Vosges Black Pearl Bar

A chocolate bar with an asian influence.
Trendy, boutiquey,'haute chocolat'.
Yep, this is a very slick little bar.

The flavors seem pretty complex- first the ginger, then the wasabi, and then the sesame seed crunch. Strangely, this bar is easy to get along with. So much so that when I ate it, I thought it would be fine for breakfast.

Everyone I've shown this bar to oohs and awees before even one taste. Everyone I allowed a taste thought it very nice even though I thought the exotic ingredients would intimidate them. Really though, it's like that guy in your English class in highschool that all the girls have a crush on because he's so hot, and sweet, and quiet. But no one is really in love with him, because he has the personality of a vacant model on a hugo boss billboard.

'The Everyone' also agrees that especially cool is the 'How to enjoy an exotic candy bar' instructions on the back of the bar. Breathe, See, Smell, Snap Taste, Sense. This is very much like a somlier/wine lover experience. I wonder if this blog is staining my teeth. Anyway, the instructions, if you may, made samplers stop and pause and reflect on the experience which is awesome....
Katrina, the owner of Vosges apparently wants to bring 'awareness of indiginous cultures' through her chocolate. Also, she was to bring awareness of herself, so yeah, her picture and bio is on the back of the bar. She's pretty. Maybe that makes it taste better? Did I mention this bar felt trendy?
55% cacao. Fun. Unique. Not much about the chocolate... However, the website does talk about adding such a chocolate bar to s'mores. That could be COOL!

I may buy another bar from here in the future just because of the bacon chocolate bars. It would be an homage to my baby brother and other bacon lovers out there, and a brave bold move that should be tasted.

Chocolove Chilies & Cherries in Dark Chocolate

The man bar...

Again already? one might ask? Another Chocolove bar so soon? When there are so many other bars out there? One might even suggest I've begun taking propinas or sponsorships or commercial advertising already. Never!
This bar was a weekend impulse. After a quick drive to visit friends in OKC, I came across this bar at 'Forward Foods' across the street from my old highschool. My host being a chili fan, this seemed appropriate.

Off the top, the damage with this bar is: 55% Cocoa Content is not enough...

A quick nibble on the corner of this bar gets you nowhere...go down further in and find a dried cherry. The cherry itself reveals the chili either around or inside of it- no telling which, but ust when you start contemplating the logistics and the sexiness of it, that's when the chili kicks you in the back of the throat. Now...it's not THAT hot, but it does suprise you when and where it hits- like I said, the back of the throat... and it does linger. It's sweet and spicy...and it's got a poem. Again, not that impressed with these old romance authors... Something a little racier or daring might actually get somewhere with me.

Chocolove Raspberries in Dark Chocolate 55%

The double score. 160 calories per serving. 55%. 16% fat

Rasbperries in Dark Belgian Chocolate from the makers of 'Chocolove' and extreemly accessible. I found it at Target in the regular candy bar isle next to Gheradelli and Toblerone. Lot # 052309. Made with love in Boulder BABY!

This bar was first introduced to me by Laura Teaske who had fallen madly in love with another bar they keep- salted almonds I think was the flavor. 'Love Poem Inside', the label reads. I must admit, the poem, by William Shakespeare is not quite as sexy as I might have hoped, but I am medicating myself with chocolate at work so there should be some boundaries. She also introduced me to a sweet little bar that had Gogi berries in it which I have been chasing ever since...I dedicated this bar to the memory of that one which she brought to me as a hostess gift.

Why so great?

- Accessible

- Dried berries in chocolate are fast becoming my favorite

-Not at all bitter-dark. Might be a nice introduction to dark for someone transitioning from milk (milk is for babies!)

- At the bottom of the poem is a lead for another tempting flavor. The lead is: Orange Peel in Dark Chocolate with best by date of MAR 2011. Not big into orange and chocolate...I don't think...but when the universe speaks, I'm inclined to do as I'm told!

- I love and hate the division of tiny bits. Tiny bits making up two halves of the bar. Portion control...ahhhhh. The tiny hearts on those little bits are so sweet....

Proudly, I stretched this bar out to 3 days and shared pieces witha t least two friends.