Meet the Maker: Hodie Rondeau of Xoxolat

Hodie Rondeau of Xoxolat
Vancouverites may know Xoxolat as the source for fine chocolate from around the world, but they might not know Hodie, the brain and heart of it all. I’ve had the honour of working with Hodie for the last few years. Where I’m spreadsheets and to-do lists, Hodie is creative vision...

The Chocolate Tasting Kit: Events galore!

The Chocolate Tasting Kit, by Eagranie Yuh
Photo credit: Jason McRobbie It’s been a whirlwind couple of months in chocolate land, least of which was the launch of The Chocolate Tasting Kit. I’ve kicked off with a few events in Vancouver, notably with a well-attended launch last week. Thanks to everyone who came out and made the...

Announcing The Chocolate Tasting Kit!

Chocolate Tasting Kit, by Eagranie Yuh
The Fedex man arrived on an otherwise ordinary Thursday afternoon. I signed for the package: rigid items inside a flabby, floppy padded bag. A quick glance at the sender label told me it was from Chronicle Books, a publisher in San Francisco. Scratch that. MY publisher in San Francisco. It...

Meet the Maker: Cameron Ring of Dandelion Chocolate

Cameron Ring of Dandelion Chocolate (cropped)
Cameron Ring comes from a technology background, but he’s ended up in chocolate. And why not? At Dandelion’s new shop in San Francisco, you can watch them make the chocolate while sipping a hot or cold chocolate (with homemade marshmallows, naturally) or snacking on one of their baked goods. If...

Meet the Maker: Aaron Barthel of Intrigue Chocolate

Aaron Barthel of Intrigue Chocolate (cropped)
Here’s another scientist-turned-chocolatier for you. Given the opportunity, Aaron Barthel will talk your ear off about plants and herbs, so it’s not surprising that he’s best known for his basil truffle. He’s come out with other things, but the basil’s still my favourite: bright, fresh and clean. Here’s what we...