My last chocolate tasting tour was as part of Bay Area OlderAdults and I had thoroughly enjoyed it. Around the same time, I bought a
groupon for a chocolate tasting at Alegio Chocolates in Palo Alto.
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| Our awesome guide |
Alegio chocolates is small chocolate store located in
downtown Palo Alto. They conduct these chocolate tasting tours throughout the
week except on Tuesdays. The tour was conducted by one of the owners whose name
I forget.
There were 8 of us doing the tasting. We were made to sit on
stools around a table and the 45 minute tour began. Starting from bean to bar,
we were given samples of the cocoa bean, 100% pure chocolate bar and a variety
of different flavored bars. The guide promised us that once we finished the
tour, our idea and expectation from chocolate would be completely changed. And
it was true. What we have come to know as chocolate has so many other additives
like vanilla and soy lecithin which alter the taste of the real thing. The bars
we tasted did not have these and I could experience chocolate in its true
form.
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| Roasted Cacao Bean |
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| Different chocolate bars we tasted |
We were also given a brief history of the islands of
Principe and Sao Tome where the chocolate we tasted came from. Short video clips
from youtube helped us visualize the chocolate making process. It is
fascinating how much effort goes into making chocolate. No wonder authentic
chocolate is such an expensive affair.
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| Alegio Chocolates Store |
Some of my favorites from the ones we tasted had sugar
crystals, coffee beans and raisins. Each one had a distinct flavor and one can
actually taste the ingredient without it interfering with the chocolate.
It is hard to put into words the actual experience. I can
confidently say that this tour will change your life. Ordinary chocolate will
no longer satisfy your craving. You will appreciate chocolate better, I
certainly do.
What: Chocolate Tasting
Where: 522 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA
When: Wed-Mon
Cost: $15/person. Buy a groupon if available
