A Tour of Rhode Island's Boutique Chocolatiers

Indulging in chocolate is one of life's bittersweet passions, tempered with pleasure and ridden with guilt over caloric intake, though some of the fats in chocolate do not impact cholesterol. Dark chocolate, especially, contains many health benefits from flavonoids acting as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals which can cause damage leading to heart disease. A small bar of dark chocolate has the potential to lower blood pressure in individuals with elevated blood pressure, and reduces LDL cholesterol up to ten per cent. Chocolate is known to stimulate endorphin production which gives rise to feelings of pleasure. The serotonin component acts as an anti-depressant. Therefore, a tour of Rhode Island's boutique chocolatiers constitutes a happy trail rather than a road to perdition.

Garrison Confections (72 Ledge St., Central Falls)-Considered one of New England's best chocolatiers, Andrew Shotts, co-owner, began dreaming of making his own line of gourmet chocolate bonbons while working as the pastry chef at La Cote Basque in New York City where he began experimenting with chocolate, flavor, and texture combinations. Most of Garrison's signature handmade bonbons include two flavors or textural combinations within each piece. Following the change of seasons, this chocolatier introduces twelve new flavors approximately every three months. Each premium chocolate collection is named after and is available only during its corresponding season-Summer Solstice, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Vernal Equinox.

Hauser Chocolatier (59 Tom Harvey Rd., Westerly)--founded in 1983 by master confectioner Ruedi Hauser Sr. and his wife, Lucille, with the intent to produce world-class confections handmade in the USA. Specializing in hand-finished, fresh cream truffles and other distinctive gourmet chocolate delights, each creation is made with fresh cream, dairy butter, and a blend of select, premium chocolate.

Jennifer's Chocolates (Wakefield Mall, 160 Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield)-occupying an open area inside the mall for the past decade, this chocolatier specializes in centers with toasted nuts, sweet butter, cream, and fruit juices coated with premium chocolate. They use Merckens couvertures for their milk and white chocolates, and Callebaut couverture for dark chocolates. A dedicated corps of test-tasting volunteers includes friends, family, customers, and staffers.

Laurent Val's Handcrafted Chocolates(www.laurentvalschocolates.com)--a local chocolatier with no brick and mortar store, chocolate connoisseurs from East to West may get a taste of Rhode Island. In 2003 when Laurent Val was hired by one of the finest boutique hotels in the state to run their restaurant's pastry department, his work soon began to attract attention of the local media. In January 2008, Val formed his own company and within a few months RI Monthly Magazineawarded him the distinction of "Best European Chocolates of Rhode Island 2008." Val's impressive chocolate collection is free of preservatives and artificial ingredients. Take a gander at the Rochambeau and Sunset collections.

Newport Chocolates (82 Williams St., Newport)-- located in the heart of historic Newport, their mission is to make quality chocolate products on the premises, presented in beautiful packaging and offered at fair prices. Over 90 varieties of truffles, cream fills, nuts, turtles, and cordials beckon chocolate connoisseurs. They also feature a wide variety of molded products indigenous to the coastal state-lobsters, sailboats, and seashells.

Sweenor's Chocolates (Garden City Shopping Center, 100 Midway Rd., Cranston; 21 Charles St., Wakefield; Charlestown Village, Rtes. 1 & 2, Charlestown)-Rhode Island's largest chocolate manufacturer, Sweenor's focus is on quality using only the finest ingredients of fresh cream, butter, honey roasted nuts, and a special blend of pure milk and dark chocolates. One of their chocolate novelties includes "The Best of RI set"-a lobster and two quahogs.

The Chocolate Delicacy (219 Main St., East Greenwich)-founded in 1992, their signature piece is the handmade truffle. They have over 300 types of molds ranging from alphabet and numbers to sports along with their exclusive 1 ½ lb. Rhode Island bar. Popular mold pieces include such Rhody favorites as fish and shells.

Chocolate connoisseurs will delight in sampling some of Rhode Island's finest gourmet confections in the purist traditions. The key is indulging in moderation or you'll reach a saturation point like Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz in the I Love Lucy episode, "Job Switching," where they couldn't keep up the fight against a speedy conveyor belt of chocolates and stuffed themselves silly.

Rhode Island's Finest Ocean Front Hotels

Enjoy the waters and the eye catching scenery of the oceans of Rhode Island. Ocean front hotels in Rhode Island offer the most promising accommodation that would surely complement your hard- earned money. Avail of the quality services and the comfort you have been searching for a hotel.

Newport Beach Hotel and Suites
The Newport Beach Hotel and Suites was formerly called the Inn at Newport Beach. It has been renamed after it was reopened with some of the major improvements for better comfort and satisfaction of its guests. The hotel costs millions of dollars for the renovation of the property.

Among the renovation is an addition of the luxurious 26 suites which comes with amenities such as Jacuzzi, swimming pool, fitness center, spa rooms, hot tub located at the rooftop and many more.

The famous Cliff Walk and many other tourist attractions are just several walks away from the hotel. The hotel can accommodate as many as 200 guests for corporate conferences and seminars. It is a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America.

The hotel boasts to include amenities such as:
o All- new Exercise Rooms equipped with cardiovascular equipment, LCD TV and fitness training.
o Complimentary continental breakfast
o Free beach parking
o Free Internet terminals and printer available in the lobby.
o Ocean View Café and Bar
o Laundry services
o Customized furniture with a combination of wood and granite
o Luxurious bedding packages
o 37 inches flat panel LCD TV
o DVD player with DVD library
o CD and MP3 players
o Refrigerator
o Microwave oven
o Iron and ironing board
o In-room safes
o Free high- speed wireless Internet access
o Complimentary Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea

The following restaurants are just blocks away from the hotel where guests can have a treat for the most delicate cuisines of their choice.
o The Atlantic Beach Club
o Flo's Clam Shack
o Atlantic Restaurant and Pizza
o Tickets Sports Bar and Grill
o Atlantic Grill
o KJ's Grill

Ocean Cliff Resort
The Ocean Cliff Resort is a blend of beauty and great service with professional staff offering a one- stop place for rest and entertainment as well. There are 25 guestrooms available which are equipped with modern facilities as well as provide a fascinating view of the ocean fronting the resort.

The property have maintained a track record in providing the best in catering to special events like weddings, ballrooms, business meetings and conference with superb amenities, and large area which can accommodate 225 guests.

The Safari Restaurant and Lounge is one of the major attractions of the hotel when it comes to catering food requirement of its guests. The world- class culinary team of the restaurant provides the finest mouth- watering cuisines to satisfy anybody's appetite. Fresh seafood, steaks and exotic food are the specialties of the restaurant. Food can be served indoor or outdoor with the scenic view of the sandy beaches.

The Pleasant View Inn
The Pleasant View Inn is an ideal place for your vacation that offers the most magnificent beaches within your reach. Indulge with an exciting sport, shopping spree, casino or dancing with so many entertainment venues and amusement centers which you can visit. Guests can have a game with the golf courses near the area of the hotel.

The hotel comes with an eight category of guestrooms which varies in sizes of beds, and amenities are also included. Guests may dine in with the in- house restaurant that prepares delicious meals while enjoying with the view of the ocean. The finest food such as seafood, salads, steaks, vegetables, and many other dishes are served daily.

Are the Canary Islands Still a Top Winter Holiday Destination?

     Many people missed out on a summer break due to the recession, in 2009, so may be looking to book a winter break instead. One of the age old popular winter destinations has to be the Canary Islands. This small archipelago is a Spanish territory, is of volcanic origin and lies just off the west coast of Africa. Its east Atlantic location ensures the summers are hot and the winters are mild and inviting.

     The islands comprise of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and the perhaps lesser known La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, and each one has their own individual landscapes and personality. From lush pine forests and giant sand dunes to sub-tropical flora, mountain peaks, cosy coves and endless beaches.

Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the two most popular of the islands and both have something for all ages, relaxation for the older generation, plenty of fun for all the family and the younger party goers alike.

     Lanzarote is the next favourite and has beautiful golden or white sands; Papagayo beach on its southern tip is probably the most beautiful and benefits from some of the best weather. Lanzarote is a very popular choice for cheap holidays to the Canary Islands over the winter months, as it has a very low annual rainfall.

      Fuerteventura picks up the trade winds and warm Sahara breeze making it extremely popular with water sports enthusiasts, in particular wind surfers. You'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe here and also some of the most impressive sand dunes.

La Gomera is one of the smaller lesser well known of the islands and is often only visited by day trippers on boat excursions from Tenerife. The highest peak is frequently shrouded in cloud making conditions perfect for the lush green vegetation. It is especially favoured by keen walkers who enjoy the tranquillity, stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

     La Palma is the fifth largest of the island group and also the furthest North West. It is again predominately a walking destination as it is a mass of refreshing colour. The dark volcanic sands frame the bright blue sea, and the dark green forests come alive with colourful fauna and flora.

     Finally, the most south westerly island is El Hierro, well off the beaten track and visited by only a handful of walkers every year.

     Many new destinations may try to tempt travellers away, but cheap holidays to the Canary Islands will always remain popular with British holidaymakers.