I aspire to try some of this stuff- I really do. But well, you know, I live in Orange. I have scoured the local resources, ok I went to Coles and Big W, to try and find some hither to unacknowledged locally available treasure trove. Sadly not to be. Will need excursions or international couriers (when it's not 35 degrees here) to bring some of these goodies to my door.
My local exploits into the unknown began thusly, at Big W:
All the signs that normally warn me away from such a product. Nasty packaging. Dairy Free. Gluten Free. Weakened by images of Vestri, and knowing that this product couldn't possibly live up to the imaginings of that one, I bought it.
And wasn't disappointed. It was rather unmemorable. I bought this a bit over a week ago, and while it has been a particularly busy week, I now find that I have almost no memory of what this chocolate was like. It wasn't bad and certainly not as bad as I was expecting (I think, although I did find that one later at Coles), but also not really memorable.
At Coles, I ventured even further into the unknown with a gimmicky chocolate. Oh yes I know. I know. Going to be dreadful. Always going to be dreadful. But where oh where is my supplier of Vestri? Florence. Hmmph. So I am left with this to try
Don't do it. Just don't do it. I've done it so that you don't have to.
I did have one limited success in my local campaign. I'd tried on Green and Black product before, quite some time ago, so can't remember which one, but had been a bit underwhelmed, and not continued any further in exploring their works. Recently I had a friend over to watch The History Boys (a bit disappointing actually after wanting to see it for so long), and we nibbled daintily on two different Green and Black bars after chowing down on Indian takeaway.
One was this one
The other some sort of butterscotch chip milk chocolate I think.
The white one isn't bad, you can taste the vanilla, but it's a bit soft, maybe not helped along by the hot summer weather I suppose. It will have to suffice til I can get my hands on some Askinosie- maybe next month in Canberra??
LOL Louise ... well done! You can find some chocolates in Canberra of the fancier variety. Urban Food (in New Acton) is a good place to start ... but I'm sure Hannah will give you a list that's far more extensive. Do tell us when you are here ...
ReplyDeleteLouise, I wish I could hug you right now. I feel both sheepish about and proud of my influence on you :P
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely be happy to bring back a few bars of something special for you in my suitcase when I return home, although that won't be for a few months yet.
I'm also glad you found at least a few chocolates worthy of being eaten. Green & Black's white chocolate is, in my opinion, the best of the non-deoderised bunch, as it does have a very strong bourbon vanilla flavour. The butterscotch one is also pleasant, though a bit sweet for my tastes! (Needs salt :P)
I shall endeavour to keep piquing your interest on my blog, and look forward to following your chocolate exploits!
Hi Sue, I've got two places to check out in Canberra now, will be there late Feb, early March I think. Hopefully it'll be good timing, still warm so the boy can go watersliding, and not too close to the French exhibition closing so there isn't the mad rush of the last few weeks. Will let you know when we have exact dates. And Hannah, I'm really enjoying your blog,don't feel guilty, you should feel proud of the influence you are having on your loyal followers. I'm just jealous you know, and wishing I could replicate some of the experiences, although probably can live without the LLC!
ReplyDeleteNo one can live without the LLC! :P (says she, who absolutely hasn't gone near Splenda since.)
ReplyDeleteAs well as Urban Food and As Nature Intended, you can find interesting chocolate bars at The Wine and Cheese Providore in Manuka, Mountain Creek Whole Foods in Griffith, the delis at the Belconnon and Fyshwick Fresh Food markets, and I believe a few at The Kitchen Cabinet at Old Parliament House. There are also a few good truffle makers in Canberra, I believe, but that's not my strong area :)
Oh, so much to go on with, thanks Hannah.
ReplyDelete