A Food article & Chocolate Shopping Online
An interesting article on food shopping for speciality ingredients by The Guardian, here.
Regarding Chocolate:
I'd just like to add my two pence and remark that although it's the only chocolate outlet mentioned by the article, I haven't been impressed with the taste or quality of hotelchocolat's chocolate on the several occasions I've eaten it. The presentation and packaging is very pretty, but I definitely don't recommend it to anyone to buy as a gift or a treat for yourself. My samplings have all been corporate gifts - welcome ones, but me scoffing freebies doesn't equate to my tastebuds losing their sense of discrimination.
If you want chocolate online, here are some options. These shops either make their own quality chocolates or import/sell good quality chocolates:
~
Charbonnel et Walker
Some of the world's best rose and violet creams.
1 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4BT
www.charbonnel.co.uk/
~
Chococo
Ethically-produced handmade artisan chocolates by Claire & Andy Burnet - what could be nicer?
off Commercial Road, Purbeck
www.chococo.co.uk
~
Chocology
Shop selling a variety of high-end chocolates - Neuhaus, Valrhona, Leonidas, Chocolate Society, Cafe Tasse, Gudrun, etc.
London Bridge Railway Station, Railway Approach, Bermondsey, London SE1
www.chocology.co.uk
~
Chocolate Gourmet
Stocks a wide range of speciality bars and truffles, including one of my favourites, El Rey Icoa White Chocolate, made from Venzuelan-only sourced beans. Although not currently certified organic due to the cost of certification, El Ray are an organic Fair Trade company. When I wrote to them to enquire about their policies a couple of years ago, their managing director took the time to personally answer me and assure me of their values and vision. Add this to the fact their chocolate is absolutely divine, you can see why this company occupies a special corner of my heart (and stomach).
www.chocolategourmet.co.uk
~
The Chocolate Society
Da Authority! They run excellent classes and promote real chocolate (as opposed to candy) in the UK. They also make scrumptious chocolates.
36 Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W 9NZ.
32 - 34 Shepherd Market, London W1J 7QN.
www.chocolate.co.uk
~
Godiva Chocolatier
Famous for a reason.
7 stores in London & 1 at Bluewater
www.godiva.com
~
L'artisan du chocolat
Really interesting flavoured chocolates - the liquid salted caramels? Heavenly.
89 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1 W8DA
www.artisanduchocolat.com
~
Montezuma's
Gorgeous organic British-made chocolate with interesting flavours & real couverture for cooks (I use this one myself)
51 Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6AA
12 Peascod Street, Windsor SL4 1DU, plus several other stores around England
www.montezumas.co.uk
~
Plaisir du Chocolat
Amazing artisan chocolates, as well as Pâtes de fruit (yum!) and other delicacies.
251-253 Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
www.plaisirduchocolat.com
~
Rococo Chocolates
Lovely, lovely artisan chocolate that's as pleasing to the eye as the palate.
321 Kings Road, London SW3
www.rococochocolates.com
~
And of course, don't forget you can also chocolate-shop at Fortnum & Mason or Harrods.
