FIKA Choklad from Chocolatier Hakan Martensson

“Fika” is a Swedish verb which translates to “take a coffee break,” usually accompanied by something sweet and delicious. While most Americans take their coffee to go, fika is an important daily ritual for Swedes, who like to take a moment to indulge in conversations with friends and colleagues. So it’s not a surprise that Swedes are amongst the heaviest consumers of coffee in the world!

This fine appreciation of a coffee-centric lifestyle was the inspiration for Swedish transplants and friends Lars Akerlund and David Johansson. In 2006 they opened the first FIKA espresso bar located at Central Park South next door to The Plaza. In December 2008, they opened their second location between 28^th and 29^th Streets.

FIKA has recently introduced FIKA Choklad, hand rolled truffles, pralines and chocolate bars created exclusively by Executive Pastry Chef and Chocolatier Hakan Martensson. As a member of the Swedish Culinary Team, Martensson placed gold during the IKA Olympiade Der Köche (Culinary Olympics) in 2008. Martensson each of his creations by hand with milk and dark chocolate from Callebaut and Valrhona, combined with lingonberries, raspberries, passion fruit, hazelnut, Tahitian Vanilla, espresso, ginger bread spices, and liqueurs.

At the first of every month, Martensson introduces a limited edition specialty chocolate. These exclusive chocolate are specially packaged and include a short note from Martensson, explaining his creation.

Marking Halloween, Martensson has created FIKA’s a limited edition Seven Deadly Sins truffle set:

• Lust (Red): Passion Fruit and Chili Fondant
• Gluttony (Purple): Butter Truffle, Frangelico and Pine Nuts
    (comes with 1 extra piece of truffle)
• Pride (Wood/Brown): Almond Gianduja and Sea Salt
• Greed (Gold): Champagne and Strawberry
• Sloth (White): Vanilla Truffle
• Wrath (Black): Licorice, Raspberry and Black Pepper
• Envy (Green): Cactus and Lime

This collection is available October 12 through October 31, 2009.

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