Most people probably don't realize that adventure can reside in a square of chocolate. Janet Lee is ready to show that it can.
In early fall, Lee launched a business built from a long-time curiosity of gourmet and artisan food. Chocolate Tasting Adventure invites people to explore the world of fine chocolate through specially arranged events focused on chocolate tastings, pairings and education.
"I think I have always been someone who is adventurous by nature and always curious," says Lee. "I was also the little kid that wanted to eat dark chocolate when my friends wanted to eat milk chocolate."
About four years ago, Lee combined her affinity for learning with her passion for chocolate and began doing chocolate tastings as a sideline. Over time, word spread about her events that introduce people to handcrafted chocolates in a format that emulates wine and craft beer tastings. Realizing the demand, Lee set out on to formalize her Williamston-based enterprise in mid-2017, and to bring a new option for chocolate tasting to mid-Michigan.
"Chocolate Tasting Adventure is all about bringing that handcrafted, really fine quality chocolate you can't get anywhere else and helping people discover what it tastes like," says Lee.
Lee has held chocolate tastings at corporate or non-profit events, business meetings, bridal showers, weddings and other special gatherings. She advises on appropriate wine, cheese or beer to pair with particular chocolates, and enables clients to run their own one-hour events or enlist Lee's expertise as a chief chocolatier. Lee also provides guides on how to discern particular flavors and tasting notes, as well as background on the origin and ingredients of certain chocolates.
Clients can select fine chocolates from Lee's sister company Artisan Fine Chocolate. Varieties include vegan, organic, sugar free, single origin, and inclusion bars that feature ingredients like fruit, nuts and spices. Specially created collections are also available. All chocolates are crafted by artisans who source cacao beans from any of 27 countries, then grind, roast and temper the chocolate into bars.
Chocolate Tasting Adventure offers chocolate tasting kits online that include artisan chocolate bars, a chocolate guide, tasting dishes and notes. Holiday tasting and special event gift boxes are also available.
"Think of all the people who go to wineries and want to learn more about wines and how to taste them," says Lee. "This taps into that same kind of curiosity. Chocolate tasting is something unique and it's just a fun thing to do."
The e-commerce company is booking events from now through May. Click here for more information or email Janet Lee here.
Source: Janet Lee, Chief Chocolatier, Chocolate Tasting Adventure
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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