Fall in love all over again with Chocolate!
The other day I walked into the store, beautifully decorated, tasteful and clean. The staff where gracious, helpful and willing to answer all of my questions about the confections, because there where so many new things. Gelatos, spicy chocolate choices and of course the traditional high quality lovely fare. Beautiful packages with elegant bows and lovely designs - tasteful and sophisticated.
With all the new changes and I think improvements (because I love "THE NEW"), I decided to figure out what has changed with my favorite chocolate company.
Here is what I found out . . . about two years ago the original owner became insolvent and did not pay his suppliers. Fortunately, the new company, Chocolaterie Cococo was formed saving all of the factory workers jobs.
I took it upon myself to request a factory tour! It is a 'MUST DO". I got gowned-up "food safe" style, with the booties, and was lead through the factory by the head chocolate production manager. It was amazing to see and sample all of the chocolates. You often hear that chocolate making is an art, and it certainly is. What an impressive and happy group of professionals.
After the tour I attended one of the new store openings. Speeches, introductions, gelato and chocolate dipped strawberries; I met Maître Chocolatier Derrick Tu Tan Pho, who had just joined the Cococo team. I was so impressed with his background. With over 25 years experience, his most recent position was Director for the Barry Callebaut AG's Chocolate Academy. Now, not being European, I had no idea what that meant.
With a little research I learned that in Europe, the Callebaut brand is the largest and most prestigious brand of chocolate confections. The AG Chocolate Academy is the biggest manufacture of fine chocolates, so being the director of the largest European fine chocolate company is no small feet.
So what do I mean by falling in love AGAIN with chocolate? Well, it is the new creative and edgy recipes that Derrick has created. One that I love is the Rosemary Fusion with habanero sea salt. It is an amazing, fragrant kick that is soothed by the milk chocolate. Wonderful for wine paring! My guests love it.
Then there are the Chocolate Cherries, which are worth their weight in gold. A plump dark chocolate-coated organic BC cherries infused for 5 months with an amazing Kirsh liqueur! I know, get out of town! Organic BC Cherries!
I am so proud of the new company. I check their Facebook page and see that they are involved with the community, doing fund raising and supporting charities. Not to mention that with Cococo stepping in and saving the company; they saved a ton of jobs - saved the franchise stores I love to go into - saved the European connection with the new Maitre Chocolatier.
I just want to thank the new Cococo for bringing back a confection that I can morally stand behind. That is even better that it was before - I am sure Europe is grateful! I know I am. All the best with your continued success.
Thank You.
Check out the Chocolate Cherries: www.bernardcallebaut.com/shop/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=1220
I liked them on Facebook and learned about new stuff at: https://www.facebook.com/ChocolaterieBernardCallebaut read more