How do you eat yours? The members reply! A few months ago we posed the question, how do you go about eating your monthly tasting box? We even suggested that years of ‘research’ had revealed four distinct groups of tasters – The Conformists, The Nibblers, The Anarchists and The Beauticians. It seems we might have started something… The Beautician I am definitely The Beautician. But the first thing I do when opening my box of chocolates is to draw a deep breath to inhale the tantalising aroma! Then I make a lingering survey and sometimes refer to the menu before taking my first choice – always a difficult decision! Best wishes Celia THE SCORER When it comes to eating my lovely box I read all the bits that come with it, then open and have a lovely sniff and a look to see what beautiful designs and patterns are there to be enjoyed. I usually try to have just one after lunch, but don’t always succeed – and curiosity gets the better of me. Then I work out from the list, which I am most likely to give a 10 to, and which might come lower – so I start with the ‘doubtfuls’ and then work upwards. I get some surprises that way. Then, I go back again and eat from my list from the bottom scorers upwards so I can end with my favourite one(s). Mrs P Elliott THE ANARCHIST, THE CONFORMIST AND THE BEAUTICIAN! We couldn’t have a better description than ‘Anarchist’ for my husband. It describes his tasting experience exactly. My experience is a bit different as I fall into 2 categories – The Conformist and The Beautician. I always look at the menu first to see what is in the box (By this time my husband has already eaten 3 and is telling me all about them) and then I look into the box and see just which one takes my fancy. Best Wishes Maureen Wood
The Planner Whilst I applaud the research done into how people eat their tasting boxes, I feel you have missed out an important group, one I would consider myself part of; the planners. When I get my box the menu is scanned and descriptions read. Then an order is formed, complimentary chocolates will be consumed together (don’t want to follow something nice and light with a “blow your socks off” liqueur one now do we?); ones are marked for first and last consumption (usually saving the best until last – or a bad day at work, whichever comes first); the ones I can have for a cheeky chocolate hit while I’m cooking dinner; the ones to have after dinner. The meals I need to make to perfectly compliment the after dinner chocolate! Your chocolates are an art form so the way that they are consumed must be too! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a new box to organise... Jen Reynolds The MIXTURE I’m a mixture! I always consult the menu first, look carefully at them all and then pick something I fancy at the time. Also, I try to save one of each kind until I’ve tried them all. What does that say about me?! Jill Wilson
Do you have anything to add? Let us know at simon@hotelchocolat.co.uk 7