http://systemv.systemv.com/pink/ (World Wide Web Directory, 06/1995)
The Shangri-La Treasure Chest
We also have many other fabulous chocolate items guaranteed to inspire passion in your loved one, several of which are described at the bottom of this page, so why not embark today on your own adventure in tasting with the dazzling spectrum of chocolates available from PINK MOMENT SWEETS.
The beautiful Ojai Valley is situated 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles and has been a very special place to a great many people for thousands of years. A tiny lush valley cradled by the Topa Topa Mountain Range, it has been the home of the peaceful and progressive Chumash Indians and their ancestors for over 9,000 years, and since the 1880s, a favored retreat for non-indigenous people drawn here by our valley's fabled hot springs and ideal climate for citrus production. In 1937, the Ojai Valley was immortalized in Frank Capra's classic film, "Lost Horizons", in which it served as the setting for the mythical paradise of "Shangri-La". And nothing represents the magic of our lovely valley better than it's legendary "Pink Moment".
Because of its unusual East-West orientation, an awe-inspiring spectacle occurs just before sunset each day in the valley. As the lows rays of the setting sun paint the tops of the mountains surrounding the valley, they give off a lovely purple glow which has come to be called the "Pink Moment". Though it lasts for only about 10 minutes each day, it's a sight that no one who has seen it can easily forget. So it happened that when Bette Ober was preparing to open her rather special chocolate shoppe, it occurred to her to name it after this unique natural phenomenon. (The Chumash Indians have apparently smiled on the idea, for many members of their chief's family are now loyal customers.) In the two short years since Pink Moment Sweets first opened its doors, its reputation has traveled throughout Southern California, from Santa Barbara all the way down to San Diego, and has led to feature stories on TV and in numerous magazines including In Style Magazine (Feb. 1995), Victoria Magazine (Feb. 1995) and Los Angeles Magazine (Feb. 1995).
As a child, Bette Ober, who comes from a long line of chocolate lovers, acquired a taste for the distinctive flavor of European-style chocolates. When she opened Pink Moment Sweets in 1992, even though she carried only the finest European and American confections available, she found herself showered with requests from customers who wanted her to bring out her own line of hand-crafted chocolates. These requests, and a chance meeting with Master Chocolatier Alfredo Antonelli, resulted in the creation of a new Ojai phenomenon - a line of incredibly delicious American chocolates in the great European tradition.
Chef Alfredo relies upon both his Italian heritage and his training in Italy and Switzerland to create his mouth-watering confections. Using only the finest ingredients available, he concocts a wide range of delightful treats, like truffles and nougats filled with fresh roasted almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts combined with raisins and cherries soaked in real rum and brandy. These, like all of her chocolates, are then packaged by Bette in gold and silver gift boxes - our pink-silver treasure chest is a knockout! - and meticulously wrapped in imported Japanese ribbons, silks or other unusual gift-wrap materials. The finished product is something special to give or receive and, like the "Pink Moment" itself, a rare and wonderful treat which will be savored long after it is experienced.