Caffeine Bad, Chocolate Good in Phoenix

January 13, 4:41 PMPhoenix Travel ExaminerJay Hammond

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 Melting Chocolate Copyright J. Hammond

We love our chocolate and caffeine in Phoenix, although we admit caffeine is probably bad for you, according to the second annual HealthSaver Caffeinated Cities Survey. The survey found that, in 2008, Phoenix ranked second among cities consuming the most chocolate and third among cities most addicted to caffeine. At the same time, Phoenix was also the second city most likely to say caffeine is bad for you. Surprisingly, these results do not make Phoenix one of the nation's most caffeinated cities.

Anyone who has attended the annual Chocolate Affaire in Glendale, won't be surprised to learn that Phoenicians eat a lot of chocolate. The event showcases more than 30 chocolate vendors, including the local favorite the Cerreta Candy Company, and a host of chocolate delights. In addition, the Chocolate Affaire, which is held every year just in time for Valentine's Day, is the largest gathering of romance novelists in the Southwest. In 2008, appearances by CJ Hollenbach, a leading romance novel cover model, along with a variety of local bands, live entertainment and, of course, chocolate helped the Chocolate Affaire attract more than 90,000 visitors. Chocolate World, a site dedicated to chocoholics, ranks the Glendale Chocolate Affaire as one of the top five chocolate festivals in the world. This year's event is scheduled for February 6 – 8, 2009 in historic downtown Glendale

Sweets containing chocolate were the fourth most popular method for consuming caffeine with more than 13 percent of those responding to the HealthSaver Survey, consuming chocolate every day. Fortunately, the survey was conducted between July 1 and August 21, 2008. Had it been conducted in February, Phoenix may well have topped the chocolate consumption list.

Phoenix continues to hold on to the notion that caffeine is bad for a person's health despite numerous studies indicating the health benefits of caffeine.

“Even though at one time coffee was considered harmful to your health, at this point there is no compelling research to indicate that, in fact, is true,” said Dr. Peter R. Martin, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology and the Director of the Institute for Coffee Studies at Vanderbilt School of Medicine. “Newer studies actually prove coffee in moderation is good for one's health.”

Indeed, coffee and particularly tea, have emerged as good health food sources that can lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, Parkinsons' disease, colon cancer, and cirrhosis of the liver, as well as lifting your mood, treating headaches and even lowering the risk of cavities. Caffeine also enhances athleticism, endurance and performance, according to health care experts.

There are numerous coffee and tea houses and shops throughout the Valley of the Sun. A few favorites include:

• The Teeter House Tea Room & Jazz in Phoenix is hosting a High Tea Supper on January 15, 2009.
• Mama Java's Coffeehouse in Phoenix is a haven for caffeine and music lovers. In January singer-songwriter Porter will be performing on the 22nd followed by vocalist Edie Carey on the 23rd. Mama Java's is located at 3619 E. Indian School Road.
• Drip Coffee Lounge in Phoenix is screening The Pink Panther and The Evil Dead as part of their Movie Night on January 22, 2009. You can also get a chair massage for $1/minute every Friday morning. Drip Coffee Lounge is located at 2325 N. Seventh St.

The Triple Espresso Soiree de Cafe Gala, a fundraising event including a special performances of the comedic play by the same title and the Anita B. Project as well as a cocktail reception, coffee lounge, music and a raffle, is coming to the Herberger Theater Center on February 7. Tickets are already on sale with prices ranging from $10 to $39. The Herberger Theater Center is located at 222 E. Monroe St. in Phoenix.

Arizona State University Kerr Cutural Center regularly hosts coffee and tea events. The Ocotillo Winds (Martin Schuring, oboe; Robert spring, clarinet; Albie Miklich, bassoon; and Elizabeth Buck, flute) will be performing as part of the free Tuesday Morning Music and Tea series on Janary 27.  Coffee at Kerr, a free series of informal performances and discussions will feature the Native American and classical guitar stylings of Gabriel Ayala on January 30, 2009. Ayala is a member of Arizona's own Yaqui tribe.

Even the local hospitals are getting into the act. Banner Desert Medical Center (located at 1400 S. Dobson Rd. in Mesa) is hosting Let's Have Tea on February 7. This is a great opportunity to slow down, drink some tea and listen as medical experts discuss “When to Do it yourself or Call the Doctor.”.

Phoenix area tea and coffee events have failed, so far to attract the national and international attention that the Glendale Chocolate Affaire has. Their regular occurrence, however, does seem to support the HealthSaver finding that Phoenix ranks third among cities addicted to caffeine. The HealthSaver Survey was conducted in order to learn more about the cultural views on caffeine. Phoenix may be divided on the the health benefits, but there is no denying caffeine is part of life in the Valley of the Sun.