Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café Has Arrived in Melbourne’s CBD
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Guylian, the world’s favourite Belgian chocolates, has opened its first Melbourne café.
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Melbourne's Chocoholic Tours
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Receive 10% off your first tour! Just quote BLOG2015 when booking!
Gastrology bloggers went on the Bittersweet Chocolate Delights tour courtesy of Chocoholic Tours.
Gastrology bloggers went on the Bittersweet Chocolate Delights tour courtesy of Chocoholic Tours.
Chocoholic Tours and its team of Chocolate Experts have been exploring the laneways and arcades of the Melbourne CBD for the past 20 years, discovering the best places to indulge that chocolate craving in the city’s many laneways and boutique arcades.
The boutique Chocoholic Tours run daily tours, seven days a week, stopping at up to six chocolate cafes for tastings and samples of their sweet wares.
On these tailored and themed quirky intimate tours around Melbourne’s hidden laneways and arcades- chocoholics can meet the makers behind the chocolate havens of Melbourne, take advantage of Chocoholic Tours’ special offers and discover flavours and styles of chocolate they never even knew existed – and of course indulge in tasting Melbourne’s best chocolate product on offer.
Gastrology recently went along on the Bittersweet Chocolate Delights tour which caters for those who crave the bittersweet cacao bean bite…
First stop: Cacao Lab
Cacao Lab is passionate about making fine crafted chocolates, macarons, éclairs and pastries.
Led by acclaimed pastry chefs Laurent Meric and Tim Clark the café boasts an exquisite and extravagant sweet creations are hand crafted in our Melbourne kitchen by skilfully balancing flavours and textures into fine works of art.
We enjoyed the chocolates we sampled and in particular the decadent dark chocolate chilli hot chocolate.
Second stop: Alison Nelson's Chocolate Bar NYC
Alison Nelson's first Australian store offers cacao goodness in a modern vintage setting with a touch of NYC style. Chocolate truffles, signature cakes, brownies and bonbons are complemented by a theatrical view of chocolate making in the bar area.
We enjoyed sampling their red velvet brownie which is a lighter fluffier take on the traditional.
Third stop: Koko Black
Koko Black is one of our favourite chocolate haunts in Melbourne. We were pleased to visit the store where it all started in Royal Arcade.
Since their first Koko Black salon opened in December 2003 it has turned into a local Melbourne enterprise proudly employing over 350 people.
Fourth stop: Haighs Chocolate
Haighs store is an inviting place where you’ll find that chocolate tasting, gift wrapping and personalised attention is all part of the service.
We enjoyed a selection of their milk pastilles, dark chocolate pastilles and artisan chocolate.
Fifth stop: Gânache Chocolate Lounge
Our final stop was Gânache Chocolate Lounge. Located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, on fashionable Collins Street, Ganache displays mouth-watering selections (all delivered daily), together with coffees, hot chocolates and light lunches.
We enjoyed their delicious hazelnut fan slice over a cup of coffee. The slice comprised of hazelnut sponge with whole roasted hazelnuts, covered in a layer of hazelnut praline and Paillete feuilletine, then a layer of soft milk chocolate mousse. Glazed with a milk chocolate glaze and decorated with milk chocolate curls and freshly roasted hazelnuts, it was a sight to behold.
What: A range of themed chocolate tour experiences. There is something for every type of chocoholic: if you like both milk and dark chocolate, try The Melbourne’s Chocolate Wonderland Tour, which takes in six different Chocolate cafes, including Haigh’s Chocolate; the Chocolate Lovers Tour is strictly milk chocolate; while the Bittersweet Chocolate Delights tour caters for those who crave the bittersweet cacao bean bite.
Costs: $49.00 per person
Inclusions: Every person on a Chocoholic Tour is given a bottle of water, an “I’m A Chocoholic” badge, a map of the tour and a tasting bag for the chocolate goodies picked up along the way. Each tour ends off with a decadent afternoon tea (more chocolate, if you can handle it) plus a coffee.
To check out the range of Chocoholic Tours available, visit their website: www.chocoholictours.com.au
Top 7 treats to get this Easter!
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Easter is just around the corner. Here’s a list of our top 7
must-have treats for the festive season.
1. Go retro with T Cavallaro & Sons marzipan Pascal Lambs
For centuries, Sicilians have been giving gifts of Easter lambs.
Because of its historical and religious significance, Tony (owner of T Cavallaro & Sons) tells us this is one of the most rewarding things they make. Making the lambs reminds him of the days when he would watch his father produce these works of art.
The moulds were brought to Australia by Tony’s father in around 1941 and would have been used by him since the 1900s. Dusted lightly with cornflour, the moulds are then filled with marzipan. The larger ones are then filled with a layer of Madeira sponge which is placed just under a fruit mince of sultanas, cherries, orange peel and almond which adorns a third layer within the lambs.
The lambs are then covered with a butter cream to resemble the wool.
What: Pascal Lambs (sizes rangefrom 50 gms to 3 kgs)
Where: T. Cavallaro & Sons is at 98 Hopkins Street, Footscray.
Price: Varies depending on size
How: Call 9687 4638 to ask for availability or to place an order.
Read more about T Cavallaro & Sons here.
2. Go mod-Oz with Cafe Vue / Burnham Bakery hot cross buns
Cafe Vue offers two delicious varieties of hot cross buns this season: Spelt and Cranberry and Chocolate
The Spelt and Cranberry hot cross buns are absolutely delicious. Made from spelt wholemeal flour from Powlett Hill Mill with a selection of sweet dried fruits thrown into the mix, the buns have a lovely hint of mixed spice, ginger and orange. Full of fruit yet, retaining a fluffy and soft texture, these hot cross buns are divine.
For the chocolate lovers, Cafe Vue’s chocolate hot cross buns are an indulgent mix of orange puree, ginger a hint of mixed spice, and smooth chocolate chips. Threading the delicate balance between bun and cake, these hot cross buns certainly satisfy.
What: Hot cross buns (spelt or chocolate)
Where: Order online or purchase at any Cafe Vue location and Burnham Bakery:
- Cafe Vue 430 Little Colllins Street, Melbourne
- Café Vue 401 St Kilda Road
- Café Vue at Heide 7 Templestowe Road Bulleen
- Burnham Bakery, Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke
Price: One for $3.50 or 6 for $18
3. Artistic Chocolate treats @ T By LuxBite
What: Various chocolate and other dessert creations
Where: T By LuxBite, 517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
4. Bean to bar chocolate
Bright Chocolate are a small batch chocolate maker located in Bright NE Victoria. They use only premium single origin cacao and sugar to produce their range of bean to bar chocolate and have been awarded three gold, silver and bronze in the 2015 Melbourne Fine Food Awards, along with three silver medals at the 2015 Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards.
We absolutely loved the chocolate bars we sampled (pictured above)!
The single origin bars were each particularly unique. The Madagascar 72% Single Origin Chocolate possessed summary floral notes with a citrus undertone. On the other hand the Ecuador 72% Cacao Single Origin Chocolate boasted a heart-warming cinnamon, honey and vanilla flavour.
The Dominican Republic 70% Cacao Single Origin Chocolate was an enchanting chocolate which displayed earthy notes of tobacco and coffee, with a hint of cherry. The Trinidad 68% Single Origin Chocolate was our favourite chocolate. Beautifully balanced in flavour, it tasted of fresh spice, tropical fruits and had luscious caramel undertones.
Last but certainly not least the Bright Blend the 44% milk chocolate was a crowd pleaser - smooth, creamy but with half as much sugar as most milk chocolate!
Fnd out more at www.brightchocolate.com.au.
We absolutely loved the chocolate bars we sampled (pictured above)!
The single origin bars were each particularly unique. The Madagascar 72% Single Origin Chocolate possessed summary floral notes with a citrus undertone. On the other hand the Ecuador 72% Cacao Single Origin Chocolate boasted a heart-warming cinnamon, honey and vanilla flavour.
The Dominican Republic 70% Cacao Single Origin Chocolate was an enchanting chocolate which displayed earthy notes of tobacco and coffee, with a hint of cherry. The Trinidad 68% Single Origin Chocolate was our favourite chocolate. Beautifully balanced in flavour, it tasted of fresh spice, tropical fruits and had luscious caramel undertones.
Last but certainly not least the Bright Blend the 44% milk chocolate was a crowd pleaser - smooth, creamy but with half as much sugar as most milk chocolate!
5. Spread some cinnamon love with Box of Scrolls
Box of Scrolls have perfected the art of the humble cinnamon scroll. Turning moist, light dough made into fresh, aromatic cinnamon scrolls infused with the perfect cinnamon and filling, it is no wonder Box of Scrolls already have a cult following.
Their Nutella & Banana scroll is perfect for indulging in the Easter festivities. The Nutella & Banana Scrolls are decadent and possess a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is just heavenly. The slightly savoury buttery flavour of the scroll cuts the rich taste of the Nutella and banana, resulting in a dessert that is not only incredibly indulgent, but very well balanced.
What: Cinnamon scrolls and various variety scrolls
Where: Scrolls can be quickly delivered to most cities around Australia.
Price: Varies. Check our their site for more details - http://www.boxofscrolls.com.au/
6. Classics with a twist
Brumby’s Bakery is baking a delicious variety of Hot Cross Buns this Easter:
Our favourite are the tasty Hot Cross Buns which are filled with generous amounts of Nutella -a twist on the good old fashioned Hot Cross Bun.
- hot Cross Bun with Nutella;
- hot Cross Bun with Salted Caramel; and
- traditional Hot Cross Bun
Our favourite are the tasty Hot Cross Buns which are filled with generous amounts of Nutella -a twist on the good old fashioned Hot Cross Bun.
7. Cadbury Easter Chocolates - something the whole family will love
For something that both the kids and adults will love, Cadbury's Easter chocolate range will be a sure hit.
Share the joy and do a social media post: #CadburyEaster2015 #ShareTheJoy
Koko Black Christmas Collection 2014
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Gastrology bloggers received the products courtesy of Koko Black.
Collins Street Store details
Location: 52 Collins Street, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9663 5567
Link: http://www.kokoblack.com/
Chocolate has the wonderful quality of being able to make great times even better. At Christmas time especially, chocolate deliciously accentuates shared moments spent celebrating with family and friends.
Koko Black's 2014 Christmas Collection celebrates the magical time that is Christmas, with seasonally themed signature favourites, artisan gift boxes, hand-painted snowmen and delightful stocking fillers.
We were recently at Koko Black's Collins Street store where we picked up a few of their most popular Christmas treats this year.
Signature keepsake (4 pce) $14
The limited edition Signature Keepsakes offer a selection of fresh hand designed chocolate creations and include seasonal exclusives such as the hazelnut praline snowman, raspberry ganache and plum pudding ganache – in both milk and dark couverture chocolate.
Apart from being filled with amazing chocolates, the Signature Keepsake boxes make lovely collectable pieces as they feature one off’s by well known artists. This Christmas' Signature Keepsake features artwork from renowned Australian artist Adam Nickel.
Favourites Gift Box - petite (150g) - Roasted Almonds and Macadamias in Milk Chocolate $16.50
Beautifully crafted, this Favourites Gift Box is designed to make gift giving simple and gift receiving joyous.
Favourites selection hamper $60
Our favourites selection comprised a selection of decadent signature products in milk and dark chocolate.
The hamper features beautifully roasted almonds in milk chocolate, vanilla pistachio nougat in dark chocolate, macadamia, cranberry & cherry in milk chocolate, salted cashew nut brittle inclusion in dark chocolate and festive stars in solid milk chocolate. This pack is one that will surprise and spoil the special people in your life.
Gift box (16 pce) $36.50
Another option if you know exactly what your loved ones (or you) want, is to create your own personalised gift box by hand selecting favourites from Koko Black's coveted signature chocolate collection.
Otherwise, you can leave the choice in the hands of the experts with the Chocolatier’s gift box selection.
The festive season is a truly special time, where time slows down and our hopes and dreams for the following year shine brightly. And what better way to celebrate than by giving the gift of Koko Black to those you truly care about... including yourself.
Collins Street Store details
Location: 52 Collins Street, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9663 5567
Link: http://www.kokoblack.com/
Fairtrade Chocolate Masterclass @ Xocolatl
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Gastrology bloggers visited Xocolatl as guests of Fairtrade.
Easter indulgence had subsided just in time for an evening of chocolate delight and an experience of a different kind.
This week, Gastrology was invited by Fairtrade to attend an evening of tasting, talking and cooking with chocolate.
We were joined by cocoa farmer Esther Mintah Ephraim from the Fairtrade Kuapa Kokoo cooperative in Ghana who shared her insights on growing cocoa and how chocolate makes its way to our cupboard or fridge.
We also learned the art of chocolate making from Christos Partsioglou, an experienced chocolatier and owner of Xocolatl and enjoyed plenty of tastings.
What you need to know about Fairtrade...
What is Fairtrade?
Fairtrade is the only certification scheme that sets out to tackle poverty and empower farmers.
Buying product with the Fairtrade Mark means farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal for their product and improved terms of trade. This helps them to improve their working and living conditions, plan for a better future and create brighter opportunities for their families and local communities.
How does Fairtrade work?
The Fairtrade certification scheme provides farmers and workers in developing countries with a fair price (the Fairtrade Price) for their produce, helping protect them from damaging fluctuations in world market prices. They also receive an additional sum of money (the Fairtrade Premium) for investment in social, economic and environmental development in their community, such as educational and medical facilities.
Today, more than six million people - farmers, producers, workers and their families — from 70 countries benefit from the Fairtrade's independent system.
The Power of You
Fairtrade's The Power of You campaign encourages people to make a difference to the lives of farmers by purchasing ethically sourced product that carries the blue and green Fairtrade Mark. Fairtraide are launching this campaign during Fair Trade Fortnight, 2-18 May.
Fairtrade is calling on everyone to choose and change the world one purchase at a time. www.thepowerofyou.org.au
For more information visit www.fairtrade.com.au.
