Welcome to our new website, which is finally here, albeit in a not totally finished format. Hopefully you’ll agree it’s a huge improvement and will bear with us while we catch up with all the technical tweaking needed to deliver the site we want, and we hope you’ll find easier to use and more appealing.

The new design is just the beginning. We still need to port the forum to the new format and a new software platform. Not only will this bring the old forum up to date, it will also let all our users loose on the rest of the site, and we look forward to blog contributions and comments from you soon. There’s a techy challenge involved though, so we’ll probably need to get Chocolate Week out of the way first. Please not that while the old forum sits and waits for its upgrade, we’re not accepting new registrations at the moment – we were just getting an uncontrollable amount of spam that the old ‘Snitz’ software just couldn’t handle.

Another big upgrade is bringing the review section – the old ‘Chocopaedia’ – into the new WordPress platform. This is not such a big job, but it’s still going to take some programming effort and data transfer. This is also going to take a little while, but we hope soon to a nice shiney new review section, along with new reviews and new reviewers, and we’ll be recruiting new volunteers in the near future as well.

Please let us know any comments or thoughts about the site, and look out for more changes and improvements hopefully appearing fast and furiously!

Tickets currently on special ‘early bookers’ deal of £35 per person. Offer ends 31 July 2010

Part of our ‘The Chocolate Journey’ season

The Chocolate Journey is our new series of tasting events bringing a whole new approach to the art of chocolate appreciation.

Fine chocolate is fast becoming as sophisticated as wine, yet we are conditioned to eat chocolate as a sweet snack with little chance of noticing its finer points.

These new events will help to unravel all those years of chocolate snacking by working through each of our chocolate senses one by one.

Rather than tell you what chocolate you should like, The Chocolate Journey gives you the tools to start you on your own journey towards becoming a chocolate connoisseur.

Through our courses and workshops we explore the gastranomic senses with a series of interactive modules, awakening and educating our palates along the way.

The Chocolate Knowledge – introducing the chocolate makers

Our evening course will introduce to you five leading, new or artisanal chocolate makers from around the world.

We’ll take you through the philosophy behind each brand, explore their individual style and taste a sampling of each of their ranges.

We’ll also give you a quick overview of tasting chocolate and a brief introduction to the chocolate making process.

The event will feature famous names, new start ups and a few ‘behind the scenes’ chocolate makers you might not have heard of.

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

£35 per person, early bookers offer – ends 31 July 2010

.

7.30pm-9.30pm, Weds 1 Dec 2010
myhotel bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street
London
WC1B 3HD

Tickets currently on special ‘early bookers’ deal of £35 per person. Offer ends 31 July 2010

Part of our ‘The Chocolate Journey’ season

The Chocolate Journey is our new series of tasting events bringing a whole new approach to the art of chocolate appreciation.

Fine chocolate is fast becoming as sophisticated as wine, yet we are conditioned to eat chocolate as a sweet snack with little chance of noticing its finer points.

These new events will help to unravel all those years of chocolate snacking by working through each of our chocolate senses one by one.

Rather than tell you what chocolate you should like, The Chocolate Journey gives you the tools to start you on your own journey towards becoming a chocolate connoisseur.

Through our courses and workshops we explore the gastranomic senses with a series of interactive modules, awakening and educating our palates along the way.

The Chocolate Knowledge – introducing the chocolate makers

Our evening course will introduce to you five leading, new or artisanal chocolate makers from around the world.

We’ll take you through the philosophy behind each brand, explore their individual style and taste a sampling of each of their ranges.

We’ll also give you a quick overview of tasting chocolate and a brief introduction to the chocolate making process.

The event will feature famous names, new start ups and a few ‘behind the scenes’ chocolate makers you might not have heard of.

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

£35 per person, early bookers offer – ends 31 July 2010

.

7.30pm-9.30pm, Weds 13 Oct 2010
myhotel bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street
London
WC1B 3HD

Tickets currently on special ‘early bookers’ deal of £35 per person. Offer ends 31 July 2010

Part of our ‘The Chocolate Journey’ season

The Chocolate Journey is our new series of tasting events bringing a whole new approach to the art of chocolate appreciation.

Fine chocolate is fast becoming as sophisticated as wine, yet we are conditioned to eat chocolate as a sweet snack with little chance of noticing its finer points.

These new events will help to unravel all those years of chocolate snacking by working through each of our chocolate senses one by one.

Rather than tell you what chocolate you should like, The Chocolate Journey gives you the tools to start you on your own journey towards becoming a chocolate connoisseur.

Through our courses and workshops we explore the gastranomic senses with a series of interactive modules, awakening and educating our palates along the way.

The Chocolate Knowledge – introducing the chocolate makers

Our evening course will introduce to you  five  leading, new or artisanal chocolate makers from around the world.

We’ll take you through the philosophy behind each brand, explore their individual style and taste a sampling of each of their ranges.

We’ll also give you a quick overview of tasting chocolate and a brief introduction to the chocolate making process.

The event will feature famous names, new start ups and a few ‘behind the scenes’ chocolate makers you might not have heard of.

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

£35 per person, early bookers offer – ends 31 July 2010

.

7.30pm-9.30pm, Weds 29 Sept 2010
myhotel bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street
London
WC1B 3HD

Tickets currently on special ‘early bookers’ deal of £60 per person. Offer ends 31 July 2010

Taste of Chocolate

The Chocolate Journey is our new series of tasting events bringing a whole new approach to the art of chocolate appreciation.

Fine chocolate is fast becoming as sophisticated as wine, yet we are conditioned to eat chocolate as a sweet snack with little chance of noticing its finer points.

These new events will help to unravel all those years of chocolate snacking by working through each of our chocolate senses one by one.

Rather than tell you what chocolate you should like, The Chocolate Journey gives you the tools to start you on your own journey towards becoming a chocolate connoisseur.

Through our courses and workshops we explore the gastranomic senses with a series of interactive modules, awakening and educating our palates along the way.

Day course – A workshop of the senses

Our six hour day course is suitable for beginners and connoisseurs alike. Using fun and engaging games and taste experiments we will awaken your chocolate senses. Our superb modern London venue will put you in the right mood and help us take you on a journey of the senses.

We’ll show you the important steps you need to understand chocolate and to eat it correctly. Most of us eat chocolate in completely the wrong way, which is fine if your eating candy of chocolate confectionery, but not really suitable for the new world of fine and origin chocolate. You’ve paid a lot for your origin plantation chocolate, don’t waste that hard earned cash – get the most out of your chocolate by learning a whole new way to taste.

You will come away with a new view on the true taste of chocolate and with simple steps you can use at any time to quickly tell a good chocolate from a bad one. By the end of the day you will be well on the way to becoming a connoisseur.

Includes a light lunch that will keep your palate clean, and refreshments. For your own benefit and that of fellow workshop members, avoid wearing strong perfumes or aftershaves. It is also best to have a light breakfast without strong flavours.

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

£60 per person, early bookers offer – ends 31 July 2010

.

11.00am-4.00pm, Sat 11 Dec 2010
myhotel bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street
London
WC1B 3HD

Tickets currently on special ‘early bookers’ deal of £60 per person. Offer ends 31 July 2010

Taste of Chocolate

The Chocolate Journey is our new series of tasting events bringing a whole new approach to the art of chocolate appreciation.

Fine chocolate is fast becoming as sophisticated as wine, yet we are conditioned to eat chocolate as a sweet snack with little chance of noticing its finer points.

These new events will help to unravel all those years of chocolate snacking by working through each of our chocolate senses one by one.

Rather than tell you what chocolate you should like, The Chocolate Journey gives you the tools to start you on your own journey towards becoming a chocolate connoisseur.

Through our courses and workshops we explore the gastranomic senses with a series of interactive modules, awakening and educating our palates along the way.

Day course – A workshop of the senses

Our six hour day course is suitable for beginners and connoisseurs alike. Using fun and engaging games and taste experiments we will awaken your chocolate senses. Our superb modern London venue will put you in the right mood and help us take you on a journey of the senses.

We’ll show you the important steps you need to understand chocolate and to eat it correctly. Most of us eat chocolate in completely the wrong way, which is fine if your eating candy of chocolate confectionery, but not really suitable for the new world of fine and origin chocolate. You’ve paid a lot for your origin plantation chocolate, don’t waste that hard earned cash – get the most out of your chocolate by learning a whole new way to taste.

You will come away with a new view on the true taste of chocolate and with simple steps you can use at any time to quickly tell a good chocolate from a bad one. By the end of the day you will be well on the way to becoming a connoisseur.

Includes a light lunch that will keep your palate clean, and refreshments. For your own benefit and that of fellow workshop members, avoid wearing strong perfumes or aftershaves. It is also best to have a light breakfast without strong flavours.

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

£60 per person, early bookers offer – ends 31 July 2010

.

11.00am-4.00pm, Sat 20 Nov 2010
myhotel bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street
London
WC1B 3HD

Tickets currently on special ‘early bookers’ deal of £60 per person. Offer ends 31 July 2010

Taste of Chocolate

The Chocolate Journey is our new series of tasting events bringing a whole new approach to the art of chocolate appreciation.

Fine chocolate is fast becoming as sophisticated as wine, yet we are conditioned to eat chocolate as a sweet snack with little chance of noticing its finer points.

These new events will help to unravel all those years of chocolate snacking by working through each of our chocolate senses one by one.

Rather than tell you what chocolate you should like, The Chocolate Journey gives you the tools to start you on your own journey towards becoming a chocolate connoisseur.

Through our courses and workshops we explore the gastranomic senses with a series of interactive modules, awakening and educating our palates along the way.

Day course – A workshop of the senses

Our six hour day course is suitable for beginners and connoisseurs alike. Using fun and engaging games and taste experiments we will awaken your chocolate senses. Our superb modern London venue will put you in the right mood and help us take you on a  journey of the senses.

We’ll show you the important steps you need to understand chocolate and to eat it correctly. Most of us eat chocolate in completely the wrong way, which is fine if your eating candy of chocolate confectionery, but not really suitable for the new world of fine and origin chocolate. You’ve paid a lot for your origin plantation chocolate, don’t waste that hard earned cash -  get the most out of your chocolate by learning a whole new way to taste.

You will come away with a new view on the true taste of chocolate and with simple steps you can use at any time to quickly tell a good chocolate from a bad one. By the end of the day you will be well on the way to becoming a connoisseur.

Includes a light lunch that will keep your palate clean, and refreshments. For your own benefit and that of fellow workshop members, avoid wearing strong perfumes or aftershaves. It is also best to have a light breakfast without strong flavours.

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

£60 per person, early bookers offer – ends 31 July 2010

.

11.00am-4.00pm, Sat 18 Sept 2010
myhotel bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street
London
WC1B 3HD

Tickets currently on special ‘early bookers’ deal of £60 per person. Offer ends 31 July 2010

Taste of Chocolate

The Chocolate Journey is our new series of tasting events bringing a whole new approach to the art of chocolate appreciation.

Fine chocolate is fast becoming as sophisticated as wine, yet we are conditioned to eat chocolate as a sweet snack with little chance of noticing its finer points.

These new events will help to unravel all those years of chocolate snacking by working through each of our chocolate senses one by one.

Rather than tell you what chocolate you should like, The Chocolate Journey gives you the tools to start you on your own journey towards becoming a chocolate connoisseur.

Through our courses and workshops we explore the gastranomic senses with a series of interactive modules, awakening and educating our palates along the way.

Day course – A workshop of the senses

Our six hour day course is suitable for beginners and connoisseurs alike. Using fun and engaging games and taste experiments we will awaken your chocolate senses. Our superb modern London venue will put you in the right mood and help us take you on a journey of the senses.

We’ll show you the important steps you need to understand chocolate and to eat it correctly. Most of us eat chocolate in completely the wrong way, which is fine if your eating candy of chocolate confectionery, but not really suitable for the new world of fine and origin chocolate. You’ve paid a lot for your origin plantation chocolate, don’t waste that hard earned cash – get the most out of your chocolate by learning a whole new way to taste.

You will come away with a new view on the true taste of chocolate and with simple steps you can use at any time to quickly tell a good chocolate from a bad one. By the end of the day you will be well on the way to becoming a connoisseur.

Includes a light lunch that will keep your palate clean, and refreshments. For your own benefit and that of fellow workshop members, avoid wearing strong perfumes or aftershaves. It is also best to have a light breakfast without strong flavours.

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

£60 per person, early bookers offer – ends 31 July 2010

.

11.00am-4.00pm, Sat 23 Oct 2010
myhotel bloomsbury
11-13 Bayley Street
London
WC1B 3HD

Amano mystery beans

Amano have asked us to pass on news of their new competition – with the prize a chance to win one year’s supply of Amano chocolate. (Which, apparently, is 10 bars a month.)

Amano have a growing range of origin fine chocolate bars and seem to be heading for one of the widest ranges of origins on the market.

The fledgling Utah chocolate maker are certainly excited about the new chocolate, Art Pollard, founder and chocolate maker of Amano told us.

“I’m passionate about the incredible array of flavors that are to be found in cocoa. Each time I taste a new cocoa bean, I ask myself ‘What can I do with these beans? What flavors can I bring out?’

Then I rush home and make a test batch. Such was the case with these beans and I believe this will be one of our most flavorful chocolates yet.”

For full details of the competition and terms and conditions, visit Amano’s website here. (Valid though in certain countries only, better check the list before you enter!)

Chocolate making stages

The Connoisseurs Club is our new series of fine chocolate appreciation sessions for more advanced chocolate enthusiasts. These new events will give you a chance to share your passion for fine and origin chocolate with fellow enthusiasts and guests such as our official reviewers or industry specialists.

The event will be led by Seventypercent, the format though will be more informal than our regular tastings. We will be providing a selection of the best and most interesting chocolate at each event, but you will also be welcome to bring along any samples you have found for group discussion and tasting – no matter the quality.

Connoisseurs Club tastings will be a chance to try some of the latest samples from new and established chocolate makers – including works in progress, source ingredients like cacao, and will be an opportunity to experience the weird and wonderful in fine chocolate.

This month’s featured topics will include:

• New US artisans – samples from new ‘micro-batch’  US chocolate makers
• Green & Black’s 70% – has it got better?
• Madagascar field trip – Jennifer Earle of Chocolate Ecstasy Tours gives us an update
• Early preview of bean samples soon to be made into chocolate by a top maker

While beginners are welcome, we will be giving only the briefest of introductions into how to taste chocolate and will be going straight into tasting and comparing this month’s samples. As usual, there will also be a chance for a whisky and chocolate match at the end of the event.

(Please note: if you are bringing your own samples along for the event, please ensure they are fit for retail consumption and commercially available, unless otherwise agreed in advance. In general, unflavoured dark bars will be of the most interest).

Info

Book your tickets through PayPal – no account needed, all major cards accepted.

.

7.30pm-9.30pm, Thurs 20 Apr 2010
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
London Members’ Rooms
19 Greville Street
London
EC1N 8SQ