Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Indulgence ...

So, this infernal construction is proceeding at a snail's pace. We're two weeks into the sidewalk replacement hell and not a lick of concrete has been poured. The noise is a nightmare, the dust is endless and, worse than that, the crew has set up shop right outside my office window. They eat there, they change there, they listen to crazy music there. Is there no end to my suffering?

Clearly I need an infusion of chocolate ... stat! And not just any chocolate either - a funky, fun, new chocolate that I've just discovered. Its dark, rich, and slightly crisp; a deliciously decadent, grown-up version of a crunch bar - and its my new favorite indulgence.

The sweetriot unBAR is all-natural, gluten-free, dairy-free and made from responsibly sourced fair-trade cacao. The bar itself contains a host of yummy, delicious cacao nibs that add wonderful texture, crunch and flavor - and the chocolate itself is magnificent. It comes in two "strengths" - 70% dark chocolate or 65% dark chocolate ... and, oddly enough, I prefer the 65%. I tasted both and find the 65 less sweet.

Were you to possess the kind of self-control necessary to eat only one square ... the calorie count is fairly low: 48 calories per square. You can do the rest of the math, but this much I'll tell you - one square is perfectly satisfying and two are enough. The bar is so rich, you simply do not need to eat the whole thing to enjoy it.

I came across the unBAR while shopping in Zabar's one day and happily for me, they were giving free samples. Trust me, it was love at first bite! In addition to the bars, sweetriot also offers both raw and chocolate covered cacao beans for your snacking pleasure. I can't wait to try them, cacao nibs are one of my most favorite things. Let the antioxidant-rich snacking begin!

As for price, well, the bars aren't cheap - $2.79 per bar, though keep in mind that's a Zabar's price. That said, the indulgence is well worth the splurge. This is a quality product and I'm happy to pay for responsibly sourced ingredients. The company is committed to fair-trade, uses recycled materials for packaging and is dedicated to making the world a better place. Take a spin around their site and you'll see what I mean.

Be sure to tune in for Thirsty Thursdays tomorrow ... heaven knows I'll be needing a drink! Till then, don't mind me ... I'll be over here in the corner, wearing my earplugs and crunching on an unBAR.

Bon appetite!

11 comments:

Tangled Noodle said...

No Zabar's here in MN so I can't seek immediate gratification; I'll just have to read this post over and over again. And the price is not unreasonable given that one square is enough for satisfaction!

Looking forward to Thirsty Thursday but hubs and I are totally addicted to Moscow Mules - just had it again last night! 8-)

Christo Gonzales said...

what the heck are they doing to that damn sidewalk? I want my food and drinks back - stat! ..... LOL

Anonymous said...

The chocolate bar sounds excellent, I don't think I could resist eating just one or two squares :)

debra@dustjacket said...

Hi Diva, I loved your name on HH's comments list, so had to have a look.

I'm so damned hungry scrolling down your posts. Nice site! I'll be back.

The Duo Dishes said...

Whoa, that sounds like it's just enough chocolate to eat in one square. Seems intense!

Anonymous said...

As a mental health food, they are well worth the price!

Need my cocktail fix - looking forward to tomorrow.

The Food Addicts said...

Let's hope the construction ends soon - sounds like you are THIS CLOSE to kicking some ass!! Hope the chocolate is calming you down a bit =)

Unknown said...

Hmmm, sounds good but I dont know if it sounds a little too healthy. Well, if u recommend it, I need to try it :) Got a chance to visit zabars last year for the first time last winter. Awesome place! I bought a bag of cinnamony rugelah, not my best move, but it was damn yummy!

pixelgal said...

What you need is a stay-cation in the suburbs....Momma Diva style! Who knows, you may even be treated to the 'Valley'! No jackhammers here. Just a few thousand lawn mowers and assorted noisemakers including pugs. But we aim to please so we'll do our sun dance and remind you that there's always the garden to take your mind off things and inspire another healthy recipe. Broccoli and cabbage are among the current selections as are beets. So it's all good. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

The Diva on a Diet said...

Tangled Noodle - I can't tell you how happy it makes me that you guys are enjoying the Moscow Mules so well. Yay and thanks! :)

doggybloggy - I can tell you what they're *not* doing ... working! My god I've never seen a crew so slow. :(

5 Star - its really very good and I have managed to eat only two squares at a time. Shocking! LOL

Moonspinner - hello and welcome to Beach Eats! Right back atch on the name ... I love your too. Looking forward to checking out your blog as well. :)

Duo - yes, intense! But in a good way. A very good way.

Dana - aw, thanks for the Thirsty Thursday support. Your wish is my command. :)

The Food Addict - I may indeed have to kick some ass next week if this continue to move so slowly. This is scheduled to go on until July 30th. Ack!

HH - on your next trip to Zabar's you'll have to visit me ... I'm right around the corner. We'll make it chocolate rugelach next too. Mmmmm.

Pixelgal - what are you saying, that a Diva can't live on chocolate and tequila alone?!? Kidding! Looking forward to the silence and the yummy produce!!!

Deb said...

Miss you - damned construction! If this goes on until July 30th you may have to rename to Diva on downers LOL! Go see Pixiegal for some restorative silence and spoiling and come back to us!