ALIENS EAT CHOCOLATE!!!

Well, they don't really... BUT, now that we have your attention, it's been a while since our last post, so we thought we'd start the first one of 2012 with one that seems fitting... about our #HEALTH! Since many of us are trying to get healthier for the new year you may have made the decision to eat less chocolate, exercise more or just get healthier in general. However, since we love chocolate we decided to delve in and do a little research... should you really be cutting #chocolate out of your diet? NO! It has many benefits that will help you fight the winter blues, give you energy and ultimately keep you healthier!

Six Reasons Why you SHOULD eat more chocolate!!

1. It reduces the risk of death from heart disease by about three folds!A study found that "the Kuna people of Panama, who have among the highest cocoa consumption of any group in the world, also have very low rates of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure." 
2. Fights depression and improves moods! Chocolate has been found to increase the levels of serotonin levils in the brain!
3. Reduces stress levels!  According to"The British Journal of Nutrition found those who ate cocoa had a 20% reduction in oxidative stress but it needs to become a regular part of your diet because the effects would disappear after less than 2 days." 
4. Actually helps you to SHED weight! The "polyphenols (that's the good stuff) in chocolate actually inhibit the key enzymes required to digest carbs and fats!" They also help to boost your metabolism!! 
5. Become the next Einstein! "Chocolate enhances blood flow and memory, mental clarity and sustained focus"!
6. Boost your energy! It has been said that eating chocolate enhances your energy naturally and improves your mental and physical performance!

Of course these will very amongst different individuals and the quality and type of chocolate that you eat. It is said that the darker chocolate that you consume, the higher level of benefits it will have! Our chocolates also use fresh organic herbs (mint and thyme), fruits (blackberry and raspberry) and spices (cayenne and cinnamon) that also give you that extra health kick - mental alertness, weightloss and antioxidants to name a few!!

AND, if this isn't more of an excuse to eat chocolate, we have a special promotion when you come to our Bowen Island Shop! You can now purchase our 12oz mug of classic hot chocolate for under $5.00! If you can't make it to Bowen and you need your fix of quality chocolate, you can also order from our online store.

NOW, back to the subject of " aliens eating chocolate," check out this poll ;)

• http://www.weirdworm.com/6-strange-facts-about-chocolate/
• http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/11/chocolate-good-for-your-heart-and-your-brain/#ixzz1k4Ooui6Q
• http://trainerjosh.com/nutrition/chocolate-for-weight-loss/
• http://www.self.com/health/blogs/healthyself/2011/07/new-study-says-chocolate-is-yo.html

Ever Dreamed Of A House Made Of Chocolate? Now You Can!

Some of us fail to realize that there is a world outside of the downtown Vancouver core. However, these smaller communities and cities are the ones who are being neglected during the holiday season see link. So, to encourage your donations and support to our local community foodbank, we are giving you a little incentive... A chocolatey prize of course! A traditional #gingerbread house is fun to make, but wouldn't you rather one of our decadent, #organic #chocolate houses? Well you can!

This chocolate house has been very carefully crafted by the staff at Cocoa West using the finest organic chocolate - dark, milk and white.  It would be an impressive show piece for any families #Christmas day!

What To Donate:

Of course we will accept any donations, however there are some things that are needed a little more than others. Here are a few to give you an idea:

• Canned meat and fish
• Whole wheat pasta and rice
• Canned fruit and vegetables

How To Enter:

Simply bring a non-perishable food items to Cocoa West and we will enter you in a draw to #win!

How To Win:

Since we want to make it fair for those that cannot afford to donate their whole cupboard, we will be randomly pulling entry ballots on December 24th! So, get your donations in before then!!

Help make brighten someone's #holiday season and donate!

You may also purchase these chocolate houses for $150.00... but we still encourage donations!!

IN THE MOOD FOR A WINTER FLING?

Cocoa West is now offering a special promotion from November 2011 to March 2012... What you ask?

You can now book one night at "The Chocolate Suite" and receive the second night free! This offer includes the delicious "Bed and Chocolate" experience. Can you say yum?

About the Chocolate Suite 

Unique to Cocoa West is its luxurious “Bed and Chocolate” accommodation. The Chocolate Suite is not your typical bed and breakfast experience. The owners select seasonal chocolates to include with each stay. The Chocolate Suite is located adjacent to the production facility so that its guests can see where and how the chocolates are produced. #Organic espresso coffees and hot chocolates can be delivered private enjoyment, complimentary with your stay. For more info, you 

Why Bowen Island During Winter Months?

Lots of people don't come to Bowen during the winter months as its known as a summer destination. BUT, Bowen Island does have a LOT to offer during the fall and winter months too! A peaceful and relaxing escape from the bustling city only takes a mere 20 minute ferry ride. Bowen island is renowned for tranquility and its artistic community. The island itself is a luscious rain forest surrounded by panoramic ocean views. Whether you are looking for a outdoor adventure, or just a change of scenery, Bowen Island and its community has everything you need and more. Take a look at some of our favourite winter activities (besides sitting in our chocolate shop sipping #hotchocolate.)

Top Ten Winter Activities on Bowen Island (in no particular order)

Play "Eye-Spy" at the Bird Sanctuary on boardwalk while trekking  through the vast terrain of Kilarney Lake.

Those of you who have been to Bowen know that there are some pretty GREAT hills for going #sledding or tubing with the family.
Nowadays it is rare to find public lakes that you and your #family can #iceskate on. There are many lakes throughout the island - Josephine usually freezes first.
1. 

   Hiking to the top of Mount Gardener and witnessing the breathtaking views of Howe Sound.
Kayaking during the winter months is breathtaking with the beautiful views of the snowy alpines in the distance and the crisp air tingling your nose. Can't beat it!


Enjoy a famous burger from the delicious Miksa Restaraunt.
Pamper you and your loved one with a day at the Bowen Beauty Spa.


Fall Fish Watching – identification of salmon species, answers to salmon watching questions, redds and eggs @ The Fish Hatchery
 The Bug Show exhibit until the November 27th; Starting December 2nd, Gifted, which is a group show of 48+ vendors showcasing jewelery and fine artists. For more info, you can visit the Bowen Island Arts Council.
 On a #honeymoon and want to make it a memorable one? Why not get a tattoo at the acclaimed In the Flesh Tattoo shop. This local artists also sells amazing artwork! 

There are tons of other things to do as well! During the day you can do your routine workout, classes  or pilates at The Gym On Bowen. The Bowen Pub is the islands take on "Cheers"! This friendly bar is cozy and warm; if you come on a Friday or Saturday night there may be live music (which is always great)!

Have animals that you want to bring with you? Pamper your cats and give them a peaceful holiday and at Cats Pajamas Cattery and let the Bowen Dog Ranch spoil your pooches :D

CHOCOLATE ART!

Carlos Vela-Martinez, Joanne Morgridge and Kelly Miller have been busy conducting an extensive two days, hands on airbrushing course at Cocoa West's production facility. Students have come from around the globe to learn - all the way from Florida to Alaska!

After completing an extensive three month, online course with Ecole Chocolat, (or have had previous chocolate or pastry experience) students will have the opportunity to further their knowledge and get a bit more creative! Then they will learn the techniques of colour on chocolate and how to use the tools and equipment that is needed to create your chocolate art!

"Everyone usually starts out intimidated using an air brush, but once we get them familiar with the basics, they get their wings and fly. Imagination is really the only limitation here." So, why not have some fun and let your imagination run wild!

Our next colour class will be held November 14th and 15th - Can't wait to meet our new students!

For a full description of the Colour Classes and other Chocolate Programs at Cocoa West, please visit the Ecole Chocolat .

Here's a little sneak peak :D

Airbrushing a chocolate with foodgrade coloured cocoa butter.

Tartan Art :D

WE WON!

 Cocoa West is happy to announce that we WON best commercial float!  This year there were some very unique and cool floats, but Cocoa West happened to catch the eyes of the judges and those watching :D Thanks to all of those who came to support us, for those of you that weren't able to make it out, you missed out!

Our "Under The Sea" float was the mystical Kraken. Definition: An enormous mythical sea monster said to appear off the coast of Norway. It is basically a gigantic squid that attacks boats!

The Kraken would not be successful without the brainstorming and hardwork of the Cocoa West staff and the intricate design work by Carlos Vela-Martinez. The construction of the float itself took approximately 5 days, 24 Orange Garbage Bags, 412 Zip Ties, 75 Bamboo Stakes, 180 ft of .5" Rubber Tubing, 4 Rolls of Packing Tape, 4 paint poles, 4 cans of spray paint and 1 Scooter. 

Here are a couple of photos of the creation of the Kraken!

 

Voila!

‎

FLOAT REVEAL, FREE CHOCOLATE AND MORE!

Cocoa West Highlights

Cocoa West is far West of the Field.

Cocoa West tent will be stationed in the Crippen Park Field (to the left of the ferry) adjacent to Gate 3 and the Harvest Stage. We will be serving up our creamy hot chocolates and signature coffees, so come stop by and say "hi"!!

We will also be sampling The Sojourn, which is one the new hot chocolates to enter the collection – instant hot chocolate Cocoa West style.

AND, If you purchase any beverage, you will be entered to win the entire collection of personality bars (Alicia, Calder, Kelly, Joanne and Marina). The staff will be changing in the fall, so the bars are delicious, but limited edition! 

For your amusement, Carlos Vela-Martinez has volunteered to be in the dunk tank, so make sure you make it worth his while! The first person to dunk Carlos will get a free box of hot chocolate! He will be at the dunk tank at 1:15pm.

 

Here are some photos of us in last years Safari theme where we showed off our "Great White North Safari" float.

Carlos looking for moose.

Our Float

Kelly, Alicia and Carlos at the CW tent.

Kelly makes a mean hot chocolate.

Carlos, Joanne, Kelly, Marina and Alicia showing off their lumber jack pipes.

 About Bowfest

For those of you who don't know, on August 27^th from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm, Bowen Island will be having it's annual Bowfest! It's the perfect opportunity to experience the Bowen culture – there will be lots of food, drinks, music and laughter. It is an all ages event, with a parade, pony rides, slug races, face painting, boat building, a lipsyncing competition and games during the day. The evening will be live music, beer gardens and yummy snacks during the late afternoon/evening. Adam Woodall, Wasabi Fox and others will be performing, so you don't want to miss out! 

So, come and join Cocoa West, island residents, businesses and social clubs for the highly anticipated “Under the Sea” theme! All participants in the parade have been secretly working hard on their floats and will be revealing their masterpieces at the parade. The floats and businesses will be honoured for best in the following categories:

• Best Theme
• Best Community
• Best Commercial
• Best Family
• Best Individual
• Best Overall

For more information you can visit the Bowfest website

CAN'T MAKE IT TO BOWEN?

Medium Box

Since some of you can't always escape to beautiful Bowen Island everytime you need a Cocoa West fix, we will bring it to you! We are now accepting orders for our boxes of chocolates and will bring them with us to the market on North Shore Green Market days (dates are on Facebook). Boxes will be comprised of our Maitre Chocolatier's special selection of seasonal truffles.

New Package :D

Also... we will be bringing the whole collection of our super delicious hot chocolates! Come by to check out the new packaging and try the fabulous new blends! The deadline for orders is Thursday evenings and can be placed via contact@cocoawest.com or by telephone: 604.947.2996

This week we will be featuring our Bombay Truffle, if you don't remember it's a creamy milk chocolate ganache, infused with aromatic chai and black tea and then finished with our signature bombay cocoa powder. Yum!

Hope to see you there!