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Chocolatour: A Quest for the World's Best Chocolate
Chocolatour takes readers around the world in search of the best chocolate, most innovative chocolate makers, exciting chocolate events, and enticing chocolate destinations. In her research for the first volume of Chocolatour, Pendgracs has visited and interviewed chocolatiers and chocolate makers from Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, and the UK. She also visited cacao growing regions in Peru, Ecuador, and St. Lucia.
Chocolatour includes a chapter on the health benefits of chocolate, growing cacao and how it is magically transformed into chocolate, recipes and pairings, and an A-Z Global Guide for Chocolate Lovers. Pendgracs also makes recommendations on chocolate excellence in her awards chapter.
If you love fine artisan chocolate and you love to travel, Chocolatour is for you. It makes a great gift for the chocolate lover in your life.
Chocolatour can be obtained via the author's site at http://chocolatour.net. Doreen Pendgracs is a Canadian travel writer and author. Chocolatour is her fourth book. Volume I of Chocolatour is the first in a series. Volume II is expected to be released in 2015 and will focus ion the Americas and the Caribbean.
Chocolatour includes a chapter on the health benefits of chocolate, growing cacao and how it is magically transformed into chocolate, recipes and pairings, and an A-Z Global Guide for Chocolate Lovers. Pendgracs also makes recommendations on chocolate excellence in her awards chapter.
If you love fine artisan chocolate and you love to travel, Chocolatour is for you. It makes a great gift for the chocolate lover in your life.
Chocolatour can be obtained via the author's site at http://chocolatour.net. Doreen Pendgracs is a Canadian travel writer and author. Chocolatour is her fourth book. Volume I of Chocolatour is the first in a series. Volume II is expected to be released in 2015 and will focus ion the Americas and the Caribbean.
- GenresTravel
176 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
30 people want to read
About the author
Doreen Pendgracs
4 books14 followersDoreen Pendgracs is an award-winning author who has written dozens of periodical articles for various North American magazines and websites since 1993.
She has co-authored two books, and in March, 2010, released her first solo effort: "Before You Say Yes ..." a guide for anyone volunteering (or thinking of volunteering) for a non-profit association or organization.
In July, 2013 Wizard of Words Productions released Doreen's fourth book, "Chocolatour: A Quest for the World's Best Chocolate," a book highlighting the best chocolate of the world and the people and places behind it. Details about the book and where to order it can be found at http://chocolatour.net.
Chocolatour is the recipient of a bronze medal in the Food/Cooking category of the 2014 Readers' Favorite Awards. You'll find the 5-star Readers' Favorite review at https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi....
Visit Doreen's site at http://chocolatour.net where you can read her bio, connect with her on social media, and read her blog.
Follow ("like") Doreen's author's page on FB at: http://www.facebook.com/Doreen.Pendgr...
She has co-authored two books, and in March, 2010, released her first solo effort: "Before You Say Yes ..." a guide for anyone volunteering (or thinking of volunteering) for a non-profit association or organization.
In July, 2013 Wizard of Words Productions released Doreen's fourth book, "Chocolatour: A Quest for the World's Best Chocolate," a book highlighting the best chocolate of the world and the people and places behind it. Details about the book and where to order it can be found at http://chocolatour.net.
Chocolatour is the recipient of a bronze medal in the Food/Cooking category of the 2014 Readers' Favorite Awards. You'll find the 5-star Readers' Favorite review at https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi....
Visit Doreen's site at http://chocolatour.net where you can read her bio, connect with her on social media, and read her blog.
Follow ("like") Doreen's author's page on FB at: http://www.facebook.com/Doreen.Pendgr...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 28, 2013
Chocolate, in its many forms and varieties, may be the world’s most beloved substance. I’m certainly guilty of succumbing to near-orgasmic euphoria when indulging in a really fine chocolate treat. Much as I love chocolate, I really don’t know much about it—or didn’t till I read the richly illustrated Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate by Doreen Pendgracs.
Before describing the distinctive regional qualities of chocolate around the world, Pendgracs delves briefly into the origins, history, sources, and methodologies of cacao, the raw material that, when transformed by chocolate makers, chocolatiers, and the mighty chocolate masters, becomes the legal drug of happiness for so many of us. She even explains the chemistry behind those chocogasms I’ve experienced! Without belaboring the issue, Pendgracs describes the work involved in growing cacao, which “is grown in a belt twenty degrees north and south of the equator.”
After this bit of interesting background information, Chocolatour explores the personalities, characteristics, and artistic accomplishments of chocolatiers in seven European countries. The book is readable and entertaining and peppered with fun anecdotes about the author’s personal travel experiences. Chocolatour is designed to be a useful reference for world travelers in search of good chocolate. Pendgracs includes lots of useful links to chocolate sources, as well as to points of interest, guides, restaurants, and lodgings that she found especially worthy during her travels. An extensive index and a list of terms at the back of the book add to its usability.
Besides gaining a better understanding of what separates one chocolate master’s artistry from another, I learned interesting tidbits like how the invention of the dutching machine put the Netherlands on the map of great chocolate.
Some of the beautiful color photos are a bit small for the amount of detail that they might convey if more tightly zoomed. For example, since I had never heard of or seen the calissons Pendgracs describes in the section on Provence, I would love to see a close-up of these delicacies. I suspect that a spattering of repetitive phrases have disappeared from more recent printings of the book.
If you will be traveling in the near future, grab a copy of Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate and tuck it into your carry-on. You will congratulate yourself on your good sense as you follow the crumbs that lead you to delightful chocolate discoveries and off-the-main-tourist-route sites along the way.
Before describing the distinctive regional qualities of chocolate around the world, Pendgracs delves briefly into the origins, history, sources, and methodologies of cacao, the raw material that, when transformed by chocolate makers, chocolatiers, and the mighty chocolate masters, becomes the legal drug of happiness for so many of us. She even explains the chemistry behind those chocogasms I’ve experienced! Without belaboring the issue, Pendgracs describes the work involved in growing cacao, which “is grown in a belt twenty degrees north and south of the equator.”
After this bit of interesting background information, Chocolatour explores the personalities, characteristics, and artistic accomplishments of chocolatiers in seven European countries. The book is readable and entertaining and peppered with fun anecdotes about the author’s personal travel experiences. Chocolatour is designed to be a useful reference for world travelers in search of good chocolate. Pendgracs includes lots of useful links to chocolate sources, as well as to points of interest, guides, restaurants, and lodgings that she found especially worthy during her travels. An extensive index and a list of terms at the back of the book add to its usability.
Besides gaining a better understanding of what separates one chocolate master’s artistry from another, I learned interesting tidbits like how the invention of the dutching machine put the Netherlands on the map of great chocolate.
Some of the beautiful color photos are a bit small for the amount of detail that they might convey if more tightly zoomed. For example, since I had never heard of or seen the calissons Pendgracs describes in the section on Provence, I would love to see a close-up of these delicacies. I suspect that a spattering of repetitive phrases have disappeared from more recent printings of the book.
If you will be traveling in the near future, grab a copy of Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate and tuck it into your carry-on. You will congratulate yourself on your good sense as you follow the crumbs that lead you to delightful chocolate discoveries and off-the-main-tourist-route sites along the way.
December 19, 2013
Chocolatour is a testament to just how much one person can love chocolate. And who doesn't love chocolate? When I first heard about this book, I envisioned something like The World Atlas of Wine. Eventually, I think Pendgracs' book will approach that kind of scope as subsequent volumes are released. This first volume focuses on the best chocolate in Europe, but it contains some general opening and closing chapters on topics such as the history and health benefits of chocolate. The listing of chocolate events that appears toward the end is not limited to Europe, which leaves me to wonder if all of the impending volumes will eventually be collected as one edition. In the eBook version, the glossary and index comprise 33% of the text. She also includes a list of "fun facts" about each location. I will be visiting Zurich and Amsterdam next year, and I know I've highlighted many of the book's recommendations. All in all, this first volume is an amazing feat that will continue to evolve over time.
April 23, 2014
Organized into basics about cocoa farming, the development of the "personalities of chocolate," chapters on seven European countries known for their chocolate creation and/or love of chocolate, as well as information on festivals and the giving of "awards' for the best chocolate, Doreen Pendgracs "Chocolatour" is a great book for anyone who travels to Europe and wants to find great chocolate. With a good number of photos and the "personalities" concept to tie everything together it is a fun read.
However the final chapters feel more like they should be at the end of the series not in this volume and more consistent information about history and festivals in the nation chapters themselves would have been both more entertaining and more useful.
However the final chapters feel more like they should be at the end of the series not in this volume and more consistent information about history and festivals in the nation chapters themselves would have been both more entertaining and more useful.
August 30, 2013
If you're a chocolate lover like me, you'll want to read this book before you travel. Pendgracs knows her subject and I enjoyed learning about how chocolate is made and discovering the differences between the various regions. This is definitely a book I'll refer to when I'm planning future trips.
I went touring some wineries in Ontario this week and recognized a brand of chocolate mentioned in the book – Brix – specially made to enjoy with wine. Tasting room staff recommended Brix Smooth Dark to go with the wines I purchased. I never would have considered chocolate with wine if I hadn’t read about it in Chocolatour.
I went touring some wineries in Ontario this week and recognized a brand of chocolate mentioned in the book – Brix – specially made to enjoy with wine. Tasting room staff recommended Brix Smooth Dark to go with the wines I purchased. I never would have considered chocolate with wine if I hadn’t read about it in Chocolatour.
September 4, 2014
love this book. I'm a chocolate lover from way back and reading this book made me want to run out and buy some of my favourites.. Doreen Pendracs has done a wonderful job showing us about the different chocolates produced all over the world.
.Her work can be called an :"ode to chocolate", as well as a travel book. Either description would fit, but I find that it also reads like fiction, as I could not put it down till I devoured the whole book. Mind you, after that I so wished I had some of the real sweet stuff to devour. Preferably one of each kind!
This book would be a gift anybody with a sweet tooth would love to get as a present.
.Her work can be called an :"ode to chocolate", as well as a travel book. Either description would fit, but I find that it also reads like fiction, as I could not put it down till I devoured the whole book. Mind you, after that I so wished I had some of the real sweet stuff to devour. Preferably one of each kind!
This book would be a gift anybody with a sweet tooth would love to get as a present.
April 6, 2016
Doreen Pendgracs has researched and undertaken a fascinating tour of all aspects of chocolate from all corners of the world. This first volume visits Europe and the UK, with America and the Caribbean to feature in volume two.
Anyone with even the slightest interest in chocolate will find this a fascinating read, but be warned; you will need to have your favourite chocolate to hand before you delve into the book!
Anyone with even the slightest interest in chocolate will find this a fascinating read, but be warned; you will need to have your favourite chocolate to hand before you delve into the book!
September 4, 2014
This is such a well written and engaging read. I am learning so much about chocolate and where it comes from. It is fascinating to learn that chocolate, like all substances, has distinctive characteristics and can be identified by the nose and the taste. Then there are the chocolatiers who are masters and magicians who create some wondrous chocolate delicacies from the pure chocolate that comes from some dedicated growers. It is so worth the read. :-)
May 9, 2016
Fabulous! A world traveler and a storyteller -- that's Doreen Pendgracs. As I read, I was voyaging with the Chocolatour herself as she set out on her decadent quest for the world's finest chocolate sensations. I confess, I lived vicariously through her wonderful journeys! I encourage everyone to experience Doreen's sensational travels as she immerses herself in the world of chocolate!
November 20, 2013
This is an outstanding survey of the best chocolates around the world. The author visited many countries and has rated her favorites. She also lists the best chocolatours by city and region so that readers can sample the chocolates themselves. This is likely one of the most exhaustive studies of chocolates ever written. I highly recommend it.
December 11, 2013
If you are going to Europe, do not leave without this book. The author has done the digging for the best places to find top-quality chocolate. I'm not lucky enough to be heading to Europe, but I felt like I was there for a few moments, and learned so much about chocolate. A well-written, and unique approach to one of my favourite treats.
August 6, 2016
I learned more about chocolate reading this book than I've known my entire life (69 years!) Lots of good information, interesting/entertaining and educational! Delicious read, as is the subject matter.
November 24, 2018
It's tempting to say, "delicious". But I savoured every word. Chocolatour is the perfect gift to accompany a box of REALLY great chocolates.
April 12, 2016
Chocolatour by Doreen Pendgracs
Simply reading the deliciously described table of contents to Chocolatour made me want chocolate. In the preface, Ms. Pendgracs explains the difference between cacao and cocoa and I realized right away that I've embarked on an educational journey to raise my chocolate IQ far above my existing elementary level. What I've known to date is that Brussels gave me the tastiest dark chocolate. Now I see what I've been missing during my other travels. I think I’d like to return to Brussels during chocolate week and also buy the postage stamps that give off a chocolate aroma when you lick them—and I don’t lick stamps anymore.
It's enlightening to learn the differences between Chocolate Makers, Chocolatiers and Chocolate Masters—a culmination of either of the above in their field of excellence.
“Driving under the influence of chocolate,” now there’s an idea that could make a lot of us laugh and be happy. I like any excuse to eat dark chocolate.
I enjoyed Chapter 3 Experiencing the Various Personalities of Chocolate. If you want to do a chocolatour on your own, then reading about the chocolatiers in various cities will help you make notes on where to visit.
This is a great reference book—check it before you travel so that you can seek out your favorite types of chocolate shops. With a pending trip to London, you can bet that I’ve made copious notes of where the best chocolate in this city is located.
It would be easy to review this book chapter by chapter--it’s been a treat to learn about the blending and processing of chocolate, the regions the varieties are grown in and savor a few delicious recipes. As a wine person, I appreciate the tidbits about pairing chocolate and wine.
The final chapters include the “Best of” list and the A to Z Guide to Chocolate. This book is a must read for folks who love the combination of travel and chocolate…you’ll come away with new ideas of places to see and chocolate to devour.
I received Chocolatour for free in exchange for an honest review—one I’m delighted to provide. Excuse me now, time to go get some Swiss chocolate.
Simply reading the deliciously described table of contents to Chocolatour made me want chocolate. In the preface, Ms. Pendgracs explains the difference between cacao and cocoa and I realized right away that I've embarked on an educational journey to raise my chocolate IQ far above my existing elementary level. What I've known to date is that Brussels gave me the tastiest dark chocolate. Now I see what I've been missing during my other travels. I think I’d like to return to Brussels during chocolate week and also buy the postage stamps that give off a chocolate aroma when you lick them—and I don’t lick stamps anymore.
It's enlightening to learn the differences between Chocolate Makers, Chocolatiers and Chocolate Masters—a culmination of either of the above in their field of excellence.
“Driving under the influence of chocolate,” now there’s an idea that could make a lot of us laugh and be happy. I like any excuse to eat dark chocolate.
I enjoyed Chapter 3 Experiencing the Various Personalities of Chocolate. If you want to do a chocolatour on your own, then reading about the chocolatiers in various cities will help you make notes on where to visit.
This is a great reference book—check it before you travel so that you can seek out your favorite types of chocolate shops. With a pending trip to London, you can bet that I’ve made copious notes of where the best chocolate in this city is located.
It would be easy to review this book chapter by chapter--it’s been a treat to learn about the blending and processing of chocolate, the regions the varieties are grown in and savor a few delicious recipes. As a wine person, I appreciate the tidbits about pairing chocolate and wine.
The final chapters include the “Best of” list and the A to Z Guide to Chocolate. This book is a must read for folks who love the combination of travel and chocolate…you’ll come away with new ideas of places to see and chocolate to devour.
I received Chocolatour for free in exchange for an honest review—one I’m delighted to provide. Excuse me now, time to go get some Swiss chocolate.
April 16, 2016
Congratulations to Doreen Pendgracs on writing such a delightful book that allows her readers to explore the world of chocolate with her whether we are armchair or airplane travellers! Her book provides not only a tour of parts of Europe, but also offers comprehensive educational insight into the world of chocolate making and tasting. While reading Doreen's book, we meet interesting chocolatiers from around Europe. The photos burst with colour and intensity.
April 19, 2016
I enjoyed this book so much - it tells you everything you could possibly want to know about chocolate plus it is written in a very interesting, readable style.
It includes a number of beautiful photos of different places, Belgium being on the top of my list. It has one of the best chocolate truffles recipes which I can personally vouch for since I've made up several batches.
Reading the book you get to enjoy the chocolate journey right along with Doreen.
Highly recommend. (less)
It includes a number of beautiful photos of different places, Belgium being on the top of my list. It has one of the best chocolate truffles recipes which I can personally vouch for since I've made up several batches.
Reading the book you get to enjoy the chocolate journey right along with Doreen.
Highly recommend. (less)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews