• Join Us on the May 2nd Downtown Walk
• Immerse Yourself in Chocolate- NEW DATE
• Gift Certificates For Mother’s Day
• Choco-Phrase of the Month
• A Morsel of NW Chocolate History

SECOND DOWNTOWN PORTLAND WALK ADDED

Due to popular demand, a second Downtown Portland walk has been added on Saturday, May 2nd, from 1-4:30 pm. Join us as we explore the sweetest nooks and crannies in the heart of the Metro. Only three spaces are left, so sign up today. For all walking tour registration contact West Linn Parks & Recreation Department at 503-557-4700 or online at: www.westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec by 2 pm on Friday.

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT CERTIFICATES

Why just give chocolates, when you can give a chocolate experience? These gift certificates are good for any scheduled upcoming walking tours and are valid a year from the date of purchase. They make perfect presents for the important women in your life. You can help the rainforest while making your Mother’s Day shopping easier by visiting us at: www.chocolatetastingandmore.com/pay.htm

AN EVENING OF CHOCOLATE IMMERSION- A NEW DATE

Join us at the historic McLean House in West Linn as we get up to our elbows in chocolate! We’ll explore cocoa and drinking chocolate, taste a variety of bar chocolates, and make delicious truffles to take home. This all takes place on a new date: Thursday, May 21st, from 6-9 pm. For more details and registration information, go to www.chocolatetastingandmore.com/tastings.htm. Why not treat your mom or a special mother-figure to an evening immersed in chocolate?

Choco-Phrase of the Month: MELANGEUR

The Swiss are famous for chocolate in part due to their many important inventions that have helped perfect chocolate production over the years. One of their creations was the grinder or melangeur thanks to Philippe Suchard. Inside the machine, granite or stainless steel millstones are used to crush solid cacao nibs into liquid chocolate. Today, the name Suchard is still associated with fine Swiss Chocolate.

A MORSEL OF NW CHOCO- HISTORY

Van Duyn (pronounced Dine) Chocolates is the oldest Portland chocolate business in operation. Founded in 1927 by Neuman Van Duyn, it was Portland’s premier chocolate destination until the 1980’s. Then it was unfortunately sold to investors who didn’t know the difference between turtles in a pond or turtles in a candy case! Luckily it was rescued in 1991 and has made a turn around. Visit www.vanduyns.com for their current locations.

GET A WHIF OF THIS!

A Harvard Professor recently unveiled a product called Le Whiff and claims that by inhaling a spray from his small cylinder, one can satisfy their chocolate craving without actually consuming calories in the process. Sounds good, but excuse me! One of the most satisfying aspects of chocolate consumption is the way it melts in your mouth. I’ll continue to choose the old mouth-melting-method!

GO CHOCOLATE, GO!

Leave it to the Brits to develop a race car that has components made from carrots, soy, and potatoes and that is fueled by chocolate waste and vegetable oil. The name of the vehicle, World First 3, is named after the organization and the fact that it is a Formula 3 racer. World First’s purpose is to show that it is indeed possible to make a competitive racing car using sustainable and renewable materials. And they say Portland is green!

WORK UP A SWEAT

Another UK chocolate news bite states that chocolate milk seems to be the cycling recovery drink of choice when compared to commercial sports drinks. The three drinks analyzed in the study were a commercially available sports drink, fluid replacement drink, and chocolate milk. It seems that the carbohydrate type and fat present in the chocolate makes the big difference. If you are lactose tolerant, this is another good reason to start exercising more!