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Chocolate Travela whiff of chocolate journeys |
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©2009 Kay Harwell Fernández. All Rights Reserved |
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Norman Love Confections, Fort Myers, Florida |
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Chocolate love is all around with Norman Love Confections. Love, who has garnered innumerable awards and accolades, spent two years in South of France and 13 years at the Ritz-Carlton—all the while honing his craft. Love describes a true artisan as a chocolatier who produces premium chocolate and is involved in the growing process in the plantation fields to assure the absolute best. “We make everything from scratch in house,” says Love. “We source the highest quality butter, cream and nuts. We never freeze or refrigerate, so we make small batches. “We create 36 core products, plus five in the Black line.” He notes, “The American consumer’s interest is fueled by the healthful benefits, so more eat dark chocolate. As more artisans open, it gives the consumer the opportunity to taste affordable luxury. Chocolate makes people happy.” Love’s Chocolate Salon has a small bar area and seats about a dozen. Nuggets, barks, croissants and biscotti are made fresh every day. There’s also a large glass window where people can watch the chocolate-making process. But Love says, “The stars of the show are our confections.” In November 2008, Love came out with his Black line, with five single estate regions and a diverse percentage of cocoa. “They offer very different taste profiles from 64 percent to 74 percent cocoa. In October 2009, Love launches his hot sipping chocolates, an extension of the Black line with cocoa from single estates. “The chocolate is grated, not powder,” says Love. “The drinks are served with handmade vanilla infused marshmallows enrobed in dark chocolate.” Sounds decadently delicious. “My philosophy is that so many artisans make chocolate that have too many flavors. I try to keep it simplistic.” From February (after Valentine’s Day) to September, Love offers hands-on chocolate making classes. Small groups of six to seven make their own molds, mostly using dark chocolate. Love says, “It’s a fun social event every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9.” As the September classes wind down, Love gears up for the busy holiday season. “Chocolate is definitely a make-me-feel-good product.”
Where to Find Great Chocolate:
If you are unable to make it to Norman Love’s Chocolate Salon in Fort Myers, you can order his delicious chocolates from his web site.
Don’t Miss:
Shelling on Sanibel Island Edison & Ford Winter Estates, including Thomas Edison’s Laboratory & Museum, Fort Myers J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island Great Calusa Blueway Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, Sanibel Island
Just the Facts:
866-515-2121 (toll free US)
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