https://www.ascentparkcity.com https://www.ascentparkcity.com/utah-artisan-chocolate <h3> <span> <font> The Design Appointment </font> </span> </h3> <div> <img src="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/2a61fd67/dms3rep/multi/Screen+Shot+2020-05-04+at+12.27.38+PM.png"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <span> With its complex taste experience, sustainable farming and global sourcing techniques, artisan chocolate is becoming one of the most fascinating trends in the culinary world today. </span> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> And unbeknownst to most, Utah is at the center of the movement. Within a 45 minute drive of Salt Lake City, Utah touts no less than eight bean-to-bar chocolatiers who source directly from artisanal farms and craft amazingly unique taste experiences.  </div> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <span> Amano is the pioneer Utah chocolate brand. In fact it was the first American brand to be recognized internationally for its delicacies. In 2008 it won a bronze medal at the Academy of Chocolate Awards for a single-origin Madagascar bar and the accolades haven’t stopped. Since then it’s earned gold, silver and bronze awards at the International Chocolate Awards and elsewhere. </span> <br/> </div> <div> Art Pollard, founder of Amano is obsessed with quality and flavor. “I’m really particular about our sources and our processes,” says Art. While considered by many a newcomer to the world of chocolate, Art says the quality of Amano’s chocolates is due in part to carefully managing relationships with farmers. “Each of our bars says ‘Fairly Traded with the Farmer’ and we stand by that,” says Art. Art travels the world to ensure the highest quality of beans and that each grower is using sustainable growing practices, “we want to succeed together.” Art is now retired, but Amano moves forward with the techniques and culture pioneered by Art. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> At nearly $9 per bar, Amano chocolate better be good and we can testify that it is.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> We recommend the Raspberry Rose 55% bar. With 55% cocoa it’s much lighter than the Madagascar 70% and the fruity raspberry flavor with an after-hint of rose will really take your tastebuds for a ride. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> The Amano chocolate factory is a mere 48 minute drive from The Ascent Park City. Make sure you schedule time during your next trip to visit and test their entire line of amazing, sustainable artisan chocolates. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> If you’d like to broaden your interest beyond one of the world’s leading chocolatiers, another option is to head to downtown Salt Lake City, just a 32 minute drive from The Ascent Park City to Caputo’s Deli. Caputo’s features daily chocolate tasting classes where attendees will quickly learn the difference between single-source dark chocolate and the standard Hershey’s candy they grew up with. In the tasting class you’ll discover chocolate flavor experiences you’ve never even imagined. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Matt Caputo, owner of Caputo’s Deli admittedly estimates eating a pound of chocolate daily and features over 400 craft chocolates in his store. Clearly an expert in the best chocolates the world has to offer, Matt will gladly walk you through sampling some of the most extreme and amazing chocolates you can find. </div> <div> Caputo’s offers chocolates laced with red peppers or even bacon. But its most popular offerings feature other Utah-based chocolatiers like up-and-coming Coleman &amp; Davis and drinking chocolate from Mezzo. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> We can’t think of a more satisfying way to live life more elevated than through exploring the best chocolates in the world. So book your trip soon to join us at The Ascent Park City—the unique destination for living an elevated life that just happens to be in middle of the unknown Mecca for the chocolate artisans that create best chocolate you’ll ever taste. </div> </div> Sun, 31 May 2020 18:29:25 GMT curt@wolfgramm.com (BGF Marketing) https://www.ascentparkcity.com/utah-artisan-chocolate thumbnail main image https://www.ascentparkcity.com/mindful-modern-design44cd4bff <h3> <span> <font> Mindful Modern Design </font> </span> </h3> <div> <img src="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/2a61fd67/dms3rep/multi/Screen+Shot+2020-04-24+at+12.48.36+PM.png"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> Whether it’s being featured in Architectural Digest, designing amazing living spaces for the rich and famous in Los Angeles or getting her hands dirty renovating her own cabin in Michigan, Sarah Sherman Samuel makes a point to set mindfulness as the foundation for everything she does. <div> <br/> </div> <div> Colors and Patterns </div> <div> Sarah’s career is a designer’s dream—starting with a fine arts degree, moving onto advertising design and eventually into product design for surface goods, Sarah’s work ultimately got picked up by Target. During her time specializing in pattern-based artwork she refined her personal aesthetic and launched her blog and own line of products. Since then, demand for Sarah’s interior design expertise has kept her fully-booked with major projects. From Mandy Moore’s dreamy 1950s home to luxury resorts (more on that in a minute) Sarah transforms lifestyle experiences with her unique approach. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> “Colors and patterns are the building blocks to mindful design,” says Sarah as we sit down for tea on Main Street in Park City, Utah. Sarah’s designs pay special attention to surfaces, spatial relationships and social settings. “Connection is the key.” </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> The Project </span> <br/> </div> <div> Her most recent project, a luxury destination hotel, The Ascent Park City, on the world-famous ski slopes of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah is the pinnacle of Sarah’s Mindful Modern design. </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <span> “Everything about this amazing space is focused on personal elevation—including physical, emotional and intellectual elevation. And probably the most important part of this elevation concept has been supporting more intimate relationships with nature, loved ones and self,” Sarah says. The textures, patterns, artwork and living spaces exude the concept of elevation. </span> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> And from what we’ve seen so far, this project is shaping up to be one of the biggest wins in Sarah’s career. Everything from the sweeping cantilevered rooftop to the interwoven diamond tilework speaks to the discerning owners that will purchase the residences in the hotel.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> “Unlike other mountain properties that are entirely focused on either consumerism or a throwback to rustic mountain living, my design at The Ascent Park City gives visitors an opportunity to look introspectively and enjoy the glow of living with purpose.” </div> <div> “We wanted visitors to come, experience and return home more uplifted, rejuvenated than when they left.”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Lighting </div> <div> The lighting plan in Sarah’s design focused largely on natural light with accents from some of her go-to lighting vendors. Many rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of mountains, valleys or resort features like the pool or golf course. Each room features the latest designs in chandeliers and sconces from the likes of Brera and Kokoro. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Textures </div> <div> The variety of textures in the Mindful Modern approach illustrates how a focus on rough-earthy stone and board-formed concrete can mix with brass fixtures and flat gloss tile. Additionally, “wood slats, hardware and engineered hardwood floors help warm the stark coldness in concrete and tile, and together you create this sort-of balance that’s really welcoming, really inviting,” says Sarah. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Living </div> <div> Living spaces are also designed with connection in mind. Each residence has outdoor living spaces that transition into warm and protected indoor spaces with fireplaces and built-in sofas. “By including both indoors and outdoors into each residence we’ve made it easier for people to connect with each other. They can gather in kitchens for an in-suite cooked meal or relax with a glass of wine on big cushions by the fireplace or out on the deck,” says Sarah. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> “We wanted to avoid wasted space at all costs. Most consumerism-focused resorts make rooms too expansive. There isn’t anything cozy about them when you do that. We wanted intimacy and connection to be completely built-into the experience.” </div> <div> This isn’t just about saving space. The Ascent residences are plenty big, but like all good design, utility is everywhere you look. Each residence includes a full kitchen, bedroom suite and sitting areas indoors and out. Each can also sleep at least four people comfortably. “Again, gathering is really important. Unlike a regular hotel room where you normally only see one or two people spending the night, we needed to create an environment where you can come with family and enjoy a week or two being uplifted together.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> The New Standard </div> <div> The Mindful Modern design at The Ascent Park City stands out from the rustic lodges of the past or the glided mountain properties of the present and sets the bar for something more appropriate, something more meaningful and sustainable and we applaud Sarah Sherman Samuel for creating it. </div> </div> Mon, 04 May 2020 18:18:58 GMT curt@wolfgramm.com (BGF Marketing) https://www.ascentparkcity.com/mindful-modern-design44cd4bff thumbnail main image