By: Bec Robertson
CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Chocolate is sacred. It truly is a gift of nature. Raw, dark chocolate is one of our number one foods for elevating consciousness. Many people associate chocolate with ‘bad for you’ but chocolate has many nutritional and mood benefits. The key is finding chocolate that is pure, without added sugars, fillers or dairy. The stuff that is slightly bitter but with a distinctive taste and aroma. We look for chocolate that is a minimum of 95% and minimally processed. The earthiness might not be what you expect from chocolate but the richness is enticing.
There are many ways to make chocolate a healthy everyday option. Because it has such amazing qualities for health and happiness, we are always on the look out for chocolate based dishes that are healthy as well as delicious.
We think Vudu Larder’s Coffee and Caramel tart (pictured) matches this criteria perfectly. Chocolate based, with coffee and caramel, the richness of the flavours works perfectly to create a decadent dessert that is also good for you.
This tart is the creation of Gwen Brown (inset), Head Baker at Vudu Larder, Queenstown. Originally from Toronto, Gwen came to New Zealand and started in front of house at Vudu. She then moved into baking when her talents were discovered.
Vudu aims for “healthy, casual, delicious comfort food”, says Gwen. With “options for everyone that are as appealing as possible”. Her motto is “what you eat shapes your day. Healthy gut, healthy life”. We couldn’t agree more. Food is such a pleasurable, sensual experience. We want it to be a feast for all the senses and also our cells.
Working in front of house gave Gwen invaluable insight into what customers like to order. This has helped her to develop recipes in the baking kitchen. She understands what customers want when they step into Vudu for a dining experience.
A visit to Vudu Larder is like visiting a world where food is both delicious and good for you. That’s our kind of world!
Vudu excels in creating crowd pleasing food for all palettes. There are options for little people, vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free, grain free, dairy free. You name it, they have a delicious option to try. Whenever we visit, we always order at least 2 to 3 dishes just for the taste experience! We think you will too.
Vudu Larder is located at 16 Rees St, Queenstown, New Zealand, 9300. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram