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Celebrating is about sharing, telling stories, talking. It's about eating a piece of cake that a friend made for you, having a glass of wine or savoring a cup of coffee. It's that unknown sensation that doesn't let you get up from the table after eating. It's much more than just placing silverware and plates on a table, it's creating an ambience, a style, a sensation, an unforgettable memory.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

It was love at first sight


I found them on my visit to Chicago for my son's graduation.


At home I broke them into pieces placed them on a big plate and covered them with a glass dome to take it to the table and present it as my new little treasure.


Olivia's market a neighbor grocery in the heart of Bucktown, Chicago



Locally made products, hard to find specialty items, natural and organic.



While we went for a walk trying to know his neighborhood we stopped to buy some milk at his grocery store: Olivia's Marketa lovely food store that looks like a scene coming out from a movie. 

It's a neighborhood grocery with locally made products, organic, artisan cheeses, natural Amish chicken and a beautiful selection of fresh flowers that transport you to the countryside.


But what got my attention was the great selection of chocolates.  When I saw them it was love at first sight, I knew I had to try them. I bought one and on the following day I was back to get some more. They are extremely delicious, smooth melting in your mouth while you immediately get the same feeling as being in love.


Visually they are like modern art pieces to you mouth. As a texture they melt silkily, every bite finding little crunches of fruits, nuts or flowers.


They are artisan chocolates made by Ethereal. I was happy to find out they are from Illinois so they were a great goodie to bring back home. The other good thing is that they are organic,local ingredients, hand made and no preservatives, no dairy and gluten free plus most of them are vegan. 


I love their combinations of flavors, like the dark chocolate with strawberries, rose petals and pink peppercorns. When you bite them they are like the beginning of a new love story.


The pistachio & cranberry has some sprinkles of sea salt that make it unforgettable every bite.


The macadamia & raspberry with lime zest has a hip look and it's the perfect encounter between sweet and sour.


They also have olive oil meltaway, truffles, mendiants and other exciting confections with more combinations of flavors to die for.


24 comments:

Recetario Spanglish para mis hijos said...

How beautiful, I´ve seen great chocolates in San Francisco, but nothing so aesthetic. Un beso,

Unknown said...

I agree, these chocolate bars are little treasures!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

So pretty and delicious looking! I love gourmet chocolate bars.

Cheers,

Rosa

TinaRBK said...

Olivia's does look like a place I would enjoy visiting. Great atmosphere and lots of goodies! The chocolate you found is I would agree that it is an exceptional treasure. Glad you enjoyed your outing in Chicago!

Unknown said...

Would love to try those flavors, very intriguing! Beautiful pictures :-)

Joy said...

How I wish we had some chocolates like this here in Istanbul! I would love to try the dark chocolate with dehydrated strawberries. Yum!

Debra Eliotseats said...

We were in Chicago about a year ago and sought out Olivia's market. I loved that the high-end, organic soup cans were placed right next to the Cambell soup. I missed this treat. Let's figure out how to make it!

Unknown said...

I do hope that I get to check it out one day when I am back in the US visiting.. Till then, you never fail to amaze me with your table decors.. ;), xoxo, Jo

Veronica Cervera said...

Divino ese mercado. I'm in love too.
Besos,
Vero

Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. said...

That market does look amazing!! That chocolate looks incredible!

Peggy G. said...

I think my next trip to Chicago, I'll have to plan a detour to this market! The chocolates look pretty darn tasty too =)

Lola Lobato said...

I love Chicago is a diverse city with representatives from many different cultures, ethnic cuisine, and food specialties with an immense variety of flavor,
Totally multicultural, I try authentic Indian food, homemade Mexican, a Spanish restaurant that supports local farmers, Greek breakfast, Asian brunch, healthy local food chains and of course the famous deep pizzas. Totally amazed by the multicultural Chicago city!!!

Rosita Vargas said...

Debe ser un gran mercado con ricos productos me encantaría estar allí,abrazos hugs,hugs.

decocinasytacones said...

¡Qué locura de tienda Lola!
Un besito
Marialuisa

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, my gosh...I'm going to have to hunt down this spot next time I'm in Chicago! What gorgeous bars~

Ana said...

I would love to try these incredible gourmet chocolate bars,they must be delicious!
I wonder if you can find them in Canada and where, it will be a real treat to enjoy their unique taste one day...what about in the rest of the US?

Anne@FromMySweetHeart said...

Lola...those are gorgeous! You are right...almost too beautiful to eat. But I bet they were delicious! Oh how I wish I could make chocolates like that! : )

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Yes, I agree. These chocolate bars are gorgeous!! You made me wish to visit Chicago soon!

chicago foodie girl said...

Oh, I LOVE Olivia's Market! There are so many fabulous products to be found & everything is so cute! I'm going to have to buy more of that chocolate - I've had the pistachio & cranberry bar, but haven't tried the other flavors.

Catherine said...

Dear Lola, what gorgeous chocolate treats. They certainly do look like little treasures. Nothing is better than gourmet chocolate! Blessings to you my dear, your friend, Catherine xo

LinsFood said...

How beautiful are these?! It looks like a fascinating place, I can just imagine spending ages (and lots of money!) in it!

Pencil Kitchen said...

These are really rare!! The ones i've seen are never with dried strawberries!

Lola Lobato said...

Ana, they have a web page and you can buy online.
http://www.etherealconfections.com/
All the best, xoxo

Catherine said...

Dear Lola, What a nice store! I would be drawn to the chocolate too! Blessings dear. Catherine xo