Sunday, November 29, 2009

I do know the most amazing women!

In this picture, Glori Meldrum, Founder and Chair and Janelle Watson, Operations Manager)



Inspirational News


It’s exciting to announce that Little Warriors Founder and Chair, Glori Meldrum was the proud winner in the Social Entrepreneur category at this year’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Not only is Glori the first recipient awarded in this new and prestigious category, she was also the only winner from Edmonton, Alberta.


A big hug and congratulations to Glori for all of her hard work and dedication to Little Warriors, plus her strong determination to help those affected by child sexual abuse. An extended thank you to the Little Warriors volunteers, board members, staff and supporters. Without your help, this honor wouldn’t be possible.


Founder and Chair, Glori recently went to Ottawa, Ontario to participate in a Standing Committee Against the Commercial Exploitation of Children and Youth in the pursuit of building safer communities across Canada. The purpose of this trip was to educate members of Parliament about child sexual abuse and to bring awareness to the vision, mission and mandate of Little Warriors.

In addition to presenting a Be Brave Doll to Senator Romeo Dallaire, Glori also met with the following parliamentarian members:

- Alberta caucus including Senator Claudette Tardif, Senator Grant Mitchell, Senator Joyce Fairbairn and Senator Tommy Banks.

- Canada's Attorney General, and Justice Minister The Honourable Rob Nicholson.

- Marion Laurence (executive assistant to Romeo Dallaire).

- MP's Joy Smith, Mike Lake, Ed Fast, and Laurie Hawn.

- Senator Yonah Martin.


- Senator Tardif made a three-minute address to her fellow Senators regarding Little Warriors. You can read the statement by visiting the Little Warriors News and Events page.

Recently, The Minerva Foundation held their Annual Gala Dinner. Honoring their event theme of "giving back", The Minerva Foundation proudly announced their $150,000 partnership with Little Warriors over the next 18 months.

Little Warriors was honored at a private Little Warriors function, helping to raise over $87,000. A genuine thank you is extended to Marshall and Lisa Sadd, whose contributions surpassed all expectations.

Keeping the generosity going, Marshall Sadd and Lloyd Sadd Insurance donated another $45,000 US through their winnings at a golf tournament in the United States. Way to go guys!


Recently, Pure Elements Spa in Sherwood Park, Alberta hosted a special gala in support of Little Warriors. Warm thanks to Chad Stewart and the countless incredible volunteers and sponsors for making this event a great success.

Other recent contributions to Little Warriors:

The Kinette Club of Edmonton donated over $28,000!

The Edmonton Snowmobile Club donated over $21,000!

Thank you to these two wonderful Club’s for helping to stand up for our kids.


Upcoming Events
Gift of Hope - The new Be Brave Boy doll, named Jesse, is now available Donations exceeding $120 after May 1st, 2009 are eligible to collect the ‘Gift of Hope’, which includes the Jesse doll, and The Little Warriors Jesse Song.

December 2009 - Little Warriors Annual Help Kids Be Brave Doll Delivery Little Warriors would like to personally extend out to you an opportunity to participate in an inspirational day. Be Brave Dolls will be delivered to selected healing and support service agencies. Space is limited. Please RSVP by Monday, December 7th, 2009.

Regions available for delivery:

Edmonton, Alberta based deliveries: admin@littlewarriors.ca

Winnipeg, Manitoba based deliveries: jennifer@littlewarriors.ca


Calgary, Alberta based deliveries: jane@littlewarriors.ca


December 4 & 5 (6PM to 9PM) First Choice Tree Nursery & Garden Centre is hosting "A Very Cherdarchuk Christmas" (Home & Yard Tour in Morniville, Alberta) Please come out to support Little Warriors at this event through the purchase of a Snowflake of Strength ornament. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Little Warriors. Additional donations will be accepted.

Recent Poll
Little Warriors recently posted two important questions on the Little Warriors Causes Facebook page.


Question One: What are your thoughts on available resources for survivors of child sexual abuse? Are there enough resources for survivors? Any suggestions to what resources are required?

Feedback:

"There is so little support for mental conditions caused by childhood trauma like this, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (in my case). They do little to help offset the months and months of work I have missed do to extreme social anxiety." Anonymous Canadian Citizen

Question Two: What do you think is wrong with the justice system when it comes to child sexual abuse?

Feedback:

"I definitely feel that a sex offender should be regarded as a dangerous offender! When abusing a child, they are affecting that child's outlook at a very influential time of their life. If that child grows up without the proper support and therapy, that child could then become an offender himself or herself. That would continue the awful cycle of abuse and lead to even more children suffering. I also agree that the sentencing for sex offenders needs to be extended dramatically. A child who has been sexually abused goes through their whole life with the effects, living everyday with the hurt unfairly put on them. They have to suffer through so much in healing, and spend most of their life doing so. An offender should be dealt no less than what the survivor has to live with. 2-3 years is NOT enough time to have any real affect on an offenders life, not when survivors have to live with it for far longer." Anonymous Canadian Citizen


Testimonials
Landing Trail Elementary School, Edmonton, Alberta
The professional staff participated in the Stewards of Children Prevention Program. Not only were they impressed with the program, but the school has now made a goal to teach the remaining staff members the valuable information learned. "We came away feeling much more informed about the prevalence of sexual abuse. We also feel empowered with the knowledge of how to act appropriately in cases of suspected sexual abuse. There was good discussion around the ways we can ensure our children at school are never put in vulnerable situations." Anonymous Representative, Landing Trail Elementary School

"Wonderful training - would be nice if all schools, daycares, group homes - any place that has children present - the staff/volunteers "must" have this training. Thank you" Anonymous Participant from Yorkton, Saskatchewan

"It taught me alot of things I was unaware of or just hadn't wanted to think possible." Anonymous Participant from Prince Rupert, British Columbia

"Thanks for giving me the tools needed to recognize the signs of sexual abuse. I now have the tools I need to help educate my children and keep them safe; thus protecting other children as well. Together, as educated childcare providers and parents we can stop this cycle. Thank you. Together, we can make a difference." Anonymous Participant from Prince Rupert, British Columbia


Our Supporters
A big thank you to our valuable supporters for helping in child sexual abuse prevention efforts.
"Know that you are helping to make a difference and helping to shape a child's future"

Anonymous Quote


http://www.littlewarriors.ca

new from the Brag Girls!








Lovely little clutch purses with wit and whimsy!
I have posted these ladies before and I do have a Brag- to protect those lovely and expensive bras we own- a lady does not want those crushed while travelling. I also own a matching panty case--- (see past posts) the little panty bags are so cleaver! One side is a little pocket with a solid fabric- for the 'not so clean' and the other side is a little mess for the 'clean side'. So smart--- also extremely well made!
These are simply cute little purses!


http://www.thebragcompany.com/

Lovely message from Kirsten's Chocolates- Yummy!



Dear Fellow Chocophiliacs,

It may not feel like winter yet, but the holidays will be soon upon us, and we would like to tell you about our offerings for the season. As you may have noticed, there was no newsletter last month, so please excuse the length of this month's newsletter. We have a lot of interesting news to report!

December Challenge: Name That Origin!
After the big response to our city-wide Easter Egg Hunt this spring, we decided to create another fun event that you can participate in. This one will be a challenging task that will push your knowledge of chocolate to the limit. Do you know your cacao? Are you ready to prove it? Like with fine wine, each cacao growing region in the world produces beans with a distinctive flavor. With practice, almost anybody can learn to tell the difference between chocolates made from beans from different countries. We want to find the people with the greatest palates in the city. We call this contest the "Name That Origin" game. It will run from Dec 1st to Dec 22nd. The rules are simple, and there is no fee to play! Here is how you do it:

a) Come in to Kerstin's Chocolates (10139 112th St.), and fill out an entry form. You will then be given 4 small pieces of chocolate to taste.
b) You will have to figure out the country of origin of the cacao used in each of the chocolates (all chocolates will have a single country of origin for the cacao.) and write you answers on the entry form.
c)If you don't name the correct countries of origin you will receive a 20% discount card and will be entered in the wildcard draw to compete in the Chocolate Tasting Challenge.
d) If you do get them all correct, you will instantly win one container of our Chocophilia drinking chocolate (Spicy or Dark, an $18.95 value). You will also be invited to a special a Chocolate Tasting Challenge event on Dec 22nd. At this event, there will an extreme chocolate identification challenge for all the winners of the first tasting and the wildcard entries. The person who prevails at this event will win a $400 gift certificate from Kerstin's Chocolates and the title of "The Top Taster".

For more details and updates on the contest, please see the contest web page.

We hope many of you will take on this challenge and increase your knowledge of chocolate at the same time.

Christmas Line-up

A lot of people have been asking what our seasonal line-up will be this month. Here is what we will be offering in our store starting on Dec 1st. If you would like to put in a request for a large order, please call us or e-mail us before Dec 5th, as we cannot guarantee availability after that date.

We will be bringing backour selection of molded chocolate Santas using the finest Valrhona milk or dark chocolate.


Will you be needing any truffles? Here are some of our seasonal specials that will be available through Xmas:
-Tiramasu You.
-It's a bit Nibby out there!
-To Rum With Love
-A Nod To Eggnog
and more!

We also have gift baskets of many sizes and arrangements and custom baskets are also available. You can build your own in the store.

We will also bring back our Christmas Chocolate Trio in either milk or dark chocolate bark. Three delicious, Christmas inspired barks packaged beautifully in a box that won a design award! Also returning are our Christmas Towers, a 4 tiered box filled with truffles, melt-aways, spiced nuts and dipped fruit. Perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.

Coming back soon to the Store: Domori

It's been a long wait, but we have finally found a new supplier of Domori chocolate! Famous for their prized "Porcelana" bar (thought to be the best bar in the world) and other gorgeous chocolate. We also have their amazing chocolate and hazelnut spread and a white chocolate bar with licorice!
A new shipment of Zotter bars are also arriving shortly. These truffle based bars from Austria combine great fair trade chocolate with imaginative ingredients such as "Black Beer", "Sour Cherry and Sesame" and "Walnut and Cheese"!

Finally, we have some incredible salted caramels from France, seen here!

Ten more places to find our Chocophilia Line of products around Western Canada!
We are announcing the following new partners in BC, SK and AB! Please tell your friends about these places where you can now buy great chocolate!

Vancouver/Lower Mainland: Nuestra Familia Cigar, Pacific Cigar, Casa Dolce Coal Harbour, Petra's Arts Kafe
Vancouver Island: Creekmore's Coffee (Coombs), Fresh Cup Sidney, Cargo & James (Victoria)
BC Rockies: Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House (Radium)
Alberta: The Orchard House (Edberg, Camrose County),
Saskachewan: Great Western Coffee (Prince Albert)

For addresses and maps to all these locations, please see our locations page.

January/February Tastings and Chocolate Making Classes announced
We have opened ticket sales for our first 2010 workshops. Our next chocolate tastings workshops will be on Jan 20th (Wed) and Feb 12th (Romantic Chocolate and Wine Tasting). Our next chocolate making workshops will be on Jan 29th and Feb 10th and 11th. Please get your tickets early as these events sell out quickly, particularly the pre-Valentine's Day classes (You get to take home all the chocolates you make!) Purchase your tickets securely on our web site.

Congrats to our Contest Winners
Thanks to all the people who visited our booths at the Edmonton Home Show and Rocky Mountain Wine and Food festival. The two winners of our contests were Amanda A. and Deborah D. Congrats, and we hope you enjoyed the Grand Chocolate Lover's Box!

Twitter usage and New Fan Page on Facebook
We have been trying to use Twitter regularly to announce timely info (such as this weeks feature items and other news). If you would like to follow us, just click here!

Also, we have moved our Facebook page now that we have renamed the shop. It is now "Kerstin's Chocolates" rather than "The Cocoa Room". Please make sure to join this new group on Facebook!

Have a great November,

Kerstin and the Team


Kerstin's Chocolates Monthly Newsletter

From: Kerstin's Chocolates
10139 112th St.
Edmonton, AB, T5K 1M1
780-990-0011
http://www.KerstinsChocolates.com/

FALL STORE HOURS for The Cocoa Room:


Mon: closed
Tue, Wed, Fri: 11am - 5pm

Jennifer's new Gallery!

Yes, indeed I do know the most amazing women! This is Jennifer's new store front! I am so proud of her! In these crazy times, this incredibly talented, kind and wonderful woman opened her own gallery! Truly a reason to go to Palm Springs-- well that and a few restaurants down there!
Yes, I want to go to Palm Springs- see the gallery, eat- hang out in the 'flea markets', relax by the pool--- yes I do! Shop, yuppers shopping in Palm Springs is almost as good as Vegas! Hmmmmmmmm Palm Springs then Vegas!
Lottery anyone?

I know the most talented women!

Organic cuffs - this one is not for sale- it is on my wrist-- and I do feel so elegant! You can get your own!

Folded cuff- hmmm want this too!
plus I want one of the silver 'charm bracelets that she is out of right now!
Guess I shall have to put my order in!



In these crazy financial times- I do think we should support the local talent and shops in our own towns and cities. In Edmonton that is so easy, we have terrific restaurants, shops, bakeries, chocolate stores and fashion! Maggie Walt is a favorite of mine- and you will not be seen wearing the same thing as someone else on the street.
I was invited to a ladies showing of local artisans today-- jewellery! Hand-crafted original pieces made in a studio by a group of seven women!

One of my friends, a lovely stylish lady- who happens to be very talented-- designed and made the above cuff bracelets. She works in sterling silver and 12K gold-filled wire. She is truly modern Jackie O- and loves bold pieces that evoke memories of ancient kings and queens mired in silky waters- organic, fluid and ever so elegant pieces.
She uses fresh water pearls, citrine, mother of pearl and quartz to enliven and enrich your wrists!
She makes custom silver charms bracelets that I do not have a picture of-- but hopefully will shortly as I am so coveting one!
Should you wish to see more of her jewellery or for prices and availability please email me and I shall forward your request to her! Also, stay tuned for some of her stunning silver bracelets.
She loves bracelets and rings as she notes they are the pieces of jewellery the wearer gets to appreciate while wearing them-- and I must agree! I bought the top gold cuff (I have always wanted a gold cuff!) and while I am typing - in my Lulu Lemons--- I feel so elegant---almost as elegant as my friend naturally is--- (maybe not- but I do feel elegant and ever so stylish!).

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Red Piano

The Red Piano- actually has two white pianos!




Raw Oysters in the half shell




The Red Piano


Okay, I am a touch ashamed to say I went there for lunch- but please just hear me out!


I was taking my mother out for lunch a few Fridays ago and Earls on the West End of Edmonton is closed for a renovation, Chop another place on the west end was completely crammed- so much for the recession, The Keg was not open for lunch, Mikado (new on the west end was way to noisy) and the Cactus Club at West Edmonton Mall was also crammed- so on we walked to Bourbon Street expecting to go to Earls there.



I had been at the Red Piano once before for a few cocktails on a Friday night and while I enjoyed the decor, the crowd and the 'talent' was not to my liking- but the decor is to die for-- so I figured let's give it a try!




My mom ordered the steak sandwich and after testing out their raw oysters- one is never sure what one will get here in Edmonton- I ordered 8 more. The oysters were perfect, not the large mushy ones, but tiny, a touch sweet and not too meaty. My mothers steak sandwich was a surprise- it looked like a fast fry piece of liver----! Ughhh- but it was tender, seared on the outside yet still medium rare in the middle, tender and very tasty! We will be heading back there again for lunch!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Cafe de Ville


Another lovely wine tasting at Cafe de Ville here in Edmonton.
As always interesting food, creatively combined with a knowledgeable wine representative available to increase our knowledge!
This time it was Errazuiz from Chile- food and wine to compliment each other.

First Course
Chilean Seabass Cassoulet
mixed beans, pumpkin roasted corn with a large chunk of perfect Sea bass on top!
served with what I though was a rather heavy, syrupy white Sauvignon Blanc- which complimented the spice of the veggies!

Second Course
Vegetables Empanads
Peppers, olives, smoked tomatoes, green beans, loads of garlic, rice all wrapped in a puff pastry.
served with Errazuiz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir- which I found more complex than most Pinots-- especially the ones from the 'homelands.'
This was amazing! Peppery, tart- amazing!

Third Course
Was pork wrapped in pork fat with red chili
(I had to pass on this dish- and was cheerfully served a alternative) Wow did I win out on this choice!
I got a seared scallop wrapped in a vegetarian 'Bacon'. This 'bacon' was better than most real bacon-very smoky, solid with no fat-- available I am told at most Safeways!
The wine was a Errazuriz Max Rivera Cabernet. I found hints of tobacco, very smooth, with a short finish and simple while holding its own complexity.

Main Course
You know fantastic when someone can take the most simple of all meals and turn into something special!
Petit beef tenderloin with duck fat, double fried pomme frittes topped with a quails egg.
What a take off the simple steak and fries!
Served with a Errazuriz Max Reserva Carmenere-- Cocky and simple perfection.


Dessert-
Always the one thing you truly should eat first at Cafe De Ville just to ensure you have room left!
Apricot Bavarian on a Cardamom
short dough with an almond and hazelnut trulie cookie.
To be honest, this was amazing- but my taste buds are not fond of hazelnut in any form other than fresh out of its shell-- so I do not eat all of mine..... nothing against the pastry chef here-she is terrific and makes the most amazing white pear truffles this side of the universe!
Served with a Errazuriz late harvest Sauvignon Blanc--- very similar in taste and texture to our famous Ice Wines from the Okanagon- very good and I am sure at a much better 'buy' than what our ice wines sell for. If you are wanting a good dessert wine and the price of our award winning ice wines are a touch more than you wish to spend check out this Chilean alternative I am sure you will not be disappointed!
(In saying that I did have a few more 'tastes' of this dessert wine that I needed!)

check out this site-- I now what to go to Chile to see this incredible valley!
http://www.errazuriz.com/

Saturday, November 14, 2009

H1N1

Sorry folks I have not been posting as much- first the computer got a virus then I guess I did!
Funny, when 'Mad Cow' was the rage I was comfortable- after all I was immune-how can a 'mad cow' get mad cow'? So when the 'swine flu' reared it's little pink head I said "Ah, not to bother a Mad Cow cannot get 'Swine flu'. Hmmmmm so now I guess I am either a mad cow- or a swine----. The symptems are still up in the air as is the time frame.
It appears you can have a mild case that lingers- without the cough and chest concerns. Then you just get to not sleep for two weeks, go on the swine flu diet---everything that does get in- goes out right away - one way or the other! But, of course most things will not even get in.....
Hot flashes are nothing compared to the sweats you can get from this- and the chills are so bad you want to rip out your own bones---they are where the cold comes from. Then your body is so confused it is cold with socks, heating pads and flannel jammies- just as you warm to a good temperature--- you have to strip as you are sweating so bad and lay on a tile floor-- then- just as you are cooling down---- the freeze starts again!
Yup- this sucks-- and my body cannot decide from one day to the next if it wants to be sick-- it just wants to be tired- but not tired enough to sleep!
I have some posts I will get to you as soon as I can--- and it may be at 1 in the morning!

This weekend ! Check it out!

Friday evening kicks off the Hidden Gems Bazaar. If discovering Maggie’s favourite Gems, with a glass of wine in hand, free admission, prize draws for $100s in Gems offerings, and goody bags isn’t enough reason to make it down to the Fashion Underground this weekend – here’s one more. The Gems are going to share their nuggets of wisdom with engaging presentations and colourful demonstrations.

Hidden Gems Bazaar Program
Friday

7:00 pm - "5, 10 and 15 minute stress busters" relaxation with Catherine Potter

Saturday

12:30 pm - "Homemade natural skin care" Lauryn from Earth’s Aromatique will share one of her favourite recipes.

1:30 pm - "How to find the right hat for that stylish cat" with Sandra Mattar of Headcase Hats

2:30 pm - "Life without the knife" Keeley Smith of Live Life Beautiful will show us techniques she uses everyday in her non-surgical facelift practice.

3:30 pm - "ABC’s of Pilates" Tracy Friesen of Integration Pilates presents a primer on Pilates (c/w exercise demonstrations) and its health benefits.

Sunday

1:30 pm - "Meditation for the I-drink-too-much-coffee-can't-stop-thinking-have-too-many-things-to-do-to-stop-and-relax type person" with Catherine Potter.

3:00 pm - "Astrology & Relationships" with Catherine Potter.

Bazaar Hours
Friday, Nov 13th, 5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, Nov 14th, 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, Nov 15th, Noon – 5 pm

Maggie's Fashion Underground
11217 Jasper Avenue
(780) 482-1238

Maggie Walt is having a Holiday Show!





Maggie Walt Design Presents
by invitation only

Fall/Holiday 2009 Collection
Fashion Show
Sunday November 22
11217 Jasper Avenue
Maggie unveils her latest fall & holiday collection in our in-store fashion show on Sunday November 22nd . If you're starting to think about what to wear in the upcoming holiday season - you won't want to miss this event.

The cost of admission is $10, with tickets available in person or by credit card over the phone. All proceeds from the tickets are donated to the I-India Orphanage in Jaipur India. We encourage you to purchase your tickets now as there are a limited number available. Just drop by the store, or have your credit card handy and give us a call at (780) 482-1238.

The afternoon begins at:

12:00 PM Refreshments, snacks and shopping.
1:30 PM Fashion show.
2:15 PM More shopping, snacks and refreshments.
4:30 PM The day wraps up.
We've started up our 2009 Christmas Wish List and so be sure to get in and make your picks. Maggie's "Men's Night" is coming up soon.

Monday, November 9, 2009

and a new art Gallery way to go Jennifer!

http://www:garantgallery.com The artist herself hard a work at her latest

venture!


Jennifer



















These are some images from a new artist to me
a gentleman from Italy- Sandro Negri-- the Van Gough of our time






I love this sculpture!!!







Jennifer and her artist hubby!


Garant Gallery

http://www:garantgallery.com

This is reason enough for me to cash in some of those airmiles and book a flight to Palm Springs!

Friday, November 6, 2009

OMG

For the first time in history of this blog- we have a 'situation;--- I will keep you posted--interesting

Ah Ego

As long as we are being controlled by ego- we will never achieve our real value

OUCH

I just got a very rude and nasty email from our 'friend' at the not to be mentioned art gallery in London-- guess we really do not want to hear from him=--see my previous posts- again. I am trying to have a blog that supports artists, fine living and life-- seems we have someone with a thorn in their hoof=== out of respect I am not posting their response because I love artists and their temperaments are crazy!
We still love the art this gallery has----- and I hope your medication kicks in soon--- I was only and still trying to be kind --- I have no idea how you could take it any other way! BUT if you want to take this public--- I will go with your wishes.
OMG___ Normally -as you know- I only do nice things but I have just been introduced as to how rude English can be" I was trying to promote this gallery00000 OMG--- The words I got from him--in my honest trying to help him- will freeze your mind!
Okay, I am sure we now have all calmed down and google a million galleries would we want to purchase a Warhol.

American Thanksgiving!

Stay posted- soon a home-made pumpkin pie - with Canadian maple syrup!

Sorry!

I just had an e-mail from Gul Coskun asking me to remove my post regarding his fantastic artwork he presently has in his gallery.
So, the images are down. I would like to point out- to those that are new here- my reason for this blog is to spread the news of beauty,food and fantastic items that can be found in Edmonton and around the globe (generally I do not show mass produced IKEA finds- but have been know to).
My blog has helped spread Jennifer's artwork to many viewers, the chocolate story that ended up in San Fransisco through word of mouth on my blog is so sweet and the increase in sales from the terrific girls from Bragg--- have all made my heart happy.
In this crazy financial time we are living in, the demise of many shelter magazines and the print/electronic news medium changing so rapidly this seems like the most useful tool to help spread life, living and glamour.
To Gul, my apologies but truly my heart and intentions were in the best place for helping you in these times where many are still cutting back on art buys.
Again sorry.
Should any of my readers have unique items I am more than pleased to offer them up to my readers on my blog -- once they have passed my approval (hey- it is my blog) If I don't think the ideas or items are a match I get to make the call!- a little power in this world that is still mine to make!.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Coskun Fine Art

Images removed upon request- Andy Warhol and Lichtenstein originals!
Can you imagine being able to be around Warhol during the 'Factory days'..... OH MY how very exciting that would of been--- so 'not' like we approve of living these days- wild -exciting, free and very crazy! (Not so healthy- but ah!)


A few years ago -now a completely different lifetime ago- I was roaming around London, Harrods, the art galleries and came face to face with an artist proof of Chanel No. 5 by Warhol-- I was in love! Seriously in love- my bank account was grateful however it was an unrequited love and I just adored from afar!


One of the galleries I visited just forwarded me some of the 'newest' art they have by Warhol and my other secret love Lichtenstein (not sure if his 'lesbian stint is my taste) I love his fun cartoon style.
To see images- click here

Amuse buche!

Aha- the term I was looking for-

A perfect 'amuse buche would be for example a small piece of dark chocolate with a spicy- pepper or chili ganache-- perfect way to begin a meal!

Amuse-buche and amuse-geules can be loosely translated as fun (tease) the mouth and hors d'oeuvre literally means outside the work, not part of the main meal. Whatever you decide to call them, they all make perfect little bites to "open" the meal or served "en masse" as the stars of the party.


It is when chef is having a lot of free time and do creative thing to amuse you


They're like appetizers, only smaller portions. Just a couple bites to stimulate the appetite.


Amuse the mouth...a gift from the kitchen, in a restaurant, that is intended to stimulate your appetite. (this is the one I remember Europeans using)



Loosely translated in French - - - Tease the Mouth......


An Amuse Buche is a small, single bite of food that is created for the sole purpose of amusing the mouth as a prelude to more courses to come. The person eating it should always want more.

Lovely little email I am passing on!








I am passing on a 'sweet' little e-mail I recieved the other day!


Hi Raine,
I have to tell you this story my sister Sandy loves your blog site .....but of course!!!!!! (its fab.......)
Anyway she was reading up about your favorite chocolate and she lives in San Fransico and works in a surgery hospital in OR.....anyway she was reading about your chocolate and the next day was talking with a patient and I cant say who because of patient confidentiality but a extremely close relative to the chocolatier in Edmonton......is that not wild!!!! She has passed your site along to all her pals in San Fran as she is now your second biggest fan next to me ......


Thanks so much--- and I am planning on a blog- shortly- using this same Chocolate store with a few ideas how to serve some of their products- BEFORE dinner with a nice Chateau Neuf in the middle of a very cold wind storm--!!!

http://www.kerstinschocolates.com/

I had a chocolate tasting booked this summer- but I cancelled- I was the first nice long weekend we had- I will get in after the 'season' and update you!
For the original post of this wonderful shop and terrific pics- check out my August 9th post!
Yummy!