Frozen Black

Posted on by Ian C.

MINI Corporate Communications press release:
Highlight in matt: MINI now with exclusive Frozen Black metallic paint finish.
Striking body colour available in limited edition for the MINI Countryman and the MINI Paceman – elaborate surface treatment highlights the powerful proportions of the two models.

MINI is extending its program of exterior paint finishes for current models to include an exclusive new variant. Frozen Black metallic paint is now available as a limited edition colour for the top of the range MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman models.
This innovative paint which has a textured, shimmering matt finish, gives the car a striking and expressive appearance. The new colour and finish is available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.
[in USA, only the MINI Cooper S Countryman is being made available]

The Frozen Black metallic paint finish is created using a complex manufacturing process exclusive to the BMW Group. This special painting procedure, which involves not just innovative technology but also a high level of manual craftsmanship, is now being applied for the first time by Austrian production partner Magna Steyr in Graz where the MINI Paceman and MINI Countryman are produced. The special surface treatment encompasses the base layer for grip and corrosion protection, the colour layer as well as the clear lacquer finish which has added silicates to create the matted impression as well as the velvet effect which can be seen and felt.

Attached exterior parts such as the model-specific front and rear aprons and the exterior mirror caps are finished separately in the paint finish Frozen Black metallic. Due to the labour intensive process used to apply this exclusive body colour during production it is limited to a restricted number of cars.
Frozen Black metallic is of the same high quality as the other paint finishes available for MINI in terms of abrasion resistance and colour fidelity. The finish is completely weather resistant and car wash resistant, however hand washing does require special care as spot cleaning of the surface using wax or polish can leave an unwanted gloss effect. For this reason the BMW Group offers care products developed specially for treating the Frozen Black metallic paint finish.

The Discovery of Chocolate

Posted on by Ian C.

This afternoon, we headed back to Epcot to enjoy The Discovery of Chocolate as part of the International Food & Wine festival, not quite knowing what to expect – and being utterly wowed by what was presented!
Local chef David Ramirez, and a Disney presenter, provided about 100 attendees with incredible chocolate-related food samples, along with a complementing (and complimentary) wine, Rosa Regale.
We sat down with a glass already poured, and four little sample containers; the containers offered tastes of a “part processed” chocolate from Ecuador, in 50% to 80% chocolate mass concentrations, making for a fascinating comparison of chocolate, bitter, and other flavors while moving between percentages (and due to the samples coming from different companies, it was not a simple progression in flavors, either!)

Next we were presented with a sample entree, while David discussed the creation and experimentation needed to bring the final result to us; on offer was a pork with chocolate highlights, and an unbelievable hazelnut macaroon again including chocolate but with a filling of feta cheese, cucumber, hints of chili and cinnamon, just a stunning taste!

We then watched the creation of the macaroon through the blending of egg white and boiled water/sugar to an “italian meringue” style, then adding almond flour and I lost track of how many other ingredients, blended and eventually to be baked (we’d been offered a presentation of either the pork of the macaroon, but everyone in the room wanted to know more – and probably taste more – of the macaroon!)

While watching that presentation, we were delivered another incredible taste in the form of a strong chocolate dessert, each bite to be savored!

Finally, we headed home with a sample of the same four “percentage” chocolates, but now fully prepared and blended in what will no doubt be another perfect experience – saved for now …