Chocolate. There's something irresistible about it. For some reason, women seem to have more of a passion for it than men do, and Kelly Landry is no exception.
She sticks to a healthy diet, is very aware of her carbon footprint, exercises to keep fit and healthy, but when it comes to chocolate she can't resist the temptation and is partially responsible for Australia having the world's fastest-growing chocolate culture. Of course she knows dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, which are so good for us!
Australians eat an average of 5-6kg of chocolate per person per year. Milk chocolate comes in as the favourite.
Kelly's hand shot up when she heard Getaway was going to do a Chocolate Espresso tour of Sydney. Shelagh Coleman started the company in 2005 and she and her helpers are professional members of the Institute of Australian Tour Guides. They are also all knowledgeable and passionate about chocolate and coffee!
During your three-hour tour you will learn more about chocolate than you thought possible. Its history is fascinating and we have a lot to thank the Mayans and Aztecs for cottoning on to it so long ago.
Haigh's Chocolates
Haigh's is Australia's oldest chocolate seller. It was all started in South Australia in the early 1900s by Alfred Haigh. His son John introduced fine European chocolate-making and those traditions are continued in South Australia. They are now in Sydney and can be found in the beautiful 1891 Strand Arcade.
There you can choose your treats boxed or loose, created from dark, milk and white chocolate with a myriad of fillings. Soft centres, hard centres or blocks of flavoured chocolate. Cream fillings come in a wonderful range of favours and they have introduced many Australian bush flavours, including lilly pilly, lemon myrtle, macadamia and quandong. One of their best-sellers is the good old chocolate frog!
Lindt Café
Just around the corner in Martin Place is the world's first Lindt Café. Lindt began producing their superb chocolate in Switzerland in 1845 and is now a household name and world favourite.
Their delicious filled balls in colourful paper are very familiar treats and the Delice collection tastes as good as it looks. Two delicate almond meringues are sandwiched with rich chocolate cream and melt in the mouth. They're perfect to enjoy with Lindt's teas, coffees and hot chocolates.
The cafe serves memorable cakes, ice-cream, waffles and will package up purchases to take home as a surprise for the family. The cafe is open every day.
Diamant Hotel
In the heart of the Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Potts Point triangle, the Diamant Hotel is the perfect ending to a day of chocolate indulgence. It opened its three-bedroom penthouse last year and what a penthouse. Endless Sydney city and harbour views and loads of space for a gathering of six friends. There's a gourmet kitchen, dining-living area, bedrooms have ensuites — the master bedroom has a spa. Enjoy sunset drinks on one of two balconies and be served by your own butler.
Location
An indulgent chocolate tour around Sydney.
Cost
Chocolate Espresso guided three-hour tours are $70 per person. It includes hot drinks, chocolate sampling, guided walking and commentary.
Virgin Blue has one-way flights to Sydney from:
- Canberra $85
- Melbourne $92
- Brisbane $92
- Hobart $105
- Adelaide $115
- Darwin $229
- Perth $239
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the Internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at July 15, 2010, and are subject to change.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
Chocolate Espresso
Ph 0417 167 766
www.chocolateespresso.com.au
crema@chocolateespresso.com.au
Haigh's Chocolates
1 Strand Arcade
412-414 George Street
Sydney 2000
Ph: (02) 9221 6999
Fax: (02) 9221 8922
www.haighschocolates.com.au
strand@haighs.com.au
Lindt Café
53 Martin Place
Sydney 2000
Ph: (02) 8257 1600
www.lindt.com.au
Adora Handmade Chocolates
2 Bligh Street
Sydney 2000
Ph: (02) 9232 6601
Fax: (02) 9232 6623
www.adora.com.au
Diamant Hotel
14 Kings Cross Road
Potts Point 2011
Ph: 1800 037 544 or (02) 9295 8888
Fax: (02) 9295 8899
www.diamant.com.au
info.syd@diamant.com.au
