Today we have a letter from Viv, better known to most of you as the 2006 Bitegeist Fan of the Year. Viv writes about her obsession - a chocolate that she is unable to find. Read on ....

"I'm looking for a company that sells chocolates under the name of Bertrand. Supposedly they could be bought through mail order (800 #) out of Connecticut somewhere.  I think they may be French.  I can't find anything on the internet. Have you heard of them? They make the best chocolates I've ever had!"

Dear Viv:

Two famous Bertrands of the chocolate world come to mind. First, there's Philippe Bertrand. Along with his fellow chocolatier, Philippe Marand, Monsieur Bertrand has published a number of books that present his amazing creations - Chocolate Designs (only 85 smacks) and Chocolate: Behind the Scenes ($89.95). This is high speed, my friend. Chocolate as art ... Pinocchio, Asian-themed creations, chocolate cubism. If you can buy what they make, I doubt it is through an 800 number in Connecticut.

I suspect you may be thinking of Bertrand Espouy, the proprietor of Plaisir du Chocolat. Espouy presents his chocolates to the world just like the fashion industry. His winter collection includes three dozen unique flavors. Khartoum (made with hibiscus flowers), penja (with peppercorns from Cameroon), Indochine (green Vietnamese tea with lotus flowers and single origin Java milk chocolate). Exotic and artistic masterpieces. 

Could this be the Bertrand chocolate for which you've been searching? Edinburgh is a far cry from Connecticut - but the good news here is that these chocolate delights are indeed available for purchase. If you order, how about a piece or two for your friends here at Bitegeist?