This was the first weekend in a long time that the kitchen was not overflowing with some kinda chocolate experiment (good or bad!). My course work is keeping me busy and this weeks assignment has already been handed in! It was all about Sourcing Chocolate. I looked in Ireland at bulk chocolate suppliers: Pallas Foods, La Rousse and Odaios. They only deal with businesses and I am most definitely not in business (and if my sorry attempt ‘pate de fruit’ is anything to go by I never will be!).
Odaios supply my favourite Valrhona and you might think 3kg of Guanaja is a lot, but actually it is not. Sur’ HoneyB was 6lb 9oz (3kg) when she was born too.
The pistoles look a little battered and bruised but just look at how delicate and unblemished the Valrhona logo is ….
My Mum bought some Callebaut for me from Pallas Foods, then she explained, ‘yes you do have to pay VAT at 21%’. All 9kgs was delivered in style and perfectly cool by my little bro. The drops are very nibbly and are perfect for snacking. HoneyB loves getting a little mini bun case full of them, all different colors.
My research assignment did lead me to Vantage House and KeyLink in the UK which carry a few interesting brands. All the KeyLink prices include delivery too, UK VAT is only 15% and the exchange rate makes them very attractive.
Any tips on suppliers on the island, please let me know ….
