Go crazy for cocoa + win tix to Chocolate Fest 2010

You had us at “Chocolate Fest.” An entire weekend to go crazy for cocoa stuffs with fellow chocoholics and artisan chocolatiers from near and far? Yes, please. Join The World Forestry Center for three days of fudgy festivities at Chocolate Fest 2010, held Friday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 31.

Why is a forestry center hosting a chocolate festival?? Lest you forget, all chocolate comes from the pod-like fruit of the cacao tree. And what better way to celebrate trees than to highlight their direct connection to the world’s most beloved culintary treat? The Forestry Center also will explore the history of chocolate in its upcoming Discovery Museum exhibit, The Chocolate Story.

“So many people don’t know the story of where their candy bar comes from,” said Jennifer Kent of The World Forestry Center, who conceived the first Chocolate Fest five years ago. The annual event has become so popular they’ve added an extra evening to this year’s festival, which now includes a Chocolate Bazaar; a Chocolate Market where people can learn the art of chocolate pairings with wine, sake, and beer; and chocolate presentations throughout the weekend by more than 40 chocolatiers and retailers. Visit the official Chocolate Fest Web page for a list of participating vendors.

Kent says the event is the largest chocolate show in the Northwest, and an ideal place for people to sample new chocolate products and shop for imaginative Valentine’s Day gifts. “Chocolate makers are getting more and more creative, pairing chocolate with things like lavender, cheese and bacon, and coming up with really amazing products. One try and you’re hooked on ‘em.”

That’s definitely true of Coco & Co’s fig-and-bourbon-ganache truffles (above), made by self-taught Portland chocolatier Sarah Leoni. And Missionary Chocolates’ handcrafted vegan truffles, made in Portland by sisters Vanessa Holden and Melissa Berry, master chocolatier. The two receive much high praise for their vanilla salted caramels and Meyer Lemon truffles, and Holden says she’s excited to be back at the festival this year.

“Chocolate Fest is a fantastic way to indulge in many diverse areas of the chocolate industry. Where else can you sample a blue cheese truffle (right, from Lillie Belle Farms), receive a mini-chocolate facial, taste our delicious vegan creations and have a glass of wine? It’s a pleasing mix of families, foodies and chocoholics’ that come together for a sweet experience with a little something for everyone.”

Want to win free tickets to Chocolate Fest 2010? Two lucky Neat Sheet readers will be awarded a pair of FREE tickets each. It’s easy to enter: Just send an e-mail with the subject title “CHOCOHOLIC” to neatsheet@karenvitt.com or leave a comment on this post. We’ll pick two random winners on Monday, Jan. 25 and each will receive a pair of tickets to Chocolate Fest 2010.

Chocolate Fest 2010
6-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 + Sunday, Jan. 31
World Forestry Center
4033 S.W. Canyon Rd. (Washington Park); 503-228-1367
Buy advance tickets here
www.worldforestry.org

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