Vote portland; Make history

And then I met chocolate

Not long ago I thought of myself sort of Tim Gunn, not for my style and design prowess, which is fantastic, but instead for my ability to focus and balance life's many stressors. Tim Gunn's familiar saying, "make it work," was my own, for a while. I'd drop "make it works" on my staff as a fun way of bringing smiles to everyones faces at the office. Lately though, as I run from meeting to meeting and (in my daze) drop "make it works" on the staff, it's become more of an annoyance. Sadly, my stress factor is palpable. So, farewell Tim Gunn, hello counseling.

A friend suggested that I'd manage better if I did yoga. Gillian suggested counseling. My 54-year-old sister called and challenged me to join her in a marathon this spring. This, I thought, was a good choice. So I accepted her challenge and started running, a lot. So far all I have are aches in my knees and some panic... that I actually might not be able to go 26.2 miles. I am doing yoga, too. The hot kind. It's amazing, and I think it's actually helping me find balance and focus.

I have also made a new food discovery. A magical one. I have found the single bean chocolate. My chocolate epiphany occurred recently when a client delivered a box of Godiva chocolates to the office. The selection of truffles and chocolates was extraordinary. As the ganaches and pralines melt in my mouth, I think i actually experienced euphoria. I had heard of chocolate's "feel good" quality, but never experienced it. What a wonderful discovery.

Yesterday my family and I attended Whole Foods Market's chocolate celebration in Portland and experienced that lovely chocolate buzz again. I tasted truffles, chocolates, hot chocolate, chili, mole, ice cream, fudge, and fruits and pound cake dipped in the ubiquitous chocolate fountain. A highlight of the day was meeting Janet Puistonen of Box Hill Confections. She elevated the day's chocolate experience by introducing me to "single bean" chocolates. Her confections are made of El Rey single-bean chocolates from Venezuela. Single bean chocolates are more rich, powerful and generally more complex. I don't need to know more than that -- the proof is in the flavor. (http://www.boxhillconfections.com)

I am happy to report that my stress level is down to a nice level. I can thank my partner and staff for that -- they're doing an amazing job. Yoga has made me feel more relaxed than ever before. And chocolate, delicious and complex chocolate, has become a trusted new friend. What perfect timing -- this is Valentine's week and chocolates are everywhere. Thank goodness.

Portland area artisan chocolate makers:

Box Hill Confections
http://www.boxhillconfections.com

Nutmeg Foods
http://www.visitportland.com/contactc.aspx?m=C1493

Sweet Marguerites, LLC
http://www.sweetmargchocolates.com

A few places to find fine artisan choclates:
Aurora Provisions (Portland)
Black Sheep Wine Shop (Harpswell)
Cork & Barrel (Falmouth)
Freeport Cheese & Wine (Freeport)
Le Roux (Portland)
Whole Food Market (Portland)

Loving Aurora Provisions

Some of my past experiences with catering are, well, not so good. An example of what I'm referring to is the typical catered business meeting. The menu too often includes cold cut platters and potato salad or gigantic sandwiches, served on "freshly baked" rolls. Brownie or cookie platters usually appear. Sometimes there's a fruit platter -- which I must admit adds a nice dose of healthfulness to any mix. Then there's the catered reception. Menus always seem to feature passed hors d'ouvres including filo wrapped mushroom pies, quiches and chicken, all of which invariably are chewy, cold and over baked.

And then there's Aurora Provisions.

I have had the good fortune of attending events catered by Aurora Provisions on multiple occasions within the past three months. Their foods are exactly as they describe on their web and menu -- beautiful. The items they create are gorgeous and delicious and their staff is as creative and interesting as their cuisine. Aurora Provisions elevates events. They really are amazing.

I don't recall exactly what I ate at the Aurora catered events, but a few items stand out. The mini burgers with curry catsup and sweet relish + mini BLT’s with thick cut, smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes and smoked mayonnaise + Root beer barbecue chicken skewers. I'll never forget the bacon wrapped dates. All of these items were amazing, I wish I could remember more.

Their foods were perfectly cooked and served at the right temperatures. The aromas were just extraordinary. As Aurora's staff weaves through the guests they take just a moment to explain that their ingredients are from various local farms and the breads are baked each day at Aurora's Pine Street market. This knowledge is impressive and the pleasant personalities add an invaluable touch of class.

I decided to write about Aurora after speaking with a friend who called to ask about area catering companies. I explained that we have had really good experiences with Black Tie Catering, Browne Trading Market, Add More Thyme Catering, and of course, Aurora Provisions. All of these companies are fantastic. Aurora just happens to be top of mind.

You won't find cold cuts at any of these places. Just high-quality foods that are full of vision and flavor. Cheers.

Aurora Provisions
www.auroraprovisions.com
64 Pine St., Portland, ME 04102
(207) 871-9060

Black Tie Market & Bistro
www.theblacktieco.com
1 Union Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 761-6665

Add More Thyme
www.addmorethyme.com
36 W Elm St., Yarmouth, ME 04096
(207) 846-0427

Browne Trading Market
www.brownetrading.com
262 Commercial St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-3118