Really? I have been into the EthelM chocolate factory in Las Vegas and it looked like they were actually making them there.

Don’t get me wrong I LOVE See’s candy. (When we moved out here we went by See’s and bought numerous boxes) But See’s doesn’t have a store around here; RS does.

I currently live in southern CA. There are six in my county (Orange). They will give you one piece of candy free (their choice) when you drop in and ask. There used to be a store within walking distance but I used willpower (most times). Yes, it's high-quality chocolate, but expensive (IMO). Next best thing is Cadbury's--especially their mini-eggs, available at Easter time only. Surprisingly, Dove chocolates are pretty good, too, and available by the bag.

Russell Stover
 

This sounds like a wonderful trip, although I have to admit I have self-control problems when it comes to chocolate... and ice cream! When I was much younger, I'd break out in hives if I had too much chocolate, but I grew out out of that!

Russell Stover always reminds me of me of my grandma - we'd always get a special box for the holidays. It's good chocolate - maybe not THE BEST, but always enjoyable.

Back when I worked in NYC, there were two high-end chocolatiers right near me - Kron (Swedish) and Leonidas.

While there isn't a single, definitive "national competition" in the United States where chocolate lovers can vote on their favorite chocolate, there are several events and competitions that involve public voting or consumer choice elements in the realm of chocolate:

International Chocolate Awards: This competition is more about recognizing excellence in chocolate making rather than public voting. This award has become a benchmark for quality in the chocolate world, fostering a community of chocolate enthusiasts, makers, and judges dedicated to recognizing and promoting fine chocolate.

Cadbury's Inventor Competition: Cadbury has run consumer-driven competitions like the one in 2019, where the public voted on new flavors for Dairy Milk, but this is more about inventing new flavors than choosing from existing ones. This competition allows consumers to participate in choosing new products but isn't a regular annual event focused solely on existing chocolates.

Posts on X (formerly known as Twitter): There have been mentions of chocolate competitions like the "World Cup of Chocolate" where voting plays a role, though these are often more informal or themed events rather than formal national competitions. These are not official, regulated competitions but can capture the interest of chocolate lovers.

In summary, while there are competitions that involve chocolate in the U.S., they often focus more on the craft of chocolate making rather than a broad public vote to determine "the best chocolate." Events like those mentioned might include elements of consumer voting or preference, but they are not structured as a national competition explicitly for chocolate lovers to vote on their favorite chocolate. (Source: GrokAI)

Personally, I love "Ice Cubes"--a childhood favorite. They melt in your mouth.

Robot or human?

There are scientific reasons for this! The allure of chocolate and the difficulty many people have in controlling their intake can be attributed to several factors, encompassing biological, psychological, and cultural dimensions:

Neurochemistry: Chocolate contains several compounds that affect the brain, including:

Phenylethylamine (PEA): Known as the "love drug," it increases dopamine levels, leading to feelings of pleasure.

Theobromine: A mild stimulant similar to caffeine, it can provide a sense of energy or alertness.

Caffeine: Although in smaller amounts compared to coffee, it can contribute to a mood lift.

Anandamide: A neurotransmitter that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression, creating a euphoric feeling.

Sugar and Fat: Chocolate's combination of sugar and fat is particularly appealing to our taste buds. This mix is highly palatable, triggering the reward centers in the brain, and leading to cravings and overconsumption.

Serotonin Release: Eating chocolate can increase serotonin levels, which is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, leading to feelings of happiness or relaxation. (Source: GrokAI)

Yes I'm sure. Seen it with my own eyes.

Ethel M is a division of Mars Incorporated, a huge diversified international corporation. Probably have multiple "factories".

Vegas is a tourist trap.

Ethel M Chocolates Premium Chocolate Gifts | Ethel M Chocolates Scroll to bottom for Mars Inc. link.

Also, the Chino industrial-scale chocolate factory made Williams-$onoma s'mores. Wife just reminded me of that.

Of course there is a Mars link since Ethel M is a Mars daughter. But Ethel Ms are small batch chocolates.

I have a chocolate orchid that smells just like chocolate. I am always craving chocolate when it is in bloom lol.

That is interesting. It really does sound like cause and effect. Btw, if you grow orchids, that is to be admired. I tried once. (sigh)

Speaking of craving chocolate, in my hometown of Cincinnati, many of us are hooked on Skyline Chili. Whether it be a 2-way or a 3-way or a 4-way or a 5-way, we Cincinnatians just have to get some every now and then.

AND it always makes me crave chocolate. Fortunately, they sell Peppermint Patties at the cash register. I bet they sell a lot of those.

I used to wonder why Skyline made me want chocolate, but then I heard that there is chocolate in the Skyline Chili recipe. AHA! Must be Cause and Effect.

The official Skyline recipe has never been made public, as far as I know. But people try to make “Cincinnati Chili” — I don’t know if they have chocolate in those recipes though.

Boomer

Have you tried the Skyline chili they sell at Publix (canned or frozen)?

We have Chocolate Cosmos in our garden. Same effect.

And they serve Hershey's ice cream.

Thank you! I have several orchids. The Oncidium Sharry Baby is what I have and I am proud of getting it to rebloom after a rest! I would post a photo, but I lack the knowledge for that lol. Several phals have rebloomed too.

Our daughter went to UC and stayed for 8 years in Cincinnati. In the 80s My territory was Ohio for many years. Home office would call their orders in stop at Skyline, preordered for 30 people. Then off to Graeters ice cream for coolers pack with 50 pints packed in dry ice. Then drove to Detroit area, car inundated with Skyline Smells, and very happy coworkers who unpacked my car, someone took it to be detailed, and everyone had a great lunch with the best icream ever. Now you just buy it all at most grocery.

[QUOTE=Dotneko;2397122]Thank you! I have several orchids. The Oncidium Sharry Baby is what I have and I am proud of getting it to rebloom after a rest! I would post a photo, but I lack the knowledge for that lol. Several phals have rebloomed too.[/QUOTE

[IMG]chocolate orchid.jpeg[/IMG]

^ Concur with this in its entirety. We are OC folk too. Nice to have 3 Costco's within 15 minutes (Doheny, Laguna Niguel (Oso Pkwy), and Laguna Nigel (5/Crown Valley), and 4-5 Trader Joe's within 10 minutes (Laguna Niguel Ocean Ranch, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Crystal Cove). There are double that many of each within another 15, so 30 minutes total because you got Irvine, Tustin, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, etc.). Oh, did I mention three REI's - Tustin, HB, and Laguna Hills. So many opportunities to spend money. Or at least find what you want right away because one store is out of stock. The convenience of always having something handy no matter where your commute took you.

Sighhhh, I have been so spoiled sometimes I didn't even appreciate it then. I appreciate other things now, like TV :)

If it tastes the same as the Hershey chocolate bars, and was the only option available, I could be cured chocolism, and ice creamolism in one go.
I find Hershey chocolate, putting it most tactfully, an acquired taste, somewhere between :yuck: and barf