Product Description

There’s a difference between a chocoholic and a chocophile, and Clay Gordon is decidedly in the latter category. It’s not enough for him to simply love this rich indulgence; he is equally addicted to the finer points of choosing it, just as a wine aficionado enjoys researching different varietals and developing a taste for particularly fine ones.

In Discover Chocolate, Gordon opens a world that extends far beyond cookbooks and coffee-table books that feature assorted gooey shots. Yes, his primer is packed with more than a hundred gorgeous photographs of chocolate and truffles, but this is a guide that also includes a handy rating system, a field guide for discerning among different types and styles of chocolates, an overview of how cacao becomes chocolate (including maps of where cacao is grown), advice for pairing chocolate and wine, and, perhaps most important of all, how and where to shop for the best chocolate in the world.

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, and Clay Gordon is there to help you relish every drop of it, discerning why you like certain types but not others and generating a personal list of favorites. This is the book every true chocolate enthusiast has been craving.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #450502 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

Review
“Clay Gordon’s Discover Chocolate is clearly a labor of love. A thorough and informed guide, it offers valuable insight for those with a passion and desire to learn about the world of chocolate.”
—Jim Goldman, President, Godiva Chocolatier, Inc.

“In tasting chocolate with the same passion and precision as wine critics do wine, Clay Gordon has elevated the whole idea of appreciating chocolate to new heights.”
—W.R. Tish, former editor of Wine Enthusiast magazine and founder of www.wineforall.com

“Any fan of Clay Gordon’s website chocophile.com will find all its enjoyable qualities combined in this book: a first-time explorer’s spontaneous enthusiasm, an insider’s perspective, and a refreshingly personal conversational style. I am impressed especially by Clay’s nuanced but substantive approach to the art of tasting chocolate. Discover Chocolate will be an original, insightful, and informative addition to any chocolate-lover’s library.”
—Maricel Presilla, culinary historian and author of The New Taste of Chocolate

“Clay’s thorough and meticulous investigation on chocolate is the foundation for this comprehensive book that leaves very little undiscovered in the marvelous world of enjoying chocolate today."
—Michael Antinorsi, Owner, Chuao Chocolatier

“Discover Chocolate is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex world of chocolate today. Highly informative and easy to use, Clay Gordon’s new book is the ultimate guide to chocolate, just as the subtitle promises.”
—Alexandra Leaf, chocolate educator, cookbook author, and culinary historian

About the Author
Clay Gordon is the editor and publisher of Chocophile.com and the founder of the New World Chocolate Society. A leading independent authority on chocolate, he conducts chocolate tastings and classes across the country. His insights about chocolate are frequently published in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Business Week, among other publications.

Customer Reviews

An absolute delight
This book is absolutely awesome. I knew very little about chocolate before reading this book, but now feel confident in my chocolate knowledge. It has increased my interest in choclate, and am now able to scrutinize the chocolate wherever I go.

Furthermore, the author does a good job of conversing with the reader. One feels like they're having a conversation with Clay, rather than being lectured. Overall a great book, a must buy for anyone even remotely interested in chocolate.

Useful unless You're a Sensualist
This is a very useful textbook if you're in the market to either become a chocolatier, sell chocolates, or promote a local chocolate tour. It has lots of points that you can quote as an expert connoissuer. If you're however just someone who basks in the sensual pleasure and warmth of a fantastic piece of fine chocolate, and wants good recommendations without a critical dissection of each element of your chocolate, then this might be the equivalent of TMI on a first date.
Other options include:
The Chocolate Guide: To Local Chocolatiers, Chocolate Makers, Boutiques, Patisseries and Shops - Western Edition, and,
Chocolate French: Recipes, Language, and Directions to Français au Chocolat
also Chocolates and Confections: Formula, Theory, and Technique for the Artisan Confectioner and
Making Artisan Chocolates

Chocolate Lover's Bible !
Great book - fun read, comprehensive, good suggestions for any chocolate lover. Author loves chocolate and his enthusiasm is contagious.