Chocolate World

Cadbury World, Dunedin. August 2008. Ajr

When I visited Dunedin recently a friend wanted to take the family to Cadbury World. I’d done the tour myself a few years ago and wasn’t about to repeat it. I had come away then feeling it was full of promise but somehow fell a little short on delivery – you know, too much machinery and not enough chocolate. The kids though seemed to enjoy it, especially the chocolate shopping at the end. I took the opportunity to photograph this colourful mountain of Crunchie bars in the foyer. That was quite something. This is only a part of the bigger picture.

Meet the People - 21

Agnes Almeida, Xocolatl, Christchurch. August 2008. Ajr

Another in the series Meet the People – Ordinary and Extraordinary New Zealanders Doing Interesting Things – Canadian-born Agnes Almeida is a new New Zealander with a dream job! She’s a Montreal-trained pastry chef and chocolateir, who came here two years ago with her New Zealand partner and when I met her yesterday, she was up to her elbows (almost literally) in melted chocolate. Agnes and Raymond have opened Xocolatl here in Christchurch and people are pouring through their doors to savour chocolate treats with unexpected flavours like smoked Chinese tea, olive oil, balsamic, chilli and jasmine tea… …and then there’s the chilli flavoured hot chocolate – a yummy indulgence with a bite in the tail. And if you’re struggling with the name, Xocolatl is Aztec for chocolate and is pronounced shocolatil. www.tempertemper.co.nz

Chocolate Pleasures

Xocolatl, Christchurch. August 2008. Ajr

If you find yourself with free time head straight for Xocolatl and sit yourself down with coffee and a plate full of Agnes Almeida's amazing taste sensations. You could try hot chocolate instead of coffee but I don't want to encourage anyone to indulge TOO much! www.tempertemper.co.nz

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Chocolate?

Temptations at She Chocolaterie, Governor's Bay. Christchurch. Ajr
Have you ever considered the possibility of going out for the night and doing nothing but eat chocolate? I did – on Wednesday night; and I didn’t make the decision lightly!
Suffice to say I came home feeling three stone heavier, albeit with a smile on my face.
Declan Scott and Oonagh Browne over at She Chocolaterie in Governor’s Bay (over the Port Hills from Christchurch), have found every possible way to tempt you – and it’s no good pretending you don’t like chocolate. By the time you’ve been through one of their Chocolate Extravaganza tasting evenings, you’ll be convinced there’s no healthier vice to have. www.shecafe.co.nz

Sweet Talkers

Devonport Chocolates. Photos supplied.

It goes without saying that for most people, chocolate is the ultimate indulgence.

At Devonport Chocolates, on Auckland's North Shore, they handcraft dark, milk and white chocolate into perfect 'chocolatey' treats that you can't leave alone.

And here's some good news for Aucklanders - Stephanie Everitt and her daughter, Caroline have just opened a new Devonport Chocolates store in ever-popular Ponsonby Road. And with flavours like sweet curry and coconut and cappucino crunch, you'll find plenty to indulge yourself with. As far as chocolate is concerned I think it always pays to remember that new research has shown that 10 grams of dark chocolate eaten daily enhances antioxidant levels. That's got to be the best news of all. www.devonportchocolates.co.nz

Sometimes........

.......... a small, perfectly formed chocolate seems like the perfect answer to any question.

Sometimes..............

a small chocolate truffle is all you need