Chocolat!

A Mayan chief forbidding someone to touch the jar of chocolate!
(Taken from Wikipedia)

Mmmmm... Chocolate....

I think the Maya and Aztec peoples in older civilization definitely knew the idea! Well, it was so good back then that it was only used as offerings during religious rituals (I'm sure God wouldn't mind chocolate). It then gradually became a tax currency as civilization advanced. Somehow, it became a norm and a popular drink in Mexico, South and Central America. They call it "bitter water" (xocolātl) and is sometimes fermented to form chocolate liquor! The Mayas were also first to add chilli to their chocolate. Then the Europeans came along and added milk and sugar to it! 

I am so glad the rest of the world gets to share it now - used regularly as a daily de-stressor, and its use peaks during Christmas, Easter, Valentines, and as gifts. Especially, when you're told not to bring anything to a party/event!

New Zealand manufactures chocolates too. The two favourite brands of Cadbury and Whittakers.

Cadbury World, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Fun Facts from them:
Q: Which British explorer helped deprived England of Chocolate for 100 years?
A: Sir Francis Drake - He dumped sacks of cocoa beans from captured Spanish Ships
Q: How much chocolate is eaten around the world each year?
A: 1.5 Billion kilograms!

Nowadays, it is always a treat to have coffee/catch up/gossip sessions in chocolate specialty cafes! You will get the likes of these:

She Chocolat's Ginger Hot Chocolate

She Chocolat's Chocolate Lovers Platter
- of assorted chocolate, truffles, dips, ice cream and brownies!

She Chocolat's Chocochai with chocolate spoon and melted chocolate!

In Christchurch, New Zealand, my favourites are:

• She Chocolate, Governers Bay
• Theobroma Chocolate Lounge, Riccarton

In Wellington, New Zealand, they are:

• Butlers Chocolates, Willis Street
• Chocolate Fish Cafe, Miramar/Shelly Bay

I am sure there are lots more of it in the rest of New Zealand, and even in the world. I'd welcome suggestions from your town/city. Maybe as teamwork, we can make a "Best Chocolate Cafes in the World" blog ;)

At the meantime, Happy Valentines from me, and have some chocolate!