Trends in chocolate! Most definitely! And this year’s 3rd Annual Bucks County Chocolate Show will feature the chocolatiers and artisanal chocolates that will help set the trends for 2010.
The world of chocolate is much bigger than many realize, and this world opens up to all on Sunday, May 23, 2010 from 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Chocolatiers from around the country will offer their special creations, infused with a variety of high-quality local ingredients, and invite other professional makers of artisanal chocolates, members of the general public, and all those passionate about chocolates to come sample, savor, and buy the fresh, flavor-filled amazing chocolates that will be available at the New Hope Eagle Fire Hall, located at 46 N. Sugan Road (off Route 202), in New Hope, PA 18938.
“People just really love it!” says Gretchen Tartakoff, the show’s founder and the owner of The Chocolate Bar. “I see that on peoples’ faces. [And] . . . it’s almost like getting to go on vacation to another country—with all the different tastes.”
A couple of years ago, Tartakoff was looking to switch careers. She thought she wanted to begin baking with dark chocolate, so she took classes at the French Culinary Institute and at local restaurants—trying to learn as much as she could. Finally, she realized her primary role was, rather, to be a support to others. While she still bakes for Valentine’s Day, she focuses more on using this chocolate show to connect not only those involved in the World of Chocolate but those working to see sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and entire eco-systems preserved in areas where cacao (ca-cow) beans grow and are harvested.
“It was really a personal interest that got me to connect the need to find ways to increase awareness of the importance of preserving the rainforest regions of the world with the World of Chocolate,” says Tartakoff, “and Fox Chase Bank offered to sponsor the “The Journey of the Pod” exhibit.” This multi-media presentation highlights the history of the communities where the cacao beans take as long as five years to mature and flower on tree trunks. The exhibit also explains the historical influence of these “bean communities” and the need to preserve them and the cycles of life that exist there. “I try to support various organizations throughout the year,” says Tartakoff, who has decided to donate a portion of this year’s Chocolate Show admission proceeds to the National Wildlife Federation, a group concerned with preserving endangered wildlife and our world environment.
“He’s so engaging with his stories,” says Tartakoff of Pierrick Chouard’s narratives.
Those planning a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation, a birthday, a themed party, or any event where exquisite taste and fine chocolates will be included will want to attend the Chocolate Show’s “Exquisite Taste” Sessions. Chocolatier Diane Pinder from Donna and Company, winner of the Wedding Wire’s 2010 Bride’s Choice Award, and chocolatier Tom Sciascia of The Painted Truffle, whose fresh cream-infused truffles bathed in premium chocolate are national award winners, will each host a session full of ideas to make anyone’s planned day a very special, easy-to-organize event (tickets are required for these Special Sessions).
“Dessert is important to me,” says Tartakoff, “and making it easy to do the planning process is a pleasure. It takes the stress out of the planning—when ‘tasteful’ is part of the mission.”
Two Wine and Chocolate sessions will also be held—from 12:30-1:15 p.m. with Chaddsford Winery and Raymer’s Chocolates and from 3:00-3:45 p.m. with Chaddsford Winery and Cheri Lee from The Chocolate Box.
“[The show] is a little of everything,” says Tartakoff, “and it’s starting to happen [i.e., grow].” More than 500 people have attended each year and news about the event has been spreading greatly by word-of-mouth.
Tartakoff says she was most encouraged when one day she overheard someone say to a friend, “Don’t you know about the Bucks County Chocolate Show? Aren’t you going?” The woman was full of enthusiasm. “It makes my heart sing,” says Tartakoff.
Close to 1,000 people are expected to attend the event this year and experience these flavorful chocolates—and to join in on the fun of living in this World of Chocolate. General admission tickets will be available at the door for $13.00 for adults and $10 for seniors 62 and older and students with IDs. Special Session tickets are $15.00 and include the general admission. To avoid the lines, purchase tickets online at http://www.buckscountychocolateshow.com/ (online price includes a small processing fee and the Google confirmation of your order is your ticket). To facilitate parking in New Hope, a shuttle bus will transport show attendees back and forth from the high school to the fire house between 11a.m. and 4 p.m.
“I’m looking forward to seeing people enjoy the Chocolate Show on May 23rd,” says Tartakoff. There certainly will be a lot to learn and enjoy in this trendsetting World of Chocolate.
© 2010 by Catherine J. Barrier. All rights reserved.
