Sunday, May 16, 2010

ChocolateBet: May 16, 2010

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Northern Delights
1.) Alaskan Black Bear Paw
(1/2 piece) - Good +
Weight: .63 oz. (17.6 g.) /1.25 oz. (35.4 g.)  total package
Calories: 97 calories (estimate)
Cost: $4.50 for 1 bear paw/package
Purchased from: Cabin Fever, in Anchorage, Alaska

2.) Alaska Gold Nuggets
2 small pieces/nuggets - Good
Weight: .1 oz. (2.8 g.) / .5 oz. (14 g.) total package
Calories: 15 calories (estimate)
Cost: $5.95 total package
Purchased from: Cabin Fever, in Anchorage, Alaska

The Cabin Fever shop in downtown Anchorage was chocked full of interesting items from Alaska, not the least of which was several chocolates that were new to me. Two of these (above) were from Northern Delights (based in Eagle River, Alaska I believe).

I didn't get to pan for gold or see a bear on my trip to Alaska. So eating realistic, chocolate facsimiles (chocsimiles) of both was the next best thing. There were three types of Northern Delights bear paws available: black bear, brown bear and polar bear. I chose the black bear paw -- a dark chocolate, realistic looking paw with roasted almonds for claws, that was filled with caramel. I enjoyed splitting this was Edith, who I met on a day cruise today and who was visiting Alaska also (from Mexico). The second Northern Delights item was a small metal miner's pan, filled with chocolate facsimiles (chocsimiles) of gold nuggets nestled inside. This clever packaging called to mind the various gold rushes that helped lure many to the Western U.S. in the past.

ChocolateBet: May 15, 2010

Chocolate(s) of the Day:
Alaska Cake Studio
1.) Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Truffle - (1/2 piece) OK + - Good
2.) Lemon Flower (1 piece) - Very Good
3.) Berry Mousse Cup (1/2 cup) - Good + - Very Good
Weight:  2.4 oz. (69 g.) (estimate)
Calories: 365 calories (estimate)
Cost: $6.95 total for all 3
Purchased from: Cake Studio, in downtown Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska, is a great walking city. It was during a stroll through the downtown area that I walked by the Cake Studio - Bakery and Boutique. Like many places in Anchorage, it had a nice neighborhood feel, with tables where you could sit and enjoy items you'd purchased there, while reading a local newspaper and enjoying a cup of coffee. The berry mousse (in a dark chocolate cup) was tasty; and the flower-shaped lemon flower chocolate was probably my favorite.

Note: Entry photographs will be delayed due to travel in Alaska this week.

ChocolateBet: May 14, 2010

Chocolate(s) of the Day:
6-piece box
Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge
1.) Salmon Surprise truffle - Very Good +
2.) Anochovy Amour - Very Good
3.) Indian Bop - Very Good + - Yum
4.) Tokyo Tango - Very Good+
5.) The Berbere - Very Good
6.) Romantic Rose - Very Good
Weight: 2.4 oz. (69 g.) (estimate)
Calories: 365 calories
Cost: $16.80 (estimate)
Purchased from: Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge, in downtown Anchorage, Alaska

Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge offered attractive and unique truffles, with artfully blended flavors and textures from Alaska. I was really looking forward to trying the salmon truffle in particular, and I was not disappointed. For those who enjoy mixing salty or smoky flavors with chocolate, I recommend this one. The anchovy truffle was a beautiful irridescent blue and topped with a crunchy little fish (pictured at right). I enjoyed the Indian Bop very much. The Tokyo Tango had just the right amount of ginger, nori, and wasabi nose burn for my taste; but then I like wasabi. The Romantic Rose flavoring was almost too subtle, but eating it after two truffles with stronger flavors probably didn't help this fact.
Note: Entry details and photographs will be delayed due to travel in Alaska this week.
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