This month we are taking a more spiritual path into the cacao trees plantations. If you still haven’t caught up with the Tree Bathing – “Shinrin-yuku” trend, here is your opportunity to plunge in, and also to learn more about the magnificent trees that give us chocolate. For thousands of years, cacao has been considered a sacred
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A Year of Chocolate Celebrations Worldwide
How about a trip around the world, to visit chocolate festivals? It seems like there is no place on the globe where people don’t love and celebrate chocolate. Even if you just feel like browsing festivals’ photos online, we’ve created a long list of chocolate events worldwide, that are worthy of entering your bucket list.
Continue reading »The “Michelin Stars” of The Chocolate World: Chocolate Appreciation Professionals
How do chocolatiers get their medals & awards? This month, while working towards the 2017 International Chocolate Awards winners ceremony, we share some tips and behind-the-scenes insight, to help you judge the quality of chocolate, just like the jury members of international competitions, and writers of guides like Le Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat. Professional
Continue reading »Ika’s Tokyo Address Book
There is a metaphorical two-way street between Tokyo and Paris, that goes through the world’s finest chocolateries – internationally acclaimed Japanese chocolate artists, like Sadaharu Aoki, opened branches in Paris. Pierre Hermé, Pierre Marcolini and Jean-Paul Hévin run hugely successful branches in Tokyo, in return. The leading international chocolate festival, “Salon du Chocolat” that was
Continue reading »Chocolate Tourism Should Be About Terroir
1. Terroir isn’t just about wine making In some ways, chocolate is like wine. The aroma, texture and taste of both pleasurable products depend much on the Terroir. Like wine, chocolate may be impacted by how it’s been grown: Location, geology and climate of the place. In fact it’s among the few products with a
Continue reading »Ika’s 7 Must Visit Chocolate Destinations In France
“Paris is the greatest temple ever built to material joys and the lust of the eyes.” Henry James If you feel inspired to embark on a major chocolate journey, here is a list of must-visit-in-your-lifetime places for true chocolate lovers. Most are in Paris (mais bien sûr!) some further afield in France. PARIS 1. Patrick Roger
Continue reading »To Sin And Be Forgiven: Adventures In Love & Chocolate In Papua New Guinea
For 2017 Valentine’s day, Ika is launching a limited edition of pralines based on Papua New Guinea cacao. The deeply dark chocolate praline gives fruity and coffee notes, and has a unique smoky finish. Its creation was inspired by a legendary princess. A woman who was loved by many men, some of them to (their)
Continue reading »Mad About Music (And Chocolate)
Talking with Ika about music is like talking to her about chocolate – basically we end up discussing her entire life – past and present. “I used to work in a radio station for many years as a sound technician. I can’t possibly describe how much music means to me. I flew four hours to
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