Chocolate! Who could say no?  For centuries it has been recognized for its decadence, power as an aphrodisiac, and ability to promote good health through antioxidants.  I had the pleasure of indulging in my chocolate passion by attending the 15^th Anniversary of the New York Chocolate show at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea on November 9-11, 2012.  Upon entering the exhibit, my senses were mesmerized by the scent of cacao beans, beautiful displays of chocolate art, delicious gourmet samples from around the world, and chocolate artisans sharing their passion.

Beyond my sensory experience, I found my experience to be informative about chocolate facts from all over the world.   Pastry Chef Damian Herrigott from the Boise Tea House presented on his famous chocolate macarons.  Ecuadorian chocolate producers from the Kallari Association presented information about the art and science of their award winning heirloom cacao harvest in the Amazon Rainforest.  The Grenada Chocolate Company feature their organic dark chocolate made with pure cocoa, which is handcrafted, in an environmentally friendly facility in the Caribbean.   It was bon-bon galore at the Brazilian Brigadeiro Palace chocolate confections.  Each bon-bon just melted in my mouth.  Mmmmm! I savored the rich taste of chocolate, exotic spices, nuts and warmth of the Brazilian culture in each bite!

Gnosis Raw Chocolate boasted 70-90% raw cacao with superfoods and medicinal herbs from around the globe in each bar.  Founder Vanessa Barg, a Board Certified Holistic Heath Counselor created products that promote health and nutrition.   My personal favorite was the Goddess Nurture bar. It has a medley of herbs and spices specific to women’s needs. 

Oliver Kita Chocolates, a native NY chocolate company believes that

Fine chocolate, like fine perfume, is an experience of daily pleasure, to be appreciated every day.

Their chocolate truffles were divine!

Amidst my chocolate adventure, I found myself a bit thirsty.  I decided to get a glass of wine from ChocolatRouge who combines chocolate flavors with fine red wine.  Wow! My two favorites combined!  For every chocolate loving fashionista, I admired some fine art and chocolate couture!   Food Network Challenge winner Paul Joachim and TV chef celebrity Lauri Ditunno sculpted an amazing life-size fashion model made completely out of chocolate and cake.  Chef and cake designer Vanessa Greenley sculpted a chocolate bust.

It was definitely the place to be for everything Au Chocolat!!!