Angelica and I spent Saturday afternoon at the Chocolate Show. These last few weeks have been very trying on our whole family and I thought a chocolate experience could lift our spirits. Chocolate, the great healer! The Chocolate Show featured a selection of chocolatiers from all around the world. We sampled chocolates originating in Madagascar, Africa, Ecuador, Venezuela and Columbia and confections from the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Here are some of our favorites:
Mary's - a Japanese chocolatier with the most delicately shaped ganache rolled in powdered green tea and others in black sesame seeds. Their booth featured a chocolate decorating section where chefs would decorate truffles with delicate designs with a definite Japanese sensibility.
Comptoir Du Cacao - of the European chocolatiers, Comptoir Du Cacao (L'Anche, 45210 Bazoches/Betz, France) caught my attention. With a very simple presentation of wooden boxes their chocolate was deeply flavorful and complex.
Jacques Torres - now I understand what all the talk is about. Renowned Jacques Torres' chocolates were among the best of the show.
Oliver Kita - Hudson Valley chocolatier Oliver Kita, had a wonderfully decadent presentation and an ultra friendly staff, all in red suit coats. They had samples of chocolate from different regions - delightful!
Chocolat Moderne - If you like spiced hot chocolate, try Joan Coukos' Chocolat Moderne Snake Charmer a wonderfully thick beverage fragrant with anise and other spices.
Amano - One to watch out for is Art Pollard's Amano artisanal chocolate based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Quady Winery - From California with a lovely Orange Muscat desert wine, Essencia. An absolutely delightful wine reminiscent of caramel and spices.
The show was a highlight of my month and worth weathering the traditional New York crowds for. What an opportunity to learn more about chocolate in its many forms. Angelica and I walked out of the show thoroughly high on chocolate, our cheeks red and with a perma-grin.