Tag: chocolate

Friends And Chocolate

I can’t be in Helsinki without meeting with my friend Natasha! I was so thankful that, even though she now works full-time, she still found time to stop by my coworking space after work, and we sat and talked for almost two hours! (And yes, I love that we could do it in the same space, and it was OK with everyone)

Natasha brought me a bag of Ukrainian sweets: there is a new store operated by Ukrainian refugees, and they ship directly from Ukraine. She was happy to support their business, and the sweets taste great (and it’s a terrific idea to mix all varieties in one bag – I can barely find two of the same kind!).

(I might still bring some of them home, althought I can’t guarantee :))

On My Way To Helsinki

Actually, I already arrived and bought the most important thing:

Coffee, Cookies, And Chocolate!

These are the best presents one can get for Christmas! I have already shown the present I received from my friends living in Ireland – chocolates and an expresso-maker ornament.

Next was a package from my friend from New Zealand: cookies baked by her triplet daughters :), chocolates, and a Christmas pendant:

Continue reading “Coffee, Cookies, And Chocolate!” →

Remember These Chocolates?

The ones I bought in Amsterdam, carefully chosen from an insane variety?

As with any properly made chocolate, it had to be consumed within 10-12 day, the mission which I successfully accomplished. However, i regretted not taking the pictures inside the store – although I remembered which flavors I chose, I couldn’t always tell which one I was about to consume. I enjoyed them anyway, but I had a moment when, after the box was emptied, I found a tiny black square on the bottom, which unfolded into a complete chocolate inventory!

Boston: When You Can’t Choose

That’s My Way!

The Best Hot Chocolate

The best thing that happened to me in Pasadena was Amara Cafe! It was on the list of recommended places to eat from the hotel reception. I was a little bit suspicious because I didn’t know much about Venezuelan cuisine, and Mexican cuisine is not my favorite, but after some hesitation, I went there, and I was sold on the spot!

I asked the clerk what kind of hot chocolate he’d recommend, and he said: Venezuelan, of course! I ate my arepa and proceeded with hot chocolate. Never in my life, even in Lausanne, I tasted hot chocolate like this! I was sitting, sipping it slowly, and taking it in. It felt more than a drink, more than a food – a complete mind and body experience!

I returned to Amara one more time, on Sunday morning- thankfully, their opening time does not change, and although the city was mostly asleep at 7-30 AM on Sunday, the chocolate was ready.

The owner came out and asked me how I liked it, and I tried to describe my feelings:). He said: you can make it at home, and gave me a package: just follow the instructions! I am unsure whether I can really do it myself, but I will give it a try!

The Chocolate Museum in Brussels

There was no way I would miss this attraction!

So many things about chocolate I didn’t know before!

Mayan chocolate vessles
Sugar Hammers
Chocolate-making pots
Spanish chocolate cups
Continue reading “The Chocolate Museum in Brussels” →

Vilnius: Lithuanian Comfort Food and Coffee

On this trip, I rediscovered Lithuanian food. I recalled everything I liked many years ago, and we made sure never to eat at the same place twice, and try different foods each time.

On the first day, there were zeppelins and Lithuanian kvass, and this kvass was so incredibly good, that we never skipped it:). The one which we tried in the first place was the best though.

Zemaiciu was another thing I had very fond memories of, as well as other kinds of potatoe-based foods.

I even tried potatoes pancakes with pig ears!
And Boris tried potatoes and pork sausage
Forgot this dessert name
Continue reading “Vilnius: Lithuanian Comfort Food and Coffee” →

Chocolates

I came home last night – a flight was a little bit delayed, but otherwise nice an comfortable, and there were very few people on the aircraft. I am on the CTA on my way to the office, and I have a detail appointment after work, and somehow I need to squizz in a conference call on a non-work-related topic.

I still want to post another hundred pictures from Tallinn, which I hope to accomplish in the next couple of days. Life goes on.

And here is… well, I had an “economy light” fare, which meant no luggage… but I know how to use my carry-on wisely 🙂