Up there with sommeliers, cheese mongers, and butchers, the chocolatier is a highly specialized, passionate individual who has dedicated their career to one ingredient: chocolate glorious, beautiful, delicious, sexy chocolate.
As chocolate is known to bring pleasure to most everyone who enjoys it, Vancouvers chocolatiers could be considered pleasure specialists. They know what they like and how they like it and do their best every day to very generously share their creations with us.
Get them talking about the merits of their chosen love, and watch out they have plenty to teach us.
1) Chocolate is perfect any time of day:
Thierry Busset, owner of Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie and Cafe, may say that he doesnt have a sweet tooth, but his day is often punctuated by little indulgences. I enjoy eating raw chocolate anytime of day, in a variety of ways. First thing in the morning with my coffee; in the afternoon with my tea; or in the evening with a glass of champagne!
2) Chocolate makes you feel better:
Chocolate is a very comforting treat, and studies have proven that its not just an illusion, it actually makes your brain feel good, says Catherine Introligator, owner of French Made Baking.
Shes right. Chocolate contains tryptophan, a chemical in the brain used to produce serotonin, which stimulates endorphins and makes us feel good giddy, even. Many studies have been done to explore other potential health benefits of the components of chocolate antioxidants for boosting the immune system, magnesium for easing symptoms of PMS, and flavinoids to fight heart disease.
3) Chocolate is best enjoyed with...:
While the ways to enjoy chocolate seem endless, Thomas Haas, owner of Thomas Haas Chocolates, takes a simple approach.
If it is of great quality, I think the best way to enjoy chocolate is just chocolate! Have your port or red wine or coffee after or before not necessarily at the same time. Just keep it simple.
4) Chocolate is good for your sex life:
One of the fascinating parts about chocolate is that cocoa butter melts at body temperature; this is what makes it melt in the mouth so luxuriously. Its the kind of food that involves and activates many senses all at once, says Jackie Ellis, owner of Beaucoup Bakery.
Chocolate is a very sensual experience beyond just the cocoa butter, though. It also contains a chemical, phenylethylamine, the neurotransmitter that helps promote feelings of attraction and excitement. It stimulates the brains pleasure centers and reaches peak levels during orgasm. Chocolate and orgasms same place in the brain? Oh la la.
5) Chocolate can change your life:
After years in a career in banking and securities, Glenn Knowles of Gem Chocolates traded it all in to open his own chocolate shop in Kerrisdale. Quality chocolate is a food that is nutritious, delivers many health benefits, and is clinically proven to make a person happy. What better environment to work in than a chocolate one?
On until Feb. 14, Hot Chocolate Festival details are at CityFood.com.
