Leading Chocolatiers Remember Men this Valentine’s Day

Come February 14^th the world takes a pause and celebrates the wonder of Love.  Yet sadly often men are the givers of gifts and not an equal receiver.  Hardly the way to start (or keep) a relationship balanced and healthy.

But there are some creative masters of chocolate that are addressing the need for better gifts for men this holiday season.  Their designs are original and sure to make the man in your life remember this Valentine’s as a very special one.

The Swiss Do It Best

Modern chocolate, as we know it, started in Switzerland.  But when a lot of men think of that mountain nation, they don’t necessarily think chocolate.  Instead, they think climbing and, of course, the famed Swiss Army Knife.

This legendary tool is a man’s perfect collection of must-haves right in his pocket.  So why not combine Switzerland’s two legendary exports and create the chocolate Swiss Army knife.  It’s great chocolate and looks remarkably just like the real thing. Just remind the man in your life to eat it, not add it to his camping gear.

Don’t Forget the Beer!

Michael Recchiuti of Recchiuti Confections has created another perfect gift if the man in your life enjoys a good beer at the end of the day. Chef Reechiuti, who is one of the most innovative chocolatiers around, has crafted an exquisite set of hand made chocolates blended to be savored with beer. 

Yes, with beer.  Whether your guy’s favorite beer is an I.P.A., dark draft or bitter ale, there’s a chocolate in the set that will match it perfectly. Velvet chocolates and an artisan beer – now that’s the way to win a man’s heart (and keep it).

Let’s Do Sushi Tonight

If the man in your life likes all things sushi, then Romanicos Chocolate in Miami, Florida have a never to be forgotten gift for him – a bento box filled with look alike chocolate sushi.

Each piece mimics the appearance of a classic sushi piece but is actually crafted from the finest chocolate and jewel tone tropical fruits. Each piece is unique and a true culinary treasure. Just opening the box is a stunning delight.  And they taste great, too.

So make this holiday romantic for you both by picking a gift for him that says “I Love you as much as you Love me.” Happy Valentine’s! 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011 

Top Price for First Tuna But at What Cost?

A massive bluefin tuna has been caught off Japan’s northern coast and brought a record price of $396,000 or $42 per slice of sashimi.  For more than one reason the event is attracting attention around the world.

Rushed to Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Fish Market for the first auction of the New Year, there were, none the less, concerns among the cheers.

Weighing over 340 kilogram (749 pounds), the purchasing of this giant of the sea is considered by many Japanese chefs a good luck totem for their restaurant.  Two owners of elite sushi restaurants in Hong Kong and Tokyo joined forces to place the winning bid.

Both Ricky Cheng (Hong Kong) and Yosuke Imada (Tokyo) were delighted to be able to win their rare prize known as a “Black Diamond” among deep sea fishermen.  Others were not so pleased.

As the popularity of raw fish has increased throughout the world, fresh tuna populations (along with salmon) have crashed to record lows. 

Socially responsible chefs are now shifting their sushi choices to other more abundant fish stocks allowing the tuna population to rebuild.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has created an outstanding mobile phone app that can even tell diners before they order which fish to select and which to avoid in order to help the environment.  You might consider downloading it as part of a New Year's resolution to make our world a better place.

The word “connoisseur” from Old French means literally “to know” and so to choose wisely. Today anyone who loves fine cuisine is also informed and aware that all culinary choices have impact. 

We are not just what we eat.  We are also the choices we make. 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2010