When it comes to my two favourite palate sensations, say no more than craft beer and artisinal chocolate!

While working at a brewery provides me with countless opportunities to stay up-to-date on Ontario’s finest craft brews, my friends at Chocosol have been keeping my chocolate cravings under control with cookies, cocao nibs and other goodies.

Now, I’m not just talking about ANY chocolate. Chocosol practices “horizontal trade” meaning they fairly and directly purchase cocao beans from Mexican farmers and create delicious chocolate using traditional techniques. They’re an Ontarian foodie favourite and can be found at countless farmers’ markets or other locavore events across the province.

On November 3rd I joined forces with my good friend Chrystal of Chocosol, to throw a party fit for a STAR. STAR Company that is.

STAR. or the “Society of Technicians for Administrative Removal” provides business support for creative people. And on the eve of their Birthday, 100 musicians, artists, actors and the like sipped and savoured a craft beer and chocolate pairing that got their creative juices flowing:

• Amsterdam 416 Wheat Beer paired with ‘Lemon Chevre Lollipop’ – A creamy goat cheese swirled with lemon enrolled in darkness
• Spearhead Hawaiian Style IPA paired with ‘Chili Chocolate Brownie Bites’- 5 different kinds of chills tossed into chewy chocolate brownies
• Black Oak Nut Brown paired with ‘Pumpkin Seed Bark’- Salted cacao butter combined with pumpkin seeds and sprinkled upon dark chocolate
• Black Creek Porter *mixed with* Vanilla Liquid Chocolate’ (this Beer-Chocolate Float speaks for its self!)

A special thanks to Amsterdam, Spearhead, Black Oak and Junction Brewing Company for your generous donation. You definitely have a few new converts in Toronto’s artistic community!

To book a guided Ontario craft beer and Chocosol pairing for your next event, please get in touch!