Raaka Virgin Chocolate

Photo © Valery Rizzo

This week, the crew over at Raaka Virgin Chocolate in Clinton Hill were nice enough to send me a nice package containing some more of their beautiful dark chocolate coffee bars and a bag of Heartbreaker espresso beans from Café Grumpy.

The coffe bars are the perfect size to pair with a shot of espresso and your favorite book, cherishing that me time. The Blueberry Lavender is compared to a fine Pinot noir with notes of orange blossom. The Chile bar brings a sweet hot swell, with notes of papaya and raisin. The Vanilla Rooibos chocolate, a blend of South African red teas begins with succulent cherry notes and has a toasted marshmallow finish. And the 71% Dark with Sea Salt is a special house blend of ethically traded cocoa beans topped with Himalayan pink salt, with notes of ripe raspberry, clove and citrus. My kind of bar. Thank you Raaka!!

All of their bars can be purchased on Raaka's website as well as locations throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, New York State, the West Coast and Canada. 

Mast Brothers Chocolate, Cacao Prieto and Raaka Virgin Chocolate

All images © Valery Rizzo

Hey everyone, my February photo feature has been published on Nona Brooklyn and it's about three amazing Brooklyn chocolate makers, Mast Brothers Chocolate, Cacao Prieto and Raaka Virgin Chocolate, just in time for Saint Valentine's Day. 

Click here for the full feature on the amazing Nona Brooklyn.

I can't say enough about Mast Brothers Chocolate, their really special chocolate, best in the world, their factory and their whole vibe is not to be missed! I loved Raaka Virgin Chocolate's 71% dark chocolate bar with Himalayan Pink Salt and I bought my husband one of their Bourbon Cask Aged bars. I haven't tried any beautiful chocolate from Cacao Prieto, but I have a feeling I just might be receiving some for Valentine's Day, I just found out they make a Love Potion (rum)!

Mast Brothers Chocolate

All images © Valery Rizzo

Look for my February feature about Brooklyn chocolate makers on Nona Brooklyn tomorrow. Included is Mast Brothers Chocolate, Cacao Prieto and Raaka Virgin Chocolate. Each one is uniquely special, amazing and produced right here in Brooklyn.

While doing research for the Mast Brothers I was enamored by this wonderful video by The Scout (also a great website). You have to admit the brothers and everything they have created are pretty impressive and I think their chocolate is THE best chocolate ever crafted. Even better than the European masters...seriously!!

Brooklyn Photo of the Week : Red Sugar Cane

Photo © Valery Rizzo

Red Sugar Cane, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, 2012.

The Mercado at Don Paco Lopez Panaderia

All images © Valery Rizzo

Last month I shot a photo feature for Nona Brooklyn about Don Paco Lopez Panaderia featuring their Rosca de Reyes bread. This month they had me back to photograph their authentic Pueblo style mexican food they serve in the mercado at the Panaderia. 

Don Paco Lopez Panaderia,  4703 4th Avenue, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, 11220.