New Candy from Nestle- "Crunch Crisp" resurrects Old Memories

Fond Memories: In 1969, I moved to a new neighborhood, got a new 3 speed bike and spotted a store I could get to on my own.. Stop 'N Go at 610 and Memorial Drive in Houston. That is where I tried my first Nestle's Crunch Bar and oh how I have loved this candy bar ever since! In actuality, I believe I can count this as site of and reason for my first major business transaction.  You see, when I started riding my bike to the corner store, candy was a nickel.  After a few years, my friend the clerk gave me the bad news that because the price of sugar had gone up, so too would the price of my beloved daily snack- to a dime. In shock, I stepped back and ran to the aisle- spotted 2 unopened boxes on the shelf and sighed a slight exhale in relief.  A few seconds later, with my idea formed and business plan in mind, I jumped on my bicycle and motored back to my house.  After cracking open my piggy bank, I was back at the store in a flash.  I purchased those 2 boxes (36ct) + 18 more bars (cleaned them out) for 5cents a piece.  I had just secured nearly a 3 month supply for half price. GREAT DEAL!

The "Crunch" Bar has been on top of my list through 4 decades. Now, Nestle has combined a crunch bar with a crispy wafer, crispies and chocolate creamy ganache to create the "Crunch Crisp".

This is a Winner!!

Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

Crispy Plain Chocolate Chip Cookies: I LOVE THEM!!

This has been a passion of mine my entire life. Probably was my introduction to chocolate when I was in diapers.

In my 22 years of "living" on the road, I have tried every chocolate chip cookie from every cookie store I have ever passed- that, my friends, is a lot of cookies!

I contacted Famous Amos about a franchise long before they ever franchised and long ago- since they are not in business the way they were when they kicked off the chain cookie store business (before Mrs. Field's entered the mall business) in the '70s. I was in high school in '78-'79 when I first talked to Wally, in Hawaii. My parents put the kibosh on my brilliant plan to be a cookie maven (college was more important- they told me) and someone else opened the store at the Houston Galleria. Who knows how big I would be today had I started baking for a profession 30 years ago.

I mention that because I need your help to find the 2008 version of the world's greatest crispy choco-chip (today-no soft ones, please).

My Hall of fame includes Hot Cookies' "Crispie Critters" at The Dadeland Mall in Miami and Nam's Cookies available at specialty shops like Swoozies (Atlanta and Dallas). There used to be a great cookie store at Kings Plaza in Queens, NY, but I believe it has also gone away...

Let me know where else I need to go.

LA: Chocolatine....I'm back

Well folks,

It has been quite a bit of time since I have posted a message. A new website and blog are on the way but I felt it important to start posting again. I have not stopped trying chocolate around the world, just been so busy, I have failed to report on all of the places I've been... and for that I truly and sorry.

This past week I was in "The Valley" of Los Angeles. It was a quick day trip, but my meeting ended early and I was able to find a great little local chocolate shop (and lunch spot) called "Chocolatine".

Located in Thousand Oaks on E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., the handmade chocolates are terrific. I brought home a small box and have thoroughly enjoyed all of the pieces. My favorites: The honey caramel is Fantastic, as is the white chocolate covered dark chocolate truffle. The thick nougat chocolate is terrific, too

What a pleasant surprise of a find!!

NYC: Charbonnel et Walker at Sak's Fifth Ave- Conveyor Belt- really?

Stopped by to check out the new chocolate store on the 8th floor of Sak's Fifth Ave.  OUTSTANDING idea.  Got the Drinking Chocolate drink and the Molton Chocolate Cake..  They were terrific!!

I really love the conveyor belt running in front of me at the counter, like "Blue C Sushi" at U. Village in Seattle. So here's the deal, as you try and you eat the amazing dessert you chose, they swing what seems like hundreds of other goodies in front of you, continuously, to challenge you decision or make you eat more than you can handle.  Either way, way too cruel of a joke.

But that is why I must go back- to try more + that is why I call this site eatMOREchocolate.