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Chocolate 101 with Amy Jo Pedone

08.19.14

By Kelley Moody

Whenever I get the opportunity to indulge in true artisan chocolate, I naturally take just a little bit longer in my bites before swallowing it all and claiming it was delicious. I had no idea after all these years how wrong I truly was. Thank goodness for Amy Jo Pedone, founder of Valenza Chocolatier, and her fantastic workshop, Chocolate Tasting 101.

Held at the Hood Kitchen Space in Costa Mesa, I was able to learn all about the origins and making of chocolate, from bean to bar. After brief introductions, Amy Jo took us through all the ropes of what it meant to truly enjoy chocolate, tasting it in a proper and most fulfilling manner, and how to best identify and describe our favorites. I never knew that the flavors you experience when tasting chocolate come not from the bean itself, but also from post-harvesting and manufacturing techniques.

Amy Jo Pedone is a cheerful instructor who quickly becomes a friend in your heart. She specializes in Italian inspired artisan chocolate and confections and has a true passion for her creations. Her love of chocolate is rooted in family tradition. She explains that many of her recipes are rooted in ideas of her childhood and fond memories of holiday desserts made by her own family. She has studied with Chef Chocolatier Patrick Peters of Godiva and with the largest Italian chocolate maker, ICAM Choco Scuola.

By the end of our 8-piece taste tests, I was able to identify that I prefer chocolates with caramel and earthy flavoring. I assumed that as someone who always preferred dark chocolate, I would have no problem with these 70% or higher cocoa treats, but I must say, many had a more bitter taste than I ever anticipated. Amy Jo saved the day once more, however, by treating us to a few samples of her own made confections including the Caramellos and PB+C Bar. Out of all the flavors of the night, her creations were by far the most delectable, which makes sense given her many awards as well as 2013 & 2014 Official Artisan Chocolatier of the Golden Foodie Awards. She also was sure to send us home with the Tartaruga, 2013 OC Fair Culinary Arts Blue Ribbon Winner. This treat is a delicious combo of caramel, sea salt and Georgia Pecans.

After this delightful experience, I truly feel as though I am a properly seasoned veteran of the chocolate realm. I now hold an all new skill set for tasting and enjoying. This class is a wonderful experience for anyone looking for a unique evening out. Lasting an hour and a half, this $30 class will both entertain and teach you the art of chocolate.

For information on upcoming workshops, visit valenzachocolatier.com, or email info@valenzachocolatier.com 

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In Black & White Q&A with Greg Daniels, Executive Chef Haven Gastropub

08.19.14

Our new Q&A series, Greer's OC: In Black & White is an ongoing segment on Greer's OC TV where we will talk to some of our favorite people in Orange County who are making a difference.
Next up, Greg Daniels, Executive Chef & Partner of Orange County’s Haven Gastropub and Provisions Market, both in Old Towne Orange. Before opening Haven five years ago, Chef Daniels worked in the kitchens of Chefs Pascal Olhats and Andrew Sutton, which built on his culinary school training. Daniels’ culinary training also went beyond the kitchen walls. To this day, he travels extensively to sample the cuisine at world-class restaurants.

Chef Daniels has become known for creating dishes that push the boundaries of what is commonly known as pub food, and making sure it pairs perfectly with his restaurants’ wide selection of craft beers. In fact, the recipe for his now-famous Haven Burger was featured in Food & Wine Magazine’s Cocktail Book for 2013.

Charitable work is very important to him – he believes that giving back to the community he serves only enables his businesses to thrive. The March of Dimes is very near and dear to his heart and Chef Daniels, along with his entire family, lends his support to events throughout the year. 

When he’s not at one of his restaurants, you’ll find Chef Daniels spending time with his wife Abby, daughter Madeleine, and newborn son Gregory Scott III. 

Here is Greg Daniel’s Q&A on  Greer's OC TV.

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