A Belgian Assortment transports readers to contemporary Belgium, a vibrant and multifaceted nation in the heart of Europe. The country plays host to legions of expatriates. Award-winning author T.D. Arkenberg draws on his own experience as an expat in Brussels to craft this collection of twelve vivid and enticing short stories. The characters who populate the stories are as unique and as diverse as the inhabitants of Belgium. Among these is Sabine, an idealistic Flemish woman. Relocating to Brussels to teach young immigrants, she soon finds her broad-minded ideals compromised. An unexpected lover revives her wounded spirit, but can the couple escape the bias and terror that grip the city? Brothers Hasan and Kadar, transplants from Lebanon, struggle to assimilate. A dark secret threatens to isolate them even further, this time from each other. American Jack Ramsey, free of the fetters of his Catholic upbringing, lives openly as a gay man in Brussels. But a visit from his mother could push him back into the closet. Marion is a shop clerk who finds refuge from her lonely, drab life in the carnival atmosphere of Chatelain, one of Brussels' afternoon markets. A chance encounter offers her a lifeline, but will she grab it? Then there's Marguerite, a charming octogenarian whose quest to recreate the lavish dinner where she first met her late husband inspires an unexpected detour. These are just a few of the colorful and complex characters who await readers in the pages of A Belgian Assortment.

A comprehensive and practical guide by famous Master Chocolatier Jean-Pierre Wybauw. With clear action images and brilliant photography by Frank Croes. More than 100 delicious and original chocolate decoration techniques, explained very clearly. A must-have for professionals and advanced amateurs. AUTHOR: Jean-Pierre Wybaum, in heart and soul a teacher of chocolate and confectionary technology, has been an adviser and instructor with Barry-Callebaut for 34 years. He constantly travels around the globe to teach professionals the tricks of the trade and give lectures at famous trade schools. For years he has been a valued judge during international contests and in 2002 he was voted Chef of the Year by the Culinary Institute of America. Frank Croes is a renowned photographer, who specialized in culinary photography. SELLING POINTS: * Includes more than 100 chocolate decoration techniques and instructions * A perfect source fbook of ideas 460 colour photographs

This down-to-earth, heartfelt business success story is designed to appeal to the ever-growing number of people who are drawn to home-based entrepreneurship and who are searching for successful role models. A dozen key lessons are illustrated with events from the author's personal and professional life in the field of luxury chocolate-dipped fruits.

“Brussels, Belgium’s cosmopolitan, multilingual capital, has it[s] criminal underside, as shown in the 13 dark—and sometimes darkly humorous—stories” (Publishers Weekly). From the historic city center to the Palais de Justice to the pubs, this collection contains crime fiction tales, often with a touch of the surreal and the dystopian, that reveal the stranger and seamier side of the city known as the “capital of Europe.” Includes brand-new stories by Barbara Abel, Ayerdhal, Paul Colize, Jean-Luc Cornette, Patrick Delperdange, Sara Doke, Kenan Görgün, Edgar Kosma, Katia Lanero Zamora, Nadine Monfils, Alfredo Noriega, Bob Van Laerhoven, and Émilie de Béco. “A perfect choice for those who love noir or those who love armchair traveling, this assortment of short stories gives the reader a glimpse into what life in the Belgian capital is like. An excellent entry in Akashic Books’ noir series, which began with Brooklyn Noir more than a decade ago, Brussels Noir takes readers through the underbelly of yet another fascinating locale.” —Shelf Awareness for Readers “Akashic Books deserves kudos for their fine service to noir . . . If these volumes are designed to give crime writers a nifty forum and also capture the local flair and flavor, Brussels Noir is a fine come-hither.” —New York Journal of Books

* In this book for skilled amateurs and professionals, 13 chocolatiers talk about their work and share their favorite recipes* Includes technical references (origin of the beans, installation, machines, technical sheets) useful to the chocolatier in the making* Pierre Marcolini is one of Belgium's best-known chocolatiers, and is a pioneer in the bean-to-bar movementPierre Marcolini has selected 13 chocolatiers who work according to the bean-to-bar principle, an artisanal approach that focuses on the quality and source of the cacao beans and how they are prepared. These enthusiasts (plus Pierre Marcolini himself) explore their calling, describe how they work, and share three favourite recipes. Whether working for well-established companies or starting in the business, all these chocolatiers share the love of their work, the desire to transmit their know-how, the importance of values such as authenticity and quality, and the aspiration to innovate. Chocolatiers include Cédric De Taeye; Chocolatoa (Mario Vandeneede); Chocolatier M (David Maenhout); Darcis (Jean-Philippe Darcis); Deremiens (François Deremiens); Legast (Thibaut Legast et Patricia Forero); Marcolini (Pierre Marcolini); Mi Joya (Nicolas et Caroline de Schaetzen); Mike & Becky (Björn Becker and Julia Mikerova); Millésime Chocolat (Jean-Christophe Hubert); The Chocolate Line (Dominique Persoone); Van Dender (Herman Van Dender); Zuut (David Van Acker and Pieter De Volder). Technically advanced instructions for professionals are included.

The books that we choose to keep -- let alone read -- can say a lot about who we are and how we see ourselves. In My Ideal Bookshelf, dozens of leading cultural figures share the books that matter to them most; books that define their dreams and ambitions and in many cases helped them find their way in the world. Contributors include Malcolm Gladwell, Thomas Keller, Michael Chabon, Alice Waters, James Patterson, Maira Kalman, Judd Apatow, Chuck Klosterman, Miranda July, Alex Ross, Nancy Pearl, David Chang, Patti Smith, Jennifer Egan, and Dave Eggers, among many others. With colorful and endearingly hand-rendered images of book spines by Jane Mount, and first-person commentary from all the contributors, this is a perfect gift for avid readers, writers, and all who have known the influence of a great book.