Cocoa noir?
It is amazing how much time and money goes into research on either the obvious or the useless. There are countless studies that prove exercise and a diet focusing on fruits, vegetables and whole foods will bring you better health. There are studies that find people put on more clothes when it’s cold, or women don’t like to be told they look fat and then there’s this eye opener from the Journal of Consumer Research; ”Bikinis Instigate Generalized Impatience in Intertemporal Choice”. Translation: men don’t make good decisions while checking out attractive women in bikinis. There are also studies that may reach obvious conclusions but are nonetheless extremely important for a healthy and happy life. These are the studies that have concluded time and again that dark chocolate; wine (especially red) and coffee have major health benefits. Again this should be obvious since all of these things have been around for centuries and all are simply made with natural ingredients. The confusion comes from when people overindulge or add chemicals, artificial ingredients or use product of poor quality. Fortunately for us Roxanne Browning, Long Island’s one and only Chocolate Sommelier, has taken it upon herself to educate, enlighten and indulge our senses with her guided chocolate tastings.
Seems obvious doesn't it?
Roxanne has always been a woman who follows her passions. She worked in advertising and then in politics as Northport’s mayor for ten years. She enjoyed the positive role she played in improving the environment and quality of life for her neighbors in a town that she loves. She then went out in search of another rewarding profession and that is when she stumbled upon the world of chocolate. It was her love of photography that led her to the International Chocolate show to photograph artisan chocolates. There she was exposed to a world and people that she knew she was meant to have a relationship with. She met extraordinary people who are changing the world by bringing fair trade chocolate-making to many third world or economically struggling countries. Many of these countries have the perfect climate for producing superior cacao beans. Forward and kind thinking people have found a way to improve the lives of many by teaching indigenous people to care for cacao plants in a manner which preserves the rainforests that otherwise may have fallen victim to a pesticide-filled crop such as soybeans or grains. They then teach the art of creating fabulous and often organic chocolate. There is a big difference in taste and nutrition when you compare one of these “bean to bar” pure chocolates to the “speed and greed” bulk corporate chocolates that are pumped out of major factories.
Cocoa pods grow directly off the trunk of a cacao tree. The seeds inside are roasted and fermented to make chocolate
Roxanne has chosen to work with ten companies that not only make award-winning chocolates but also pursue a philanthropic mission. She soon learned that when you pair the right wines with the right chocolate, euphoria inevitably follows. Her first event was at the Northport Tasting Room where she and the owner tested many fine chocolates with different wines… yeah it’s tough work but somebody’s got to do it. She said that it is instantly apparent when you find the perfect pairing, the chocolate can transform an ordinary wine into a complex and flavorful one after the right chocolate coats the palate. She gets a huge kick out of the skeptics at her events when they realize that this really is something special. Her wine tastings end up becoming a big “Love Fest” and its no wonder, both wine and chocolate have been treasured for ages for bringing happiness and gratitude. Roxanne says after the 3rd or 4th pairing the laughter and noise in the room rises considerably and by the sixth pairing people are exchanging numbers and promising to be life long friends.
With devotees singing her praises, word has spread about Exotic Chocolate Tastings and Roxanne whom has branched out and now pairs chocolates with other beneficial beverages including beer and tea. She teaches her customers how to savor each sip and bite and to pay attention to all of the nuances each brings out in the other. In our fast-paced society it’s a great lesson in slowing down and taking time to appreciate and enjoy the good things in life.
There are many Exotic Chocolate Tastings events lined up through the Fall. You can find them on her website. Her next event is a tea and chocolate pairing in Huntington at Main Street Nursery’s Tea Room. If you’re thinking of doing something different for your friends or office consider a chocolate pairing with your favorite beverage. As Roxanne says, “ good chocolate is the affordable luxury”.
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