at Wed, 15 Dec 2004 16:53:19 GMT in <3_Zvd.12990$pZ5.12774@trndny06>,
(DPM) wrote :

>
>"Alex Rast" > wrote in message
.. .
>> at Mon, 13 Dec 2004 17:08:51 GMT in <D0kvd.3231$Z%1.2159@trnddc03>,
>> (DPM) wrote :
>>
>> >I just received a block of this from Chocosphere. Very fruity, with
>> >a cherry/almond/hazelnut profile; delicious, but idiosyncratic. I'm
>> >wondering what the other couverture blocs are like. Has anyone tried
>> >the others? Alex, any opinions?
>>
>> Each of the varietals is different, distinctive, and generally IMHO
>> sets the reference standard for its varietal.
....
>>
>> There's the rundown, at least for the dark chocolates. If you'd like
>> my opinion on the milks, as well, let me know.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Alex Rast
>
>Alex,
>
>Thanks for your opinions. I suspect I'll try them all.
>
>On a completely different note: I was in Milan in October, and intended
>to bring back some chocolate. I tried 3 stores, and the only Italian
>producer I could find was Venchi! I asked for Amedei, even spelling it
>to compensate for my execrable Italian, and one shopkeeper acted like he
>never heard of it! I found Valhrona, ironically, but not Domori. What
>gives? Are these producers that esoteric?
>
No, and thus I suspect you were going to the wrong stores. If a shopkeeper
hadn't heard of it, this means most likely he isn't a chocolate
connoisseur.

However, even in Italy, distribution is thin. Keep in mind that these are
smaller, artisanal companies - they're not going to be found on every
street corner. The situation is really no different than it is in the U.S.
- that is, you have to do an actual search to find the stores that stock
it.


--
Alex Rast

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