Cacaolat and the Chocolate Obsession in Spain

This is a chocolate obsessed nation.  No complaints here ;).  Anyone that knows me knows I have a chocolate problem however, I crave less sugar and more cocoa.  In other words Nestle, Hersheys and all that cheap stuff generally sucks.

However, I am fascinated by the abundance of chocolate here.  There are products chocolified here that I have never seen before.  It's almost as if it's edible, add chocolate to it.  In fact there are plenty of choices for chocolate formula and chocolate babyfood-- that's right for infants!

Check out the shapshot of a common Spanish supermarket below.  This was taken at Dia, but it really can be of any supermarket here like Condes, Coprabo or Bonpreu. Even some of the "healthy" markets have sections that look like this.

All calories aside, I have learned why one of their most popular chocolate treats "Cacaolat", is as popular as it is.  This is hard to say since I was born and raised in NY for 16 years, but this blows Yoohoo out of the water.  Cacaolat is no chocolate joke.  There is a deep rich chocolate flavor and almost tastes more like a traditional chocolate milk rather than chocolate water.  On a hot day pour one over some ice and add a cafe solo for a simple and quick DIY Spanish mocha.  Deelish. 

This is La Sagrada Familia.  I am lucky enough to walk by it often.  It's stunning and I'm completely mesmerized when the bells chime.

Still Waiting for Internet Here..

Gosh darnit dskjg;'kdshpoqeg.  Any day now..  sigh.

First Night in Our Aparment

We've had an exhausting couple of days.  Between the jetlag, heat and moving on the other side of the world with a baby, I was ready to hibernate the rest of the summer.  The first night in town we stayed at AC Hotel on a great deal.  It was a perfect clean stylish little place to grumpily crash out at with a huge pristine white pressed bed -- which delivered the best nap of my life.

Today was very eventful.  Here's the recap:

• This morning we moved into our apartment.  The rental ad said the unit was "5th floor with no lift" but in reality they should have called it what it was and that is the 7th floor.  Apparently the 1st floor really doesn't start until the 3rd floor.  You get the picture here.. (update: we actually moved outta this place after 2 days.. roaches.. ew!  Our new place has an elevator!)
• Federal Cafe- found this adorable cafe in the hood.  Had a delicious cage free egg bake with spinach and mushrooms. 
• Gym - the whole family joined a local gym and went swimming.

I've also noticed some interesting details about doing business here.  At this point it's not clear if this is a Barcelona or a Spain thing.

• Bank Draft - Seems to be the standard form of payment for rent, gyms and about everything that has a recurring bill.  Not a debit or credit card. It seems businesses want a direct wire bank draft.  Convenient for everyone except the sender.
• Capitalization fees - If you decide to join a gym, send a kid to school, start up some yoga classes or even purchase insurance there is a capital contribution fee for anyone doing business with a company for the first time.  These fees are a one time fee and in addition to regular monthly or other revolving fees.  For the gym it was about 50 euro, for preschool it varies from 200-300 euro and for private schools I've seen anywhere from 1500-3000 euros.  Insurance I was quoted was about 50 euro

The other detail our whole family noticed is the chocolate and Nesquick obsession.  It's EVERYWHERE!  Even Hello Kitty Nesquick cereal and crunchy chocolate doodles (think cheetos!).

Thoughts on Revolutionary Road

They should have went to Paris.

Things I'll Miss and Won't Miss in San Francisco

As much as I need a break from San Francisco, there are things and places that I will miss. SoMa of course is at the top of my list.  Not all of South of Market area-- but most of it.  Here are some of the other things I'll miss about San Francisco.

• Large amount of Vegetarian, Vegan and Organic options in restaurants and stores
• LoveFest/LoveParade or whatever they change it to again this year
• Triptych 
• Golden Gate Park
• Blue Bottle and Peets - wah!
• Being surrounded by internet and technology folks (my peeps!)
• Sipping Hot Cocoa during the holidays by the tree in Union Square
• Rainbow Market and Whole Foods, even though you're pricey I'll miss you too!
• Yerba Buena Gardens
• SoMa, Castro, North Beach and Mission Bay -  I'll miss you...

Here are some of things I won't miss:

• Fresh fertilizer in the potted plants on our street
• abundance of crack in certain areas of SoMa - both kinds!
• that snobby SF persona that is unwelcoming to tourists yet feels this is the best place on earth
• 6th Street and the TL - Farewell!

Is this home?

This may be our future temporary nest!  Cross your fingers for us.