TAKE YOUR TASTE BUDS FOR A JOY RIDE: CHOCOLATE.

You can try to rationalize it as much as you want; Chocolate is a passion.  Try to describe it; but it is more than just a taste. Try to replace it; chocolate is more than just a flavor. It’s a rollercoaster ride for the taste buds.

No wonder so many people are so crazy about it.

What is it about chocolate? Why does the mere mention of the word inspire cravings, and conjure up images of heavenly delights?

Chocolate has the amazing ability to bring out the child inside every one of us. It reminds us of the small, sweet, forgotten pleasures of life.

Chocolate can make people let down their guard, it can break down their defenses. Grown ups will turn into kids in front of it. And even the sourest of faces, will grow a sweet smile for it.

Le Chocolat, has the ability to remove layers of polish, years of sophistication. Glamorous Page Six socialites will melt in front of it, as if it were the latest Balenciaga.

I’ve seen world-renowned decision makers at a loss, when asked to choose which Lindt piece will make the final selection, and take the long- awaited journey from the box of assorted chocolates, into their mouth.

Personally, I think of chocolate as the Goggle of the mind. It’s where I go for answers to my existential questions like: why doesn’t he call? Should I start with the round or the square piece? Should I call or text him? Is it rude to take a second piece? Does he really like me? Do I really care?

Chocolate comes in many forms: black, for the connoisseurs, milk chocolate for the rest of us and white for the taste blind. It could be the offspring of a noble family, like Le Notre, or working class America such as Hersheys. Or it can come from the land of temptations, Italy. Home to Nutella the chocolate hazelnut spread. So addictive, it should be banned.

Yet no matter where it comes from, or what it tastes like, the most delicious thing about chocolate is, that one bite will most certainly lead to another.