BRUGES: When Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone created a chocolate-sniffing device for a Rolling Stones party in 2007, he never imagined demand would stretch much beyond the rock ’n roll scene.
"But, seven years later, he has sold 25 000 of them. Inspired by a device his grandfather used to propel tobacco snuff up his nose, Persoone created a “Chocolate Shooter” to deliver a hit of Dominican Republic or Peruvian cocoa powder mixed with mint and either ginger or raspberry. “The mint and the ginger really tickle your nose,” the 46-year-old said in his chocolate factory in Bruges. “Then the mint flavour goes down and the chocolate stays in your brain.” Tattoo-clad Persoone, who has collaborated with celebrated chefs such as The Fat Duck’s Heston Blumenthal and elBulli’s Ferran and Albert Adria, has a history of culinary innovation. Alongside the classics, he has created chocolates flavoured with bacon and onion, oysters and grass. It took some perfecting to create the snorting powder as chocolate itself was too dry. Before the successful formula was discovered, Persoone used a mix that included chilli pepper. “It’s a very bad idea,” he said. The chocolate shooters, which sell for 45 Euros ($50) each, have been exported to Russia, India, Canada, Australia and the US. The packaging bears a warning against excessive sniffing, but Persoone insists it’s safe. He was inspired by the role of the nose when tasting food and, he says, an idea of fun. “The mentality when you think about sniffing is: ‘Oh it’s kinky, guys who do that stuff... “I’m not the bad boy promoting drugs, not at all… Life is boring. Let’s have fun.” – Reuters”
Just to add to the fun, visit Dominique’s website and store, “The Chocolate Line” where you can check out his story, all the info on the chocolate shooter, his book, and his other item for sale...a lipstick that reminds you of the childhood sensation of smearing chocolate all over your lips.
Website: http://www.thechocolateline.be/the_chocolate_line_brugge.asp?taal=en
