chocolates

[Antares]

>Dear Antares,
>
>Since you mention chocolates, perhaps you could settle a difference of 
>opinion between several Americans. 
>
>Which European country is known to make the finest chocolate? I say Belgium, 
>but others have other opinions. Thank you for your time and trouble.
>
>Most Sincerely,
>
>Richard Galassini
>Cunningham Piano Co
>Phila.,Pa.
>1 800 394 1117
>
>OK Richard, you asked, I'll answer of course...
>You must realize though that taste is something we can not really discuss.
>Moreover, this is an issue we should not debate on the list, but, it might 
>be the last and only chance ever for our chocolate loving colleagues to get 
>the very inside knowledge about the best chocolates in the world wide world.
>
>As I have lived in Amsterdam for over 50 years, and, as Belgium is only 1 
>hour and 15 minutes away from me, and, as I am a fervent handmade chocolate 
>lover, I would say this :
>The difference between Belgian and Dutch chocolate is a difference between
cultures.
>I feel that the Belgians have an older and more ripe culture in general 
>since they are also closer to France, and their blooming period was way 
>before the development of the rich and influential Dutch high time. Many of 
>their products are fantastic due too to their longstanding experience. 
>They, the Belgians, are also more generous in general and have a stronger 
>attitude of laissez faire.
>The Dutch though, and especially the ones living North of the main rivers 
>like the Maas (the Meuse) and the Rijn (the river Rhine) have been 
>influenced heavily by the religious culture of the Calvinists, who found a 
>haven in the Northern lowlands where they took refuge from the Roman 
>Catholics in France. The Calvinists, but also the Lutherans were rather 
>severe and strict in their daily behaviour resulting in literally less 
>butter on the bread, if you know what I mean.
>Many people originating from these Dutch and German religious groups found 
>their way to America and you will still find many traces of them and their 
>religion all over the US. 
>
>The Catholics beneath the rivers have always been more frivolous and with a 
>more loose way of living.
>It is important to have this little cultural story in mind, because it 
>applies indirectly to your question about chocolates.
>One more thing is very important : During the 17th century, the so called 
>Dutch "golden age", the rich Dutch merchants imported spices, tea, coffee, 
>and tobacco from  various places all over the world and especially from the 
>west and east indies. They also brought the chocolate beans and the French 
>refined the habit of consuming chocolate.
>So now, we have a little historical background to begin with.
>
>Maybe you can now better understand me when I say that the Belgian 
>chocolate is more rich and generous. Leonidas is of course a famous name 
>and an excellent chocolate maker.
>It is also a (unknown too many, even here in Amsterdam) fact, that the very 
>best chocolates of all of Holland are being made only two blocks away from 
>me. There is this little street called "Huidenstraat" (street of hides) and 
>in the Huidenstraat resides a chocolaterie called "Madame de Pompadour". In 
>this chocolaterie cum tearoom one can consume the finest cakes and 
>chocolates outside France and Belgium along with a really good Latte or Capucino.
>They are outragously expensive, but once hooked, you're hooked for life.
>The most important fact about this Madame the Pompadour story, is that the 
>chef is a very friendly BELGIAN!
>
>Now.... a few more blocks away North towards the central station and also 
>East towards the National Ballet theater we find two more chocolatiers who 
>make the finest of the finest.
>I personally think that the real connoisseur will not in this age or the 
>next one find more refined and pure chocolate bon bons.
>
>The Belgians make very very good and rich chocolate, the Dutch are just as 
>good (but of course only the handmade bon bons) and sometimes even more 
>pure bitter and better.
>
>Lastly, the Germans and the Swiss too make chocolates, but they can 
>unfortunately not compete.
>The Dutch on the other hand don't make as many tic tac clocks...
>Hey! you can't have it all!

I Hope this was of any help?
>
>The trouble is... it is 12 pm, and now I am hungry!
>
>
>Antares