Last week, I was given a box of chocolate – literally. Four semi-sweet chocolate walls that formed a box filled with rich, fluffy milk chocolate mousse and sweet raspberries peeking out underneath a chocolate lid with a decorative chocolate and edible gold leaf handle.
I was simply delighted when it was set in front of me. It was more than just being excited about dessert – it was the fact that I was presented with a chocolate box – complete and packaged, mine to own and consume from start to finish. I had received a gift, and it was pretty, and it was edible and delicious, and it was mine (god that sounds materialistic and gluttonous, but it’s the truth).
This dessert, in taste and form, encapsulates the thought behind my blog: total preoccupation with the consumption– physical/visceral/intellectual/emotional– of “things.” Validating a theory that as creditable human beings, we desire not only the things needed for decent life, but something extra, something superfluous or sentimental or luxurious. Something to add “oomph” to our existence beyond the biological, to remind us that we are part of a social construct where there is a consumption and exchange of material goods and sentimental gestures.
So back to last week – at the annual Catalyst Award gala at the Waldorf=Astoria, 1600 people were given a box of chocolate at the end of their meal, and it was a beautiful presentation. It was also undeniably superfluous and totally luxurious…it was delectable, and I loved it!
Janet- thanks for the photo (and the company)!
A true chocolate lover finds ways to accommodate his passion and make it work with his lifestyle. One key, not just to keeping weight down and staying guilt-free, but also to keeping taste buds sharp (essential for the professionals who evaluate new products as well as judge recipes), Is being discriminating.
I do have a chocolate site too, check this out
http://www.sarahs-sweet-fountains.co.uk
Thanks for letting me comment on your site
that looks so elegant…and delicious, of course! who can go wrong when there is chocolate invovled? can’t believe the entire thing was edible…mmmm
I loved attending the Catalyst dinner with you b/c that is what Catalyst is all about — women connecting and helping each other succeed, professionally, but also in all those other ways that make us interesting human beings — including chocolate!
uhnni – you can’t go wrong. you would have devoured it.
janet – you are absolutely correct!
alex – i’ll agree with that – chocolate always manages to find a way into my day. those fountains look decadent, thanks for sharing!
What a great presentation idea.
I desire that chocolate box o-rasberries.