Antoine Amrani Chocolates Giveaway
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I sometimes judge a book by its cover.
When I caught sight of Antoine Amrani’s beautifully designed (not to mention carbon neutral, manufactured from wind energy, and made with 100% recycled material) boxes of chocolates, I was smitten by the modern, fun, and feminine sensibility of the chartreuse curlicues and espresso brown packaging. And, don’t even get me started on that vibrant, boho-chic, limited edition Valentine sleeve. Squeal! Had I fallen into a fabulous alternate universe where fine chocolate-meets-Anthropologie?
Judging from the elegant embossed logo on the cover, to the subtle reminder printed on the side that inside, a “superlative chocolate experience” awaited, it seemed that the contents had much to live up to.
Somewhat dubiously, I tasted one of the jewel-like bon bons inside, and with great pleasure, noted, this is no superficial fluke. Inside and out, Antoine Amrani Chocolates are a masterpiece.
The flavors are sophisticated, intriguing, and sexy (perhaps, not unlike the recipient they’re meant for).
Signature flavors include the Coffee Sour Cherry, lacquered deep red and dotted like a ladybug. Bite through the surprisingly thin shell of chocolate and a silky coffee ganache envelopes melts on your tongue…bite further in, and you’re met with the bright fruitiness of a Grand Marnier-soaked sour cherry at the center. The flavor combo here is pleasingly unexpected.
The Organic Coconut Kaffir Lime is like a grown up Mounds, with fresh coconut puree perfumed with kaffir lime, and enrobed in 70% dark chocolate.
Of the palets, the Earl Grey stood out with its delicate flavor of tea infused with pure bergamot. Pretty.
Today’s prize, the Chocolate Lovers Tower, not only highlight all of Antoine’s signature flavors, they also include a special Valentine Lovers Box of shimmery red and pink hearts filled with a liquid salted caramel and raspberry ganache, and swirly palets of classic dark chocolate ganache.
Amrani trained at the Ritz Escoffier in Paris, continued honing his culinary skills under master chocolatiers throughout Europe, and most recently, was the Executive Pastry Chef at Georges Perrier’s renowned 5-star, Le Bec Fin, in Philadelphia. See him do his thing at his chocolate factory in East Norriton, PA – classes and tours are available.
“I want people to return to the beauty and enjoyment of life’s small pleasures.” — Antoine Amrani
To win this Chocolate Lovers Tower…
Simply leave a comment here telling me: What is your small pleasure in life?
Giveaway deadline is tomorrow night, Thursday 2/11, when the clock strikes midnight (PST). ***This one’s a quickie, lovers, so hurry hurry! Don’t miss out. Winner will be announced on Friday 2/12.
Disclosure: This giveaway was made possible via free sample and giveaway donation by Antoine Amrani Chocolates.
Update: Congrats to Anna, winner of Lick My Spoon’s Antoine Amrani Chocolates Giveaway!
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Reading a good book or magazine while I take a bubble bath!
Sneaking away to a quiet room with good chocolate and a great book.
Wow I have seen some fancy chocolates in my day, but those are the most beautiful ever! My small pleasure is a hot pot of tea and a blanket. Not sure I’d get through the winter without them!
Wow!! Those chocolates are so beautiful they almost look too good to eat!
My most treasured little pleasure in life is definitely reading books.
My small pleasure is taking a long hot bubble bath with the door locked.
Wow, he is an artist! My favorite small pleasure is spending a bit of time reading in bed at the end of each day, helps me fall asleep in a relaxed mood so I sleep better.
Yum! Those look amazing – I love the chocolate-meets-Anthropologie quote! That’s just what they look like!
Small pleasures – so many to choose from. But a favorite would have to be putting on my PJs straight from the dryer. How can you beat that cozy warm feeling? Even better if you can snuggle up on the couch in them to watch some good (or trashy reality, hey I’m up for both) tv!
My small pleasures are my 6 grandchildren.
Just a candlelit bubble bath makes me relax and feel pampered at the same time
My little pleasure in life is enjoying a delish craft beer with friends. To sip on a great beer that so much hard work was put into makes my day seem a little easier (Especially when laughing with friends is involved).
My small pleasure in life in sleeping in on the weekend with no alarm clock.
These chocolates seem too pretty to eat!
My little pleasure is cooking for my parent’s when I head back home. Not only is it fun, but I’m more adventurous than my mom, so she really loves it when I make something new for them.
My small pleasure is trying new and exotic foods.
Spending a snowy afternoon curled up under thick blankets with the boyfriend, just laughing, chatting, and enjoying each other’s company.
The simple pleasures in life are the best.
Also, <3 Anthropologie <3
A small pleasure in my life is fishy faces. It brings me much happiness to see them.
I love hugs. They are my small pleasures in life. I also like a cup of warm cocoa
My small pleasure is sitting in the breakfast nook, sipping hot cocoa and watching the snow fall on the hill behind our home.
May Canadians enter? My little pleasure is knitting.
Maybe not super-simple, but trying new craft beers is one of my happiest pleasures!
My small pleasure is my kitty–I love it at night he curls up next to me and purrs softly —I feel the vibration –makes me smile–and lulls me to sleep.
My small pleasure is flavored cream in my morning coffee. It starts my day off right. The chocolates look beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway.
Cheesy chick lit, read on the subway to work.