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Now, in “Mast Brothers: What Lies Beneath the Beards,” a new series of posts on DallasFood.org, Scott, the first-name-only blogger who in 2006 presented detailed allegations that the now-defunct Noka Chocolate was selling another company’s chocolate at significantly higher prices, has targeted the Mast Brothers’ story.... |
“This has been an open secret in the chocolate industry,” Clay Gordon, a chocolate expert with 15 years of experience in chocolate, including as a consultant to chocolate makers on ingredient sourcing and equipment and as a former lecturer on chocolate and wine pairings through New York University and the James Beard F... |
As they tell it, the Mast Brothers story is a tale of creativity and invention, an American dream with a hipster twist. Two Iowa-born, Williamsburg-living brothers taught themselves to make bean-to-bar chocolate. Incorporating their company in 2007, they wrapped their chocolate in expensive, beautiful paper and sold it... |
But there is evidence that at least some of their early production involved remelting chocolate bought from Valrhona, a commercial French chocolate manufacturer. |
In the chocolate community, the suspicions of remelting began early. The Mast Brothers’ original bars had a taste and texture that was too much like the palate-friendly kind available at the drug store to be truly “bean to bar,” Scott explains in his first post. Bean-to-bar chocolate has a distinctive taste that, like ... |
While multiple chocolate experts echoed these sentiments to both Scott and to Quartz, in part four of his series, Scott provides accounts from multiple sources who spoke to the Masts—over email, on the phone and in person—about their use of Valrhona chocolate. |
In February 2008, Oklahoma chef Larry Gober reached out to Rick Mast about buying Mast Brothers chocolate, as shown in emails on the DallasFood blog and provided to Quartz. He also asked where they were sourcing their chocolate from. Rick told him that they mostly sourced from Venezuela, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and... |
Part of the Mast Brothers’ story is that the brothers are self-taught chocolate-making MacGyvers, the first of their kind, inventing and rejiggering equipment to fit their chocolate needs. |
“We’ve had to come up with how everything is done every step of the way because there was no such thing as small-batch chocolate makers,” Rick told an Australian publication. |
“There’s no such thing as commercial equipment for [small-batch chocolate making]. You can’t say, I’m going to start a small chocolate company and then go online and get a couple of machines,” they told NPR in 2010. |
The tour guide at the Williamsburg factory told Quartz that the brothers figured everything out themselves through “trial and error,” referencing only ancient Incan or Mayan (she couldn’t remember which) techniques. |
But in reality, by the time Michael and Rick started making and selling chocolate in 2007, there were already a number of American small-batch chocolate makers on the market, as one of the proprietors of those businesses, Shawn Askinosie of Askinosie Chocolate, wrote for the Huffington Post earlier this year. Scharffen... |
In truth, despite their claim that they “had come up with how everything is done every step of the way,” the Masts picked up at least some of their knowledge on the thriving online community of chocolate makers that has existed for more than a decade. A public website, Chocolate Alchemy, is a hub of information, where ... |
A collaboration with Stumptown Coffee, pictured at Chelsea Market in New York City. |
To Georg Bernardini, author of Chocolate—The Reference Standard, aka “The Chocolate Bible,” which includes reviews of over 500 chocolate companies’ bars, the marketing—not the chocolate—is Mast Brothers’ legacy. “It is not an ingenious story of passion for cocoa, instead a sophisticated marketing strategy, to earn as m... |
A 2009 photo of Mast Brothers chocolate on sale for $12 at a pastry shop. |
The Mast Brothers have packaged themselves brilliantly as well. |
Ironically, some chocolate makers nonetheless see a silver lining in the Mast Brothers’ success. Chocolate experts are ”really unhappy that the brand has grown as a result of misleading people,” says Gordon. “But by the same token, they’ve been this important gateway chocolate.” Thanks to Mast Brothers, spending a lot ... |
It is impossible to know whether or not the company is currently making chocolate entirely bean-to-bar because, as several experts pointed out to Quartz, there is no transparency. |
But throughout the writing of this story, the company has refused to answer any specific questions, from whether Mast Brothers has investors to what kind of equipment the company uses. At its Williamsburg factory, the tour instructions were explicit: no photographs and no notes. The Brooklyn Navy Yard factory, where th... |
They have also stopped listing the source of the beans, omitting one of the most critical elements of a bean-to-bar chocolate label, despite proclamations in their book about “connect[ing] customers to the source.” The 2016 line of flavored bars, which include sheep’s milk, mint, and olive oil, no longer lists bean ori... |
Other chocolate makers offer a different explanation: “It means that it could be virtually anything,” Pollard told Quartz. |
Transparency is important to all elements of the food movement, but it is particularly relevant in the realm of chocolate, Carla Martin, lecturer on African and African American Studies at Harvard University, and founder and executive director of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute, told Quartz. She cites examples l... |
You are going to love this spotless and well maintained home Partially furnished 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 baths with lots of great features. 3 fireplaces, Vaulted ceilings. Neutral color paint. Appliances included. The kitchen has upgraded cabinets with tons of storage and plenty of counter space, large pantry. Master... |
"Daredevil" returns for its second season on March 18. |
The DC and Marvel universes have taken control of the big and small screens. |
Between the seven superhero movies slated for this year — "Deadpool" having already hijacked the box office — and the nine superhero shows currently on TV, there is no shortage of options. |
Though I've read some comics over the years, I'm not deeply embedded in the comic-book world. But as a fan of these stories, I tend to watch all of the superhero-related movies and shows, which is getting a lot harder to do these days. |
But if you wanted to, now's a good time to dive headfirst into the shows, most of which are currently running, including "Arrow," "The Flash" (both on The CW), and "Gotham," which just returned on Fox on Monday night. Netflix's "Daredevil" is coming back for a second season soon, too. |
This show isn't exactly focused on a superhero. Following a young James Gordon before he's commissioner and Bruce Wayne before he's Batman, "Gotham's" main premise is to see how Gotham's villains and heroes came to be. While the rise of The Penguin and Edward Nygma's transition to The Riddler have made the second seaso... |
8. "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" |
From the creators of "The Flash" and "Arrow," as well as two of "Supergirl's" executive producers, the newly formed "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" is primed for success, but its first few episodes have struggled to find footing. The show does drop some amazing references to the actors' other projects, though, and Wentworth... |
When "Supergirl" first premiered, it was CBS's most watched premiere, and while it was voted the favorite new drama at the People's Choice Awards and won for the most exciting new series at the Critics' Choice Awards, it's been struggling to maintain popularity. Hopefully, the upcoming "Supergirl" and "Flash" crossover... |
6. "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." |
After the show's first season, I didn't have much hope for "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s" future, but the second and third seasons have proved its true potential. It's not trying to focus so much on the entire Marvel universe anymore, but instead building on its own strengths. And Coulson's quips are always brilliant. |
"Arrow" is the one that started it all, at least in terms of my addiction to superhero TV shows. It lost some luster at the end of the last season, and though some new characters were introduced for this fourth season, it's been a little repetitive. But it's working its way to back to the show I loved. |
This show is the best part of "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s" mid-season hiatus. Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter was a joy in the "Captain America" films, and she's even more fantastic with her own show. The inclusion of Jarvis, Howard Stark's butler, is an added bonus. Though set in the Marvel universe, "Agent Carter" is a standalone s... |
Netflix made its foray into the superhero world with "Daredevil," and it was an instant smash. Unafraid to jump into the darkness of the Marvel universe, this show shocked and thrilled viewers. The second season, which premieres on March 18, should only get better. |
Netflix went a step further with its debut of the even darker and noirish "Jessica Jones." The show's biggest strength is its complex characters (particularly Krysten Ritter as the titular hero) and its bold, fresh approach to sexuality, trauma, and feminism. And though Kilgrave (David Tennant) has special abilities, h... |
Sure, it might be a little cheesy sometimes, but "The Flash" is a superhero show through and through — the most superhero of superhero shows. While lighter than most of the others on this list, "The Flash" still tackles loss and grief and shows that a hero isn't free from struggle. With the inclusion of multiple univer... |
They even invented a parallel universe IAU to prove it. |
There's a new fifth planet, at least if you ask the Tajikistan government. The new world is named Tajikistan, and it's located somewhere in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but it totally isn't Ceres. The former Soviet republic's state news agency says this mysterious new world is located 250 million miles f... |
This almost – but doesn't quite – correspond to Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt, which is located about 257 million miles from Earth and has a 1,680 day (4.6 year) orbital period. So it's possible that Tajikistan is just attempting to rename Ceres, which was discovered more than 200 years ago, or some ot... |
The country says that the new planet and its name were confirmed by the International Astrophysicists Union, an organization we've never heard of that sounds suspiciously like the International Astronomers Union, the real group in charge of naming celestial bodies. |
This made me smile. I hope it encourages you, too!! |
The white peace of the waking. |
" Keep the faith. The most amazing things in life tend to happen right at the moment you're about to give up hope". |
This is one of my favorites and I love your quote always helps to remember whatever bad mood your in emotions are impermanent and eventually it will be better. |
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:49 PM. |
When it comes to a bad hair day... the stakes are high. |
Apart from the deep psychological effects for the unfortunate wearer, there is a £30billion industry out there desperate to prove it can prevent such disaster. |
Which is why scientists are so pleased that their latest study is, shall we say, a cut above the rest. |
The researchers have completed the first microscopic analysis of how individual hair fibres rub together. |
The results, they believe, could eventually help banish everything from bed head to split ends by providing the key to the next generation of shampoos, conditioners, and other products. |
The German scientists' breakthrough came after they discovered how to measure the silkiness of each individual hair using an atomic microscope which measured to a billionth of a metre. |
The microscope can examine the atoms in each strand of hair, and the chemical and physical forces produced as they interact with each other. |
Eva Max, a doctoral student in chemistry at the University of Bayreuth and co-author of the study, said: 'Given all the new hair treatments out there, there's a growing need to make hair feel more natural. |
'For the first time, we present an experimental setup that allows measuring the subtle forces, both physical and chemical, that arise when single hairs slide past each other or are pressed against each other. |
The study was presented yesterday at the American Chemical Society's national meeting in Philadelphia, one of the world's biggest gatherings of scientists. |
It is a major advance over the current methods for testing hair care products, which simply measure the force required to comb hair under standardised laboratory conditions. |
Test volunteers are also asked to assess how the hair feels, but until now there was no scientific way to measure it. |
Analysis revealed that hair is rough and difficult to comb for two main reasons. The first is mechanical damage to the hair's surface, creating scaly projections which jut out. |
When hair fibres slide past each other, these scales create more friction than smooth hairs, causing a rough feel and making hair more difficult to comb. |
To soften hair, conditioners must contain active agents to smooth out these scales so they produce less friction, the researchers say. |
The second major source of damage is caused by negative charges building up on the surface of hair that causes repulsion between single hairs. |
To solve the problem, new products may be developed containing positively-charged particles to provide a more silky feel. |
But finding the right formula to banish bad hair days, will also need to take into account external factors such as humidity and hair stickiness, the researchers said. |
I have been getting more and more nice comments about this column, that I really appreciate. A few months ago I began this basically just because I saw a need for publicizing events that are taking place around town and felt that there were way more local bands out there than anyone really knew about. I found out I was... |
Backroads Bar & Grill, 2244 Meridian Blvd., off Airport Road, will feature the Bar BQ Boys, 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. The Bar BQ Boys are a Carson Valley-based band that plays a variety of bluegrass, classic rock, blues, country and reggae music. The group includes Paul Cutunilli on mandolin and bass, Bobby Smile... |
Every Tuesday night is “T-Bone Tuesday,” with T-bones for $13.95, dinners are served Tuesdays through Saturdays, happy hour is 3-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and video poker is available. |
For more information, call Backroads at 782-3966. |
Today – Acoustic Solution, a multi-instrumental trio, will be playing at The Bank Parlor & Pub 6:30-10 p.m. Performing together since 2003, their music is defined by the collection of instruments they bring to the stage – six- and 12-string guitars, lap-steel, fiddle, mandolins, banjo, bass, congas, hand drums, traditi... |
Saturday – Tony Sanders is back at The Bank from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Come listen to music from the ’50s through the present. Tony will be playing his special blend of rockabilly, country, folk and rock ‘n’ roll favorites from his vast repertoire – from The Beatles to the Stones, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie and Waylon to... |
New on Thursdays – The Bank now has open mic night, hosted by Dean Brownell. Brownell plays a variety of instruments including rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, bass guitar and congas and is both a lead and a back-up singer. Play solo or be accompanied by others. Bring instruments. |
Today, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Dealers Choice, a country-western country-rock band that also does oldies, will perform at Buckaroos Saloon. |
“Tuesday blues night” open mic with “Tynan” will be on May 22. |
Open mic on May 27 will be with “Johnny Fingers” and the Coppertunes. |
Buckaroos is located at 1435 Highway 395 in Gardnerville. For information, call general manager Steve Orlando at 782-9693. Bonus slots are now available. |
Shake, Rattle & Roll performs through May 13, Street Heart returns May 15-20, and various duos entertain on Monday nights. Cabaret Lounge live entertainment is presented with no cover and no minimum. The 45-minute shows start at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. |
Shake, Rattle n’ Roll has a song list of more than 500 classic hits, with authentic recreations of classic rock ‘n’ roll tunes of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, performed live, without the aid of computers and tapes. |
Street Heart’s music is vocally oriented, ’60s-’90s classic rock ‘n’ roll. Based in San Diego, and perennial San Diego Music Awards finalists, the group has been entertaining since 1987. |
This week’s scheduled Monday night group is Darcy & January. |
Villa san Marcel features The After Dark Ultra Lounge 10 p.m. to closing on Fridays. Dance the night away or simply relax in a tranquil atmosphere. After Dark features a fully stocked bar, upscale appetizers and desserts. A dress code is in effect, in a non-smoking environment. |
Jazz entertainer David Jobe will appear Saturday night at Villa san Marcel. Live jazz music will be performed during dinner. Dinners, Italian cuisine, are served starting at 5 p.m. and entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. Monique Haviland will entertain on May 19. |
Every Wednesday and Thursday night music can be heard while dining at David Walley’s Resort, Hot Springs and Spa, 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa. |
— The Big Tsunami plays every Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. at Walley’s. The Big Tsunami performs island, contemporary and traditional music, as well as local standards. |
— On Thursdays from 5:30-9 p.m. the Red Davidson Trio performs jazz music on bass, drums and piano. |
Dust off your dancing slippers, slip on your flapper dress, and put out the dog. Vintage blue jazz that’ll warm your toes will be presented in another musical evening presented by Chris Bayer, 7 p.m. May 19 at the Eddy Street Book Exchange. |
The Eddy Street Book Exchange offers an acoustic jam session 2:30-5 p.m. May 20. If you play any kind of acoustic instrument, join them for a song and some good company. Folks who don’t play, but who may want to sing along or just listen, are also welcome. All levels of experience are welcome. If you would like to play... |
The Eddy Street Book Exchange is located at 1225 Eddy St., Gardnerville. Information, 782-5484. |
Boodler’s Bar and Grubshack, formerly The Stone Pony, has music planned every weekend. Monday is karaoke night beginning at 8 p.m., Wednesday open mic is at 8 p.m. and on Saturday live music by Rad-Ral the “human juke box” also starts at 8 p.m. |
Boodler’s Bar and Grubshack is located at 1302 Langley Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos. For information, call owners Keith Endlich or Jeffery Shackleton at 265-8841. |
On May 19 the ’50s Rockathon Car Show and Swap Meet will take place 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Park in Gardnerville. Organizers wanted me to let everyone know that during the show DJ Chuck Baldauskas will be playing music from the ’50s and ’60s throughout the day. The Rockathon is hosted by the Valley Cruisers Car Cl... |
Martin Garry of Garry’s Mobile Music will be the disc jockey at Minden Village’s 88 Cups Pavilion on May 26. Music and entertainment will start at 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, tables, food and drink or visit one of the Village’s restaurants and be ready to join in or enjoy watching karaoke. Minden Village is located at Hi... |
The annual charity dinner, live/silent auction and concert to benefit children with autism, An Evening on the Comstock, will take place on Aug. 4 at Buffalo Creek Ranch, 319 Jones Lane, Gardnerville. The event features music by David John and the Comstock Cowboys. Tickets are $100 and are available at Casa Bella Home &... |
LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: The daily briefing has just gotten under way at the White House briefing room in the West Wing. Here's Ari Fleischer, White House press secretary. |
QUESTION: ... all on the issue of accountability. Is there a softer approach than you've led us to believe? |
ARI FLEISCHER, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Well, what I heard him say was that accountability without consequences is not accountability and that you have to have consequences in order to make accountability work. |
QUESTION: How about the rest of what he said? |
FLEISCHER: But that's the core of accountability, is to have a consequence; that after you test, if test scores are not at a sufficient level where our children are getting the grades they need so we know that are schools are teaching our children, there has to be a consequence. |
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