Hi guys!
I must admit, I’m pretty behind in the whole blogging thing. There are activities and things I want to blog about – I have quite the list. It’s time to play catch up!
How was your weekend? Mine was… eh. Friday night was fabulous {more later} but I had weekend plans that were canceled. Todd went underway with the Coast Guard on Thursday and it was supposed to be a quick trip. Unfortunately, that trip is taking much longer than planned and we had to cancel his surprise birthday plans. He probably won’t be home until later this week. I don’t mind being alone, I just feel bad for him having to work on a boat on his birthday. Hang in there babe! <3
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Earlier this month, I went to Whole Foods in University Heights for the Ohio Blogging Association Meet-Up for CHOCOLATE. Yes, chocolate. There was a ton of it. Varieties of chocolate included sweet {obviously}, savory {awesome}, and alcoholic {triple awesome}. Big thanks to Alicia for organizing this really fun event. Last year was also a blast – the folks at Whole Foods are top notch!
My favorite part about the night was listening to Ines Rehner from Sweet Designs in Lakewood, Ohio. {To learn more about her, check out this article}. She is so sweet and passionate about chocolate. I love Sweet Designs and picked up a lot of holiday gifts there this December. Their chocolate is one-of-a-kind. I even loved their white chocolate and normally I’m not a huge fan of white {I prefer milk}.
She taught us how to eat a chocolate covered strawberry, which may sound strange but her way definitely works. Typically when I bite into a chocolate covered strawberry, I lose a LOT of the chocolate and it seems messy. Ines told us to cut off the stem and slice it long ways. It works very well and you get to taste the perfect ratio of strawberry and chocolate. #winning
She brought a chocolate stiletto to giveaway. Men, take note: This is an excellent gift for the woman in your life.
More Sweet Designs sweets…
I wish I got a picture, but Whole Foods also fed us a full dinner prepared by Chef Sarah Schoenberger. Chicken Enchiladas with traditional mole sauce were served and extremely delicious. Audree Sinnett is the Whole Foods Market Wine Buyer gave us tastes of chocolate liquor, beer, and wine. ALL were amazing, but my favorite was the Sexual Chocolate Wine. It was complex and a bunch of other big wine words that aren’t in my vocabulary. I just loved it and, just like the name suggests, it tasted sensual.
As usual, Whole Foods did not disappoint. It was a blast and filled with delicious grub and great people!
Have a great start of the week!
Julie
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
This reminds me that I never posted about this either! I’ve been so busy I’m really behind too. My favorites were the chocolate filled and covered figs —-swoon!
Crystal W. (@EatDrinkClev)´s last [type] ..The Cute and Green Way to Tote
Just seeing the chocolate makes me wanna go back and eat more of it! It was soooo good! Did you get your free half pound from there? We sure did and DEVOURED it all!
Sarah´s last [type] ..Bottomless Pit
This was such a delicious night! I forgot to pick up some of those beverages before I left so I’ve been keeping my eye out. I’m looking forward to visiting Sweet Designs, the chocolate was fantiastic and Ines was very helpful. I had a great conversation with her (this meetup was a week before I took the chocolates class).
Sarah @ Cooker Girl´s last [type] ..Happy Valentine’s Day
Mmm… you just made my stomach growl!
Shannon´s last [type] ..Oscars 2013 – Top 5 After Party Looks
What a deliciously fun night! My favorite was that amazing chocolate bark with crystalized ginger and pistachios. Seriously divine!!!! I stopped into Sweet Designs last week (what can I say, I’m a chocoholic!) and they have chocolate covered ginger there in stock…ohh heaven!!! I love her innovative combinations–always a sweet treat
Jess @JAMinCLE´s last [type] ..Monday Meditation: Start Before You’re Ready!