The second part of my food odyssey allowed me to indulge in all things chocolate…and later cost me a fortune in dental bills, but was well worth it!

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Willy Wonka’s factory?  Of going swimming in the chocolate river and drinking it all in?  Of course you have, but sadly we all know that this dream will never come true, what with the whole place being fictional and all.  Luckily for us, the annual New York City Chocolate Show is real and fills the void quite nicely – although I really do wish they had a chocolate river.  The Chocolate Show, in its twelfth year in New York City, has now become a worldwide event, with shows held in cities across the globe.  This particular rendition, held over the Halloween weekend, was meant to be a family affair, allowing the young and the young at heart alike to indulge themselves on some of the finest chocolates in the world.  And judging from the turnout, as well as the great chocolates on display, the organizers succeeded in reaching this goal.

The event featured dozens and dozens of chocolatiers, displaying the typical dark chocolates, milk chocolates, truffles and more.  However, The Chocolate Show had even more to offer than its name suggests.  The event also had on-site chefs demonstrating how to work your favorite type of chocolate into seemingly every meal – most obviously, delicious desserts!  Additionally, the show had an area devoted specifically to health and beauty, because after all, one should enjoy all the finer things in life that go along with these scrumptious treats.  Overall, all of the parts of The Chocolate Show added up to one glorious whole, giving the taste buds all types of amazing sensations while encouraging the mind to envision sitting on the beach, with the only worry being that the heat may melt your chocolate before it melts in your mouth!

As I have mentioned, the presentation of the show was exquisite, but of course, the true star of the show was the wide array of chocolates and the drink concoctions meant to be paired with them – surprisingly wine and rum add an excellent dimension to the taste.  As I discovered, it was next to impossible to sample every chocolate on display – not that it kept me from trying – so brace yourself for an epic sugar crash after this event.  But really, if that’s the worst thing that happens when you attend The Chocolate Show (and it is), then life is pretty sweet!

Standouts From the 12^th Annual NYC Chocolate Show

-2 Chicks with Chocolate

Besides the great line of chocolate products, this group also makes excellent after dinner drinks based around – you guessed it – chocolate!

See www.2chickswithchocolate.com for more information

-5^th Avenue Chocolatiere

While not actually located on 5^th Avenue, this long-standing chocolate shop is renowned for its truffles, stop in and you will see why!

Visit www.1800chocolate.net to see what you are missing!

-Al Nassma Chocolate

While the idea of camel milk chocolate may sound kind of out there, the end product cannot be argued with!

Check out www.al-nassma.com to see more of what they have to offer

-Jer’s Handmade Chocolates

The all-natural, handmade chocolate and peanut butter really shine and show just how much the extra attention pays off in the end.

Visit www.jers.com to see their products – and eventually give in to temptation and place an order!

-Lily O’Briens

This Irish chocolatier shows that U2 and leprechauns are not the only exports of note from the Emerald Isle

For more information see their website at www.lilyscafenyc.com

-Quady Winery

Specializing in sweet after dinner drinks that pair perfectly with your favorite desserts, it is worth searching for their wines at your local shop.

Or you can place an order and see their whole line at www.quadywinery.com

-Sweetriot

Their small little bite sized “peaces” are the chocolate answer to tic-tacs, and twice as addicting.

Visit their site at www.sweetriot.com to see what they have to offer and read about their fair trade mission.

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