Historians trace the origin of the word "chocolate" to the Aztec word "xocoatl," which referred to a bitter drink brewed from cacao beans. The Latin name for the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods”. Many modern historians have estimated that chocolate has been around for about 2000 years, but recent research suggests that it may be even older. Sweetened chocolate didn't appear until Europeans discovered the Americas and sampled the native cuisine.

Tea is rumored to have first been discovered by the Emperor of China in 2737 BC, while boiling water in the shade of a tree. A light breeze caused some leaves to fall into the water, which the emperor tasted and found to be delicious. Since then it has traveled the world conquering the thirsts of virtually every country on the planet.

www.specialtyretail.com

Sip and Sample at Caviar & More

Randall G. Mielke
Published: October 11, 2008

Although the Caviar & More kiosk in Miami’s Aventura Mall owned Marky’s, a local luxury food importer and exporter, has been there for a decade, more shoppers than ever before are stopping to see what the kiosk has to offer.

From www.money.cnn.com

LAST UPDATE: Jul 23 2008 | 9:40 AM ET

The world's priciest foods

Jamón ibérico de bellota, newly legal for import (at $180 per pound), barely cracks the top five on the pricey foods scale. We checked in with gourmet retailers for the rundown on the world's most expensive culinary indulgences.

By Stephanie Fletcher

Marky's Receives the NASFT Product Award

Press Release Source: Optimus Inc. Markys receives an excellent score on annual Avendra Report yielding positive remarks from one of Miamis most exclusive hotels.

10 June 2008

Aventura Mall food kiosk offers a taste of luxury caviar

BY ANDRES AMERIKANER
Fri, May. 30, 2008