Intrigue Blog & Chocolate Shop!

Intrigue Chocolates Co. Blog – coverage of news, events and chocolate histories.

Meridian Market Chocolate and Wine Tasting

Jul 3

Posted by Kate in Events | No Comments

Merdian Market

On a Wednesday evening last month (June 23rd, 2010) we hung out with some real nice people at Meridian Market. Five bucks was a great deal that bought tastings of Intrigue truffles, appetizers and five different specialty wines.

The Meridian Market is the best example of good things coming in small packages. “Just” a little corner grocery store, but oh-so-much-more. The level of quality and gourmet foods that they are able to fit into their tiny square foot-age is hard to believe.

We are happy to support this family-operated enterprise with Intrigue’s truffle-sampling for the Meridian Market patrons. The people are friendly, super helpful (which is nice to be around!) and the place manages to pull off small-town and cosmopoliton all at once. A big selection of organic (or what we heard someone else call “normal” food-we like that!) and environmentally friendly products.

We felt like we fit right in!

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Slow it down for Father’s Day…

Jul 3

Posted by Kate in Events | No Comments

Did you know?….. Father’s Day fought a valiant battle to become official, and it had its humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington! A one Sonora Smart Dodd hatched the idea in 1910 out of love for her father on the heels of the newly inaugurated Mother’s Day (she wanted to balance the scales of parenting appreciation).

Father’s Day didn’t really hit it big until much later. Thank Nixon in 1972 for signing fathers over their own permanent national holiday. Spokane is still claiming 2010 as the Father’s Day Centennial.

It was a break from the weekday hustle and hurry out at Woodhouse Family Cellars, www.woodhousefamilycellars.com (in Woodinville) for us during Father’s Day weekend.  We at Intrigue did (of course!) remember to call our dear ol’ dads, and we did not buy them tacky ties. So we think we did alright.

We enjoyed seeing some of you with your fathers out at the Wine & Chocolate Tasting on June 19th & 20th (2010). As usual, our darkly delicious truffles paired fantastically with Woodhouse’s  great wines.

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Our 1st “Third Thursday Wine Walk”

Jul 1

Posted by Kate in Events | No Comments

Chocolate, Cheese and Wine

This was the first time we joined Woodinville Warehouse Wineries for their monthly event. Self-guided tours of 15 wineries, live music, artists and craftsmen came together to make this particular Thursday (June 17th, 2010) very special. We were the guests of Davenport Cellars in their lovely tasting room. (Thank You, Davenport! You are great hosts).

The theme was set for pairing wines with chocolate, and cheese (that is, wine with chocolate, and wine with cheese. We may have to think about that chocolate-cheese idea…uh, maybe not.)

With a flat entry fee at the gate, visitors were free to roam and taste at their will. And will they did! We were surprised (and delighted) to greet twice the expected number of people in the crowd (around 250) and were happy to have Davenport Cellars as our “neighbors”. The pairings we came up with together seemed to make everybody happy:

*Coriander Truffle + Snowflake Wine
*Smokin’ Scotch Truffle + Semillon Wine
*Basil Truffle + Syrah Wine
*Orange-Rosemary Truffle + Continuity Wine
*Hibiscus Truffle + Rose of Cabernet Franc Wine
*Jamaican Hot Chocolate Truffle + R.H.D. Wine

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Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon 2010 – Survival Guide

Jun 30

Posted by Karl in Events | 2 Comments

At Intrigue Chocolates Co. we believe in getting the most out of every experience.  This will be our 3rd year at the Chocolate Luxury Salon.  We wanted to pass along our tried and true tips to making the Salon a fantastically delicious experience!

Before you get there:

  • Eat a healthy, light meal.  You’ll thank me later!
  • As with all tastings, please avoid wearing cologne/perfume; they interfere with the tasting experience.  (“Why does this one taste like Old Spice?”  “It reminds me of Chanel No. 5.”)
  • Wear comfy shoes and dress in layers.
  • Plan your day.  We suggest getting there early, plan a lunch break, get some air, stretch your legs, and then return to taste the rest of the chocolates.

What to Bring:

  • A water bottle.  Perhaps some milk for the little ones.  Skip the soda and other sweet drinks.  Again, you’ll thank me later!
  • Crackers or a protein bar.  This helps to balance your energy and clear your palate.
  • A comfortable bag.  This is great for toting goodies and information home.
  • Camera, notebook, pen, and lots of questions.
  • Cash, checks, or credit cards!  Your ticket fees don’t go to the chocolatiers.  In fact, we have to pay to be there, too.  Reward the companies you like the most by proving how much you like their work.  It may be hard to imagine eating more chocolate after working your way around the room, but—trust me—tomorrow is a new day.  [grin]

When you arrive:

  • Get a voting card to keep track of the chocolates you like best.
  • Take a walk around the room to survey the tables first.
  • Tasting wine?  Scope out which chocolatiers can pair their chocolates with your glass.
  • Try to taste everything.  Ask for smaller samples or bring a friend to share, so you can be sure enjoy the large variety.  The chocolatiers want you to sample every flavor!  How else will you know which one is your favorite?  And it may not be the one you expect.
  • Patience and moderation.  We want to take time to talk to each of you, and we need to make sure there are enough samples to go around.  You won’t get to hear (or taste) what’s special and unique about each confection if you just take a piece and run!

Before leaving:

  • Cast your vote for your favorites at the Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon.
  • Share your feedback with the organizers.  What did you love?  What would you change?
  • TWEET!  TWEET!
  • Facebook
  • Yelp!

HOT TIP: Bring a small plastic container.  Some chocolatiers have samples left at the end of the show.  If you ask nicely, they might let you take some home to share with your friends.

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June Flavors Mean Summer’s Here!

Jun 15

Posted by Karl in | No Comments

Summer’s here
I’m for that
Got my rubber sandals
Got my straw hat
Got my cold beer
I’m just glad that it’s here
-James Taylor, “Summer’s Here”

This month’s flavors will be a hit with the backyard cook-out crowd. At Intrigue Chocolates, we like to finish our meal of burgers and slaw with a little something sweet before a game of horse shoes or bocce ball.  June’s line-up of flavors was chosen in honor of Father’s Day (it’s not just our Moms who like chocolate).All of May’s chocolate truffle flavors are available at the Chocolate Shop! Check these out:

June’s Seasonal Flavors:
Jamaican Hot Chocolate TruffleJamaican Hot Chocolate Truffle – The days are getting hotter and so is this truffle, with dark rum, honey, vanilla, nutmeg, and habañero chilis.
Hibiscus Chocolate TruffleHibiscus – We all want to look younger, especially during the warm months and this truffle made with hibiscus petals just may help you do that. Hibiscus is supposed to make your hair more lustrous and keep it attached! This is just a happy coincidence for us, because we really chose this flavor because of the pattern on Dad’s Hawaiian shirts.
Scotch Chocolate TruffleSmokin’ Scotch Truffle – The peaty, smoky Scotch whisky in this truffle tastes of chocolate, a flask, and a campfire. Oh, those summer nights…
Coriander Chocolate TruffleCoriander the Great Truffle – Said to have many medicinal powers (diuretic, antioxidant, antibacterial to name a few) coriander is indeed Great! This truffle is made of toasted coriander seed and a drop of honey. Roasted nutty and lemony aromas are anchored by a touch of sweetness.
Orange-Rosemary Chocolate TruffleOrange-Rosemary Truffle – You know beyond doubt that orange is a natural with chocolate. Fresh orange zest and fresh organic rosemary bring bright musky, earthy notes to the chocolate, reminding us of the best men’s cologne.

Saint Basil Chocolate TruffleSaint Basil Truffle – So many yummy things to eat in the summer, but keep this truffle with its fresh organic basil on your menu. Basil aids in digestion and has curative properties for the tummy.

Celebrate the sun, the great outdoors, and fathers with Intrigue Chocolates!

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