Happy New Year!

 

Junk Fud and You - Snack Sets?

 Buying a set or variety pack of treats or candy can have it's pros and cons. I decided to examine both and let those candy companies know how to do it right.

Fact on Those Snacks

If you want to learn more about some classic snacks, make sure to pick up my fun comic book called Snack Facts.

You can pick up your copy at candycritic.org/snackfacts/buy.htm or on Amazon. 

Jellies From Asia

Whenever I write a new review, probably one of the hardest parts is trying to figure out what category it might fit into. While it's not always hard, in cases like this latest featured review it can be very challenging. I do have a category that's simply called "unique", but I try my hardest not to put any reviews into that category as it seems like a cheat. In the case of these Asian jelly candies, I figured lumping them in with gummies would be okay.

Check out my latest "gummy" review... sort of.

The Best Tea is a High Tea

 

I’ve had a few fancy meals in my life, but one meal in particular always seems fancier than the rest. Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever had a great fancy breakfast, but I’ve had a few fancy lunches and dinners. However, the meal that’s always fancy no matter what is high tea. I’ve had high tea in small cafes and I’ve had high tea in super fancy hotels, and each and every time it’s felt elegant and fancy. It’s really the only meal where I feel like I’ve stepped into an episode of Downton Abbey.

For those unfamiliar with this meal, it generally takes place in the late morning or early afternoon. As you might have guessed, the drink that goes with this meal is tea, however I’ve seen a few afternoon teas that offer fruity alcoholic drinks as well. The food is almost always delivered on a tall tower of plates and almost always consists of foods you eat with your hands (I’ll get more into that in a minute). Dessert is also almost always included with your tower of plates, so everything comes at once.

In general the idea of this meal is to sip tea, nibble on small hand held foods and talk with your friends. I think originally it was more of a social gathering than a meal, however today people also really go for the food as well. I also imagine that in the past this was a “simple” meal by the standards of those having it. In other words it was a simple meal for fancy people, but most people would still consider the food fancy.

While there are many different interpretations of this meal, most of the time there are certain things you always find available on your tower of plates. Just an FYI, most places do not let you order what you want, at most they might have a vegetarian and meat option but mostly you just eat what they give you. Fortunately it’s not just one food, there’s often a variety. The portions are also almost always small, so if you don’t like something you don’t have much of it to eat.

Probably the most common, and in my opinion important staple of this meal is scones with jam and cream (most often clotted cream). I’ve never had an afternoon tea that didn’t include this, this is also often the item where you might get more than one type of scone. More often than not you get the cream and jam separately and you’re expecting to put it on your scone yourself. Let me warn you, depending on where you are the order of how you spread your cream and jam can be very important. Ask your server if you have any questions.

The next most common part of this meal is the sandwiches. It’s not uncommon to get a few different sandwiches in your tower. It’s also not uncommon for the crusts to be cut off your sandwiches. While you can get any kind of sandwich, cucumber sandwiches are the most common. It’s another item that I can’t ever remember not getting in my high tea meal.

Sometimes you’ll also get small meat tarts or quiches as well. Other than the cucumber sandwiches, this is really the time for the chef to shine. I’ve been lucky enough to try some great local foods in this portion of my high tea meal, and best of all it’s just a bite so I can always sample more than one dish.

The top of the tower is where you find your desserts. The only thing I’ve found consistent about this part of the high tea meal is that the desserts will be super fancy and small. This again appeals to my love of tasting new foods, since they’re often only one or two bites. 

I love a good high tea. It can be very expensive considering how much food you get, but it’s always an adventure. It’s also not always necessary to go to the most expensive high tea place. Some of the best high teas I’ve had are at small cafes that really care about what they’re presenting on the plate. I’ll be honest, even the worst high tea I’ve had was still pretty good.

Merry Christmas!

I hope all your stockings are filled with sweet treats... except maybe the ones you're wearing, that would be just awkward.

10 Second Kitchen - Street Tea Yangon, Myanmar

 Watching a pot boil at a street market in Yangon, Myanmar.

Those Beasts and Treats

 If you've ever wondered what kind of treats that beasts like to devour, check out my awesome alphabet book called Treats And Beasts.

You can pick up Treats and Beasts at bewarethecheese.com/treatsnbeasts/ or on Amazon.

Wafer Bar Problem

This latest featured review is the main reason I have trust issues when it comes to wafer bars. It's not that I totally dislike wafer based bars, in fact my favourite bar (the British Kit Kat) is a wafer based bar. The thing about wafer based bars is when they're good, they can be fantastic, but when they're bad... yuck.

Check out this latest wafer based bar, in this case the wafer actually ruined the whole treat.

Chris, Why Would You Eat That?!! - Hot and Spicy Lay's

 I decided to taste test a flavour of Lays who's name doesn't really make sense, except for the fact that they're really spicy.

Blue Orchid For The One You Love

 It might be tight, but there still might be time to pick up Blue Orchid for the holidays, and even if there isn't, it's better late than never.

Pick up all things Blue Orchid at bewarethecheese.com/blueorchid/ or on Amazon (or search "blur orchid comics").

What If I Just Stopped Eating Spicy Snacks?

I've mentioned here many times that I'm not a huge spicy food fan. In fact I would describe my spice tolerance and low, only recently getting a little closer to moderate. I've always had mixed feelings about eating spicy snacks. I know that I'm probably not going to enjoy them, but I feel like I would be doing people reading visiting my site a disservice by not reviewing them occasionally. It's a really weird situation, I know I'm not going to like it that much, but I feel like I have to eat it.

Check out my latest spicy review.

Pop Mart Treats... Sort Of

For those unfamiliar, Pop Mart is a toy company that has stores all over the world featuring fun pop art style toys. While the name Pop Mart might not be that familiar to you, I’m willing to bet you’ve heard of Labubu, which is a Pop Mart toy. Their lines of toys reaches way beyond Labubu, and includes some of their own original creations as well as some licensed characters done in their style.  While I’ve seen their toys all over, I’d never actually gone into a Pop Mart store before, until now.

The main reason I’d never been into a Pop Mart store before is that it’s not uncommon for their to be a lineup to get it, sometimes the line can be really, really long. Most of their stores also often have a lot of security and bag checks just to go in. However, on a recent trip to Bangkok I came across a Pop Mart store with no line, and I happened to have no bag with me at the time (so I didn’t have to check it or have it searched).

I decided, for the sake of this blog, to check out all of the candy/snack themed treats that I could find and report back.

Since Labubu is what’s hot, I’ll start there. There are dozens of different monster/Labubu toys themed with snacks and food. In fact I would almost say that more than half of the Labubu toy lines have at least one or two characters that have some kind of food tie in, and several that are completely food themed.

Most of the food themed Labubus are pretty general and based on popular Asian foods, however I did come across a series of Coca-Cola themed Labubus, so you know they’re not shy about having official tie ins. Makes me wonder what other food company would pair well with Labubu. I’m thinking and Oreo cookie or Pocky themed Labubu would be kind of cool.

I also came across a series of toys they have called Pino Jelly that seemed to have a sort of gummy theme to them. Some of them seemed more candy branded than others.

I also came across these Mickey Mouse themed toys, many of which had fun candy/snack themes. The vending machine themed Mickey was probably my favourite.

Probably my favourite non-Labubu collection of toys was called “Molly Carb-Lover”. It’s a series of cute little dolls that all have some kind of bread/baked good theme. It’s a really peculiar set and even a weirder name, but I think that’s why I liked it.

The final thing I came across was this dog/hamburger themed toy called Hacipup. It seems like it might serve another function, but I really couldn’t figure it out since I don’t know what a “rolling time machine” does.

Candy and snacks as a theme in toys is common, when it comes to collectible toys like the ones from Pop Mart it seems like having a food tie in is essential. I didn’t buy anything on this trip as I was frankly overwhelmed with choices. Maybe one day I’ll get some kind of key chain/bag charm from Pop Mart, but for now I think I’ll just brows. 

One thing that makes me curious is if Pop Mart will ever go the other direction and start making treats. I feel like their visual style would work great for making fun and very pretty looking candy, and in particular gummies. For now though it appears that nothing at Pop Mart is actually edible, it’s just that half the toys look like they should be.

10 Second Kitchen - Cinnabon Bangkok, Thailand

 Watching them finish up some tasty mini cinnamon buns at the Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Thailand.

Holiday Cheer with Blue Orchid!

 Don't panic, there's still plenty of time to get Blue Orchid comics (and even some merch) to the one you love this holiday season.

You can get everything you need at https://www.bewarethecheese.com/blueorchid/ or on Amazon(or you can also search "blue orchid comics" on Amazon)

Is It A Cookie?

Is there a certain ratio that makes a cookie a chocolate treat? One of the biggest challenges I come across on a regular basis is trying to figure out which category of treat to put many of the snacks I review. This latest review is just such a problem. It's a cookie, but it's also a big glob of chocolate. There's probably more chocolate than cookie, but the cookie really feels like the part that's holding this whole treat together. So is it a cookie, or is it a chocolate?

Check out this latest confusing review.

Quick List - My Favourite Candy Packages

 A quick list of some of my favourite candy packages from all of the treats that I've reviewed on candycritic.org.

Blue Orchid For Christmas!

  Fill up someone's stocking with lots and lots of fun comics!

Pick every issue of Blue Orchid (the comic I wrote and drew) right now for that special person on your Christmas list.

You can get everything you need at https://www.bewarethecheese.com/blueorchid/ or on Amazon(or you can also search "blue orchid comics" on Amazon).

Best Gummy Ever?

The fact that there are so many gummy candies out there in the world makes it really hard to pick one that is better than another. I think we could all point out some of the worst gummies in the world, but the best depends greatly on what you like in a gummy candy. I have opinions on the subject, but I think I can also say that I've tasted a lot of gummy candies, so maybe my opinion matters? Probably not.

Check out my latest gummy review, it's in my opinion the best gummy ever made.

A Visit To Siamaya In Chiang Mai

I find more and more countries are making chocolate bars. It used to be that a great deal of the milk and dark chocolate of the world was made in Europe. The cocoa would be grown in a select places based on the fact that cocoa plants needs the perfect climate, but making bars is really possible almost anywhere in the world, however Europe really seemed to dominate this market. Today we’re seeing more and more chocolate from different parts of the world, and best of all these new chocolate companies are taking their chocolate and making it reflect the culture and flavours of the place their being made.

Siamaya (a blend of the words “Siam” and “Maya”) is a perfect example of just such a chocolate maker. Founded in Chiang Mai Thailand, the brand has expanded all over Thailand and can be found in just about every single grocery store in Thailand. Probably the highlight of this brand is the fact that they’re taking good quality chocolate and adding flavours that really make them feel Thai. Their durian chocolate is probably the most notorious, but I would argue one of the best ways to taste durian for the first time. They also have flavours based on Thai tea, spicy Thai food dishes as well as local fruit.

I recently found myself in Chaing Mai and I decided to pay a visit to their factory store. At the time their cafe was being renovated, but their chocolate store was totally open. The store not only serves as a place to buy every flavour of chocolate that they manufacture, but it also gives you the opportunity to watch them make the chocolate while you’re browsing.

One of my favourite details about this particular brand (beyond the tasty chocolate) is their package design. The good thing is if you feel as passionate about their package art as I do, you can pick up postcards, magnets and even t-shirts. I got myself a t-shirt and absolutely love it.

The store also offers some great learning experiences to teach you all about the chocolate process. They have a really great explanation about their chocolate making.

They also offer examples of cocoa at various stages in the process.

Since the chocolate is the highlight of this shop, they really have so many flavours to choose from at this shop. Best of all they offer samples of each and every flavour, so you can pick out your favourites. This is also a great opportunity to sample the durian chocolate to make sure you can handle a whole bar. This factory tour is a great hidden gem in Chaing Mai for any candy lover. The shop itself isn’t that big, but it has everything you might want if you’re into the chocolate process as well as munching on samples.

Junk Fud and You - What Is Candy?

 One of the most common questions I get is to define what is a candy, and the number of answers I give is bigger than the question.

Facts About Snacks

 If you crave facts as much as you crave snacks, then I think I have the perfect book for you.

Check out my awesome series called Snack Facts, a fun look at the history as well as some general information about the snacks you love.

Pick up your copy right now at candycritic.org/snackfacts/buy.htm or on Amazon.

Potato Chip Problem

I'm not sure if this is a trend in all snacks, or just in the regions I've been buying my treats lately, but for some reason there seems to be a great number of potato chip companies that don't use slices of potato anymore. It seems to be the trend to use potato starch or ground potato to make potato snacks. My assumption is that it's cheaper to make, but I really can't figure out why since you have to add a few extra steps to make these fake potato treats. Worst of all many companies imply that you're getting the real (classic) potato chip, only to let you down when you open the bag.

Check out my latest "potato" treat review, I'll warn you that I wasn't that impressed.

Chris, Why Would You Eat That?!! - Dried Peas and Mangoes

 In this episode of Chris, Why Would You Eat That?!! Chris tastes two things that taste great on their own, but who would have thought someone would put them together.

Blue Orchid!

 

Did you know I've written and drawn 3 Chapters of Blue Orchid?

You can pick up each chapter right now at bewarethecheese.com/blueorchid/ or on Amazon.

All In The Package?

When I first started candycritic.org I had a slight rule that I wouldn't judge a candy by its package. In the last few years I've really changed my tune on that rule. For one thing, the package is often the first reason I buy almost any candy from a store shelf. Unless it's suggested to me by people like you, I almost always inspect the package to figure out what I might be getting into. The package has to not only attract the eye, but it should also explain what might be inside. There can be a element of surprise, but in the case of this week's new review, some package are so surprising that they're down right confusing.

Check out my latest review featuring a package that just doesn't make sense at all.

Laura Secord

One of Canada’s most popular chocolate companies has a really odd relationship with Canadian history.  Laura Secord the person is a Canadian war hero from the war of 1812. She learned of an impending invasion of then British occupied territory (later Canada) and informed the British soldiers of an American invasion. Her information helped the British soldiers win an important battle that kept Canada from becoming American.

Laura Secord the chocolate shop has no real relation to the person, other than being named after her. None of her family owns or has ever owned any part of the company, it wasn’t even founded in the city/town she lived in (although it’s kind of close). The Laura Secord website says the following:

“In 1913, Frank P. O’Connor opened a small candy store in Toronto where he sold hand-made chocolates. He named his store after Laura Secord, the Canadian heroine who was a symbol of courage, devotion, and loyalty.”

While I’m sure Frank P. O’Connor wanted his business to thrive, I’m sure he couldn’t have guessed that it would be one of the biggest candy companies in all of Canada. This is where things get a little weird, because there are likely several Canadians in the world now who know Laura Secord as only a chocolate shop and not a person. While Laura Secord the person did make some history in her time, it appears her legacy is more tied up with chocolate.

The extra odd thing is that the chocolate shop still pays tribute to her. Many of their packages and even the chocolates themselves have her image printed or engraved into them. Her face is still on their logo as well. If I was seeing this store for the first time, my assumption would be that this Laura Secord started this chocolate shop. The thing is, she’s never been to this chocolate shop and never tasted their chocolates.

I’m not sure how the chocolate shop could change that, or even if they would want to. This is a really odd situation where the shop named after a person has become so much more popular than the person themselves. 

10 Second Kitchen - Deep Fried Pancake 16th Street Yangon

 A 10 second look at a deep fried breakfast pancake in Yangon, Mynamar.

Those Treats and Those Beasts

 If you've every wanted to read a fun alphabet book about all kinds of beasts and the treats they love, pick up my book called Treats And Beasts.

You can get Treats and Beasts right now at bewarethecheese.com/treatsnbeasts/ or on Amazon.

The OG Gummy

 

Did you know that the gummy bear is the first gummy ever? They've been around for a very long time (you can learn more about the history of the gummy bear in my book called Snack Facts), but what I want to know is when did they start making gummies sour? It's a really odd collection of flavours and textures if you think about it. Soft and squishy, sweet in the middle, but sour on the outside. The thing is, it works.

Check out Haribo's attempt at making their classic gummy bear sour.

Quick List - Worst Kit Kat Bars

 My favourite candy bar (according to candycritic.org) is a Kit Kat bar, but not all Kit Kat bars are great.

Snack Those Facts

 If the history of snacks has always eluded you, why not pick up my book called Snack Facts right now.

Pick up Snack Facts at candycritic.org/snackfacts/buy.htm or on Amazon.

Different Names For The Same Cookie

I'm sure you've come across the great debate "is it called a cookie or a biscuit" before, but have you ever considered the word cracker as well. You might be arguing that a cracker can't be put into the category because it's savory. I argue that there are many cultures that have sweet/sugar crackers. Now you might think that's crazy, but then I argue "graham crackers". This then begs the question, can you have a savory cookie too?

Check out my latest treat labelled as a cracker, but it's not savory at all.

Happy Halloween!

 

Happy Halloween! I hope your bags are full of sweet and scary treats.

What I Order - Part 3

Whenever I go to fast food restaurants I’m often presented a difficult choice. Do I order the new or special food items that’s available or do I go with the food item I know and love.  I got to thinking about this, and it made me wonder what is my go to order at most fast food restaurants. Obviously I have different choices depending on the restaurant, but I think each and every restaurant has a go to item for me. I’m not saying it’s the best item or the most popular. I’m just saying that this is the flavour I associate with this restaurant, and maybe you might have something else.

So here’s part three of my choices. Keep in mind that I haven’t included a few fairly popular restaurants, and that’s mostly because I’ve either never eaten there, or at the very least haven’t eaten there in the last 3 years. There also might be a few restaurants that you don’t know about, it could be because I’ve been living in Asia for the last few years so there are a few that are only common in this part of the world. I’ve only done fast food restaurants, which I describe as places were you either commonly get takeout (pizza mostly) or places that require a tray.

Pizza Pizza

Pizza Pizza is a chain from Canada that has a jingle that used to get stuck in my head all of the time. When it comes to a regular order I would often go for deluxe (pepperoni, green pepper and mushrooms) or pineapple, ground beef and mushrooms (it’s weird I know, but it tastes good). The thing about Pizza Pizza is you have to luck out on the location when you order. In my youth I would often walk to a specific location for pickup, just so I could choose which location made my pizza.

Popeyes 

I don’t actually have a history with Popeyes chicken. I think it might have been around when I was a kid, but it was never a choice I would make. As an adult however I’ve developed a taste for their chicken sandwich. I don’t want it spicy or with any “extras”. Their plain chicken sandwich is probably the best chicken sandwich available anywhere. 

Shake Shack

My go to order at Shake Shack is often leads to regret. The regret is that I’ve eaten way too much rich and heavy food. I go for a Double Shack Burger with cheese, cheese fries and a milkshake. The milkshake flavour might vary, but I’ll either go for their specialty shake or a chocolate shake. I’ve actually never regretted the specialty shakes, except for the fact that I’m truly stuffed/sick at the end of the meal. The same goes for the cheese fries.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell gets a bad reputation. The key to enjoying Taco Bell is to know what you’re getting into. If you expect the finest Mexican cuisine, you’ll be very disappointed but if you expect Taco Bell you’ll be fine. My go to order used to be a couple of simple soft tacos, however I’ve since changed/upgraded to the Crunch Wrap Supreme. It’s a very complicated disk filled with just about everything Taco Bell has to offer in one blissful meal.

Wendy’s

This is a little complicated. My most common order at Wendy’s is the Dave’s double combo without onions. I often forget to ask for no onions, so you’ll often see me picking them off. This all goes out the window however if they have the bacon mushroom melt available. The fact that this very messy burger is not a staple on their menu makes me extremely sad. I would actually go to Wendy’s more often if the offered the bacon mushroom melt all of the time.