Chuao Chocolatier ~ Chinita Nibs

The second bar I'm trying from this chocolatier.  If you like nutmeg, then this is a hit.

I spread the degustation out over two days ... ;-)

The Spicy Maya aftertaste from the previous bar was too much rear upper palate for me ... this nibs bar with nutmeg and caramelized cacao delivers.

The caramelized cacao nibs are clearly present and give this chocolate a great texture ... the nutmeg infusion works and gives a very pleasant front upper palate tingle ... just right for me.

So in spite of the average chocolate quality, a highly recommended treat ... try it out ...

Continued ...

Chuao Chocolatier ~ Spicy Maya

Tried another chocolate bar out of the Christmas survival package from Ankha.

The packaging is appealing for all the Chuao bar's I've seen so far and their tag line did get my attention ... ;-)

Unusual, Unexpected and Delicious experiences ...

These bars are quite large ... so proceed with caution ;-)

I went through half a bar over the course of an evening and I have to admit, at first I fount the spicy Maya ... well ... too spicy ... overwhelming the chocolate

Then again, the chocolate is quite dark and misses the smoothness I so savor in a good bar.  The spice made up for the shortcomings of the chocolate if you're up for extreme spice ... this one clings to much to the rear of the palate and get's a bit heavy for me.

Second day I knew what to expect and things went a bit smoother but then I got that rear upper palate heaviness again and that spoiled it for me ... 

Next bar shortly ... continued ...

3400 Phinney Chocolate

I savored this bar in one 30 minute session ... pure indulgence ...

If you believe this is a crazy combination ... dwell on it for a second ... no ... make it two ... good quality chocolate with coconut and the spicy curry aftertaste biting your tongue ... to die for ... OK ... lol ... almost ...

This gives a new meaning to curry ... always loved curry chicken ... even more love this chocolate bar

Highly recommended ... taste-buds tickled to the extreme in a smooth barely creamy chocolate texture ...

Thanks Ankha ...

Chocolate Review

Tried some chocolate I didn't have before ... just now realizing how spoiled I am with my Belgian chocolate upbringing ...

Dagoba - Mon Cherri Bar: nah ...

Dolfin  - Milk with Coffee; just edible ...

Dagoba - Roseberry Bar; nah ...

Perugina - White Chocolate; almost enjoyable ...

The typical problem, low quality cocoa butter masked with artificial flavors and some ground texture for the Mon Cherri, Roseberry and Milk with Coffee

The Perugina was almost good, just poor texture, too lean ...

Try at your own risk !

Continued ...

Singapore August 2-3, 2008

I've made the trip to Singapore many times and I'm always looking forward spending time in this multi-cultural living city.

Yes, some have called the city "too clean" with "too many laws" but this city is living, hustling and bustling. there are a ton of things to see on this small well organized island. Language is not an issue as most speak English well. The beauties are the people ... friendly,helpfull regardless of origin, creed or religion

I always take the opportunity to photograph when I'm traveling and this trip is no exception. When I was making the layover in the Narita airport my eye caught this glimpse of detail and color of a kimono ...



The trip from SFO to Narita takes between 10-11 hours and the second leg from Narita to Singapore takes another 6-7 hours. Invariably, you arrive around midnight ... the immigration lines are short and there are plenty of taxies to take you to the city.

The airline lost my suitcase ... again ... lol ... no panic, usually arrives first thing in the morning.

I got to the Royal Plaza around 1:00am and the lobby display brought a big smile on my face ... Singapore advertising has a different feel than what we're used to in the States or Europe ... somewhat exaggerated, forced ... no holds barred ... but stimulating and challenging


Oh la la ... Chocolah ... yes, this F1 car is reportdly made of mostly chocolate ... I'll find out ... eventually as I'm staying till the 8th this time.

After a short night of trying to sleep I ended up deciding on an early breakfast and going for a walk on Orchard Road. The main shopping street with emphasis on luxurary goods. My favorite shopping complexes are the Paragon and Takashimaya. All major expensive brandnames are represented there. Got to Takashimaya and photographed some of the store displays. Security was shadowing me but didn't stop me. There's a strickt no-photography policy but I guess they don't care before opening hours.

I'm always looking for color, photography challenges and ideas for my own shoots. I love to do tight crops and often I recrop existing advertising collateral just for fun or to check if I can improve on the message.

Less is more.



To be continued ...