Two upcoming reasons to brave the cold and venture outside…
The World Chocolate Tasting: An International Chocolate Extravaganza
Taste the finest chocolate from Australia, Europe, the United States and Venezuela. Hear from a panel of chocolate experts including Kee Ling Tong, the owner of Kee’s Chocolates; Martine Leventer, the owner of Martine’s Chocolates and Martine’s Chocolates Too; Joan Coukos, the proprietor of Chocolate Moderne; and Clay Gordon, the founder of the New World Chocolate Society. Enjoy dessert wines that complement the chocolate.
Date: Wed, Mar 8, 2006, 8:00pm
Location: 92nd Street Y (Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street)
Venue: Kaufmann Concert Hall Seating Chart
Moderator: Alexandra Leaf
Price: $45.00
More information at www.92y.org
Read last year’s round up here
Pair It Up – Chocolate and Wine Tasting Event
Join the French Culinary Institute for the first PAIR IT UP lecture series, bringing together everyone’s favorite topics—chocolate and wine. “Come learn about the subtleties and joys of exquisite chocolate and fine wine—and how each can complement the other—in a fun and interactive format. Meet other chocophiles and oenophiles (that’s chocolate lover and wine maven for the unacquainted) as we guide you through a sense-filled tasting experience. Whatever your knowledge level, you’re sure to learn something new and have a lot of fun in the process. Guest speakers will include Eric Case from E. Guittard Chocolate Company and Anthony Trincanello from Baron Francois Wine.”
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 6:15pm: Check-in begins, 6:30pm: Start of event
Location: The International Culinary Theater at The French Culinary Institute, 462 Broadway at Grand Street, NYC.
Price: $40 (plus a $2.50 service fee per registrant)
More information at Pastryscoop.com
Hey Kelli,
I read your round-up from last-year. Overall did you think the panel was worth the pretty high cost? I’m trying to decide whether the panel will be informative enough to “invest” $45. Let me know!
Thanks!
This is a good question. The Y has more than doubled the price of admission (last year it was $20) and that certainly changes things. I thought the highlight of last year’s event was not the panel, but the chocolatiers that came to showcase their products. This is how I first tried Chocolat Moderne’s Lychee truffles and learned about Sans Souci and Knipschildt. It’s also rare to find international chocolate vendors in one place outside of the chocolate show, and it provided a nice way to learn about different international chocolate companies. The downside to the tasting part of the event was the massive amounts of people cramming the booths and stuffing their faces with free samples. That was a definite detractor. Overall I would say it depends on your interest in finding out about new chocolate companies and trends. I will not be going this year because of scheduling conflicts, but I have to admit that even if I was free the $45 may make me reconsider. Hopefully the high price of admission will lower the number of attendees and make the sampling a more pleasant experience. If you go, let me know if you find anything good!
Wow that is a big jump! If it was only $20, I wouldn’t think twice either! You’re right in staying the higher price is probably discouraging many people not to come. I am very interested none-the-less and will let you know how it goes, if I end up going! (I really want to hear Kee’s thoughts, I love her store and have oftened wondered how in the world she stays in business with such a specialized store in such a trendy neighborhood.)
Thanks so much for the thorough reply! It’s helped me make a decision.
I have wondered the same thing about Kee’s Chocolates! She must sell a lot of truffles. Enjoy the event.
I can’t seem to email you from the website…but in case you’re interested, here’s my report of the World Chocolate tasting!
http://virtualfrolic.blogspot.com/2006/03/world-chocolate-tasting.html