The Sweetest Corner of London

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I know, I've been missing in action the last couple of weeks. I've been having a lot of work, business trips, visits, holidays... and haven't really had a lot of time to write about it!And that's the reason why this post comes, well, a bit delayed. 

Last thursday I was surprised with a improvising business trip to London (those are the kind of surprises I like). I had my tickets to stay over for the weekend anyway - perfect timing, thanks! As usual, the weekend could be summed up in 3 words: partying, walking and eating. Seriously, is this food obsession temporarily? Is it somehow related to age? Will I get over it before I turn into a gigantic walrus?

On planning our Sunday by, initially, checking out where to go ice skating, I stumbled upon London's Chocolate Festival. I must admit that, me (as well as most of my friends) aren't sweeties - Most of us would probably never trade a piece of cheese, ham or a dumpling for chocolate. But then - having the opportunity to explore a whole market of chocolate-related products (only during that precise weekend), who would decline the offer?


My Top 5 Selection

So, after making my way through the crowd to investigate what each of the exhibitors were offering, my 5 favorites (in no particular order) were...

1. Champagne truffles, by Co Couture. Co Couture uses only French and Italian raw materials and most of its chocolates are dairy and gluten free. Usually the word "free" isn't appealing at all when it comes to chocolate - at least that's what I thought until I saw their collection of champagne, whisky and gold truffles. 
2. Chocolate with lavender, by Bean and Pod. They use all natural ingredients for their incredible flower truffles. Lavender is my favorite flower - could there be a better combination? 
3. Cocoa Oil and Vinegar, by Hotel Chocolat. Hotel Chocolat was the only brand I knew at the exhibition. Besides from offering amazing pralines in all shapes, colors, textures and fillings they have some pretty exotic stuff that is definitely worth trying. I got obsessed with the cocoa and chilli oil and the cocoa vinegar. Did you know they even have cocoa penne?
4. Cookies, by Sobo Chocolate. Forget about Starbucks cookies, there's nothing that can be compared to Sobo's cookies. They even won de Great Taste Awards 2010! Sobo Chocolate started in 2007, when entrepreneurs Helen & James got bored of their 9 to 5 jobs and decided that they wanted to gift the world with chocolate - it could be a movie, right?
5. Rusty Tool Set, by White Fox Chocolaterie. Sorry, I'm cheating with this one. I remember their awesome collection of small chocolates and truffles, but when I visited their webpage and discovered their figurines... I couldn't resist! You've got to check our their shoes (they come in a shoe box!). 

I guess I can say that, when it comes to chocolate - I like it dark and with some exotic taste (yeah, exactly, like champagne or... chili!). 


Which is your chocolate ruin? Any particular type or flavor you can't live without?