is filled with actual liqueur, or that tastes more of alcohol than chocolate, but liqueurs as flavorings can be good.

I can and will eat dairy, but if something is completely non-dairy, that has advantages, so please say so.

Comments

[elusis.livejournal.com]

I highly recommend trying some of the Vosges bars (http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/category/exotic_candy_bars). I'm particularly fond of the Red Fire Bar, and the Oaxaca is also good but lacks the cinnamon. I did not think the wasabi bar lived up to its promise, but the coconut curry did.

I have not had the one with cardamom, walnuts, and dried plums but I certainly intend to.

And of course there is the bacon bar, which you will almost certainly like if you like that sort of thing (I have had it in the dark version which is always my choice anyhow.)

[elusis.livejournal.com]

I can also recommend local folks Charles Chocolates (http://www.charleschocolates.com/online-store/). I had a tour of their place in Emeryville, which sadly it seems they've discontinued, having moved into SF (rats). I can attest that their tea-infused chocolates really do taste of the respective teas, and their fleur de sel caramels are quite nice as are their orange and lemon marzipan and the ginger and honey lavender truffles.

[ashnistrike.livejournal.com]

If you can afford the boxed collections, the Vosges truffles are even better quality than the bars. This is because they aren't intended to last on the shelf; they suggest eating them within ten days, and you mostly can't get them a la carte outside of Illinois. My favorites are the candied violet, the curry (Naga), and the Taleggio Cheese from the Italian box.

Vosges differs from other spiced chocolates in the sheer quality of the chocolate. I do not know what dread bargains they've made, but clearly some dark magic is afoot.