Tasty Food & Drink Sampled at the TASTE AWARDS Red Carpet in Beverly Hills


TASTING THE BEST

VIP Guests had great wine, sparkling cider, and other gourmet items to sample at the TASTE AWARDS Red Carpet reception in Beverly Hills.

Gowan’s Heirloom Cider

The red carpet reception included sparkling cider from Gowan’s Heirloom Cider and R&B Cellars 2012 “Lyric of the Vine” Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet

Tastings were served by ChocoMe chocolates and Prosciutto di Carpegna, who served freshly carved prosciutto at a tasting station during the reception portion of the TASTE AWARDS event in Beverly Hills.


Prosciutto di Carpegna

Prosciutto di Carpegna carving station

ChocoMe

In addition, guests were able to snack on healthy gourmet selections from Regenie’s Natural Snacks, Snackin Free, and Saffron Road

Regenie’s All Natural Snacks, Snackin Free, and Saffron Road Chickpea Snacks

Regenie’s All Natural Snacks

The Best Chocolate Gifts Collections for Valentines

There is a lot of great chocolate to chose from for romantic times such as Valentine’s Day.  It’s a lot easier to chose when you select from three that are top award winners

Panache Chocolatier “With Love” Valentine’s Day Truffle Collection

GOLD MEDAL

Judges Summary:

Panache wins the gold with their incredible with Love Box, which not only comes with a wood veneer box and ribbon, but also with a custom pamphlet that describes the providence and history of each of the chocolates. These chocolates include ruby passion from Brazil, pistachio rose from Spain, raspberry noir from France, and spiced vanilla being from Madagascar. Of course the spherical design of these chocolates is very truffle-like, and they are each topped with a unique design, whether that is gold leaf, spices, or chocolate drizzle and cocoa powder. What is truly phenomenal about this collection is that the box extends outwards into three tiers, one of which contains the pamphlet, and the other two of which contain nine chocolates each, for a total of 18 chocolates. This gift is one that you want to be there forwhen it is opened, and once opened, you want to put it on display. Or at least, post a lot of photographs on Instagram.

From the chocolatier –

“Hand crafted, artisan truffles highlighting flavors from around the world.
Focus is on bringing flavors identified with regions and creating with a twist of uniqueness.
All created “With Love” by PanacheChocolatier”

chocolatekc.com


Craft-Chocolate Sweetheart

 

SILVER MEDAL

Judges Summary:

The Craft-Chocolate hazelnut and milk chocolate Irish cream is delicious and beautifully presented. The box design is simple yet elegant, and we love how the ribbon criss-crosses the heart in contrast with the arrangement of subtle pastel dots. The inside of the box is composed of two layers — two rows of chocolates — that are shaped like hearts and flowers. These caramels are a delicious luxury. The judges also loved the size of the packaging, which can be easily held in one hand but is substantial enough to be considered as a thoughtful splurge and gift.

From the chocolatier – 

“This Valentine gift gives heart shaped sweet chocolate to the one you hold sweet in your heart.”

https://www.craft-chocolate.com


Bella Sophia Chocolates Valentine’s Day Mix Box

 

BRONZE MEDAL

Judges Summary:

Bella Sophia‘s Valentine’s Day packaging is a gift within a gift. The outside artist paper is carefully folded and wrapped, while the box underneath features Bella Sophia’s trademark quilted box design. Inside of the box is delicate gold wrapping paper, which gives a sense of elegance and luxury. The gold is also reflected in some of the gold leaf that adorns various chocolates within. This box contains a variety of 16 chocolates, enough for the giver and the recipient to share together. They demonstrate a range of molding styles and chocolate techniques, as well as flavors, and colors. There is no chance of getting bored with this collection.

From the chocolatier – 

“Our mix box for Valentines day has a flavor for every chocolate lover in this box, with some hand painted bonbons, dark, milk, white, truffle, gianduja, nutted and pale d’or and hand dipped ganache.”

www.bellasophiachocolates.com


TasteTV Gift Guide: 10 Award Winning Gifts under $100

If you have a budget of under $100 but want to find award-winning gifts then you are in luck! TasteTV has discovered several from the annual chocolate, jerky, snack and fragrance awards competitions, as well as others from the Good Food Awards and the California State Fair.

VIDEO PROFILE: David Bacco Chocolatier

TasteTV and TasteTV.com Chocolate News Updates

TasteTV profiles award winning chocolatier, David Bacco

Chocolate & Wine Cruise on the SF Bay – Fall 2019 Edition

Because it was great fun both times, a grand adventure, and sold out, we will be going on a Fall Chocolate & Wine Cruise on the Bay on October 19th.