Here are my top ten tips on how make the most out of your Chocolate Salon experience. This is a great way to learn more about artisan chocolates and a way to taste and compare.
1. Bring water and some unsalted crackers. In order to get the full tasting experience of each chocolate or confection, you should have a way to cleanse your palate between tastings.
2 Limit your chocolate intake. Be picky about what you are going to try, unless you intend to go into a chocolate coma (which may not be such a bad thing at all).
3. Taste, learn and appreciate. Have a way to jot down notes on why you enjoy a particular chocolate. Write directly on the literature from the chocolate companies, or take a notebook. You’ll be exposed to tons of chocolates, so don’t let your memory be your guide. There’s just too much to absorb.
4. Talk to the chocolatiers and chocolate makers. It’s not everyday that you’ll get a chance to ask an artisan food producer questions. Everyone has a story on how they started, who they got inspired by, how they develop their confections, how they source their beans (if they are a chocolate maker) or what chocolate base is used (if they are a chocolatier), etc. You’ll learn to appreciate the process of artisan foods.
5. Never bring baggies or make paper cones. This is not a venue to become a chipmunk and stock up on tiny little samples of truffles, chocolate pieces and confections. How will you ever figure out what you are eating? The idea is not to get as many freebies as your pockets and purses can hold. The purpose of these salons is to educate yourself with premium chocolate. Please remember, the majority of the producers are in small production. Me personally, I cringe at the thought of someone opening up a paper bag and plopping sample after sample into a bottomless pit of chocolate confetti mix.
6. Come early, but expect the crowds. Wear your comfy shoes, make your rounds then come back to make your educated chocolate purchases. Remember, there’ll be over 50 tables to visit.
7. Try something new/expand your horizons. Chocolate is versatile. If you think that you’d never like a truffle with spicy ganache center or a dark chocolate bar over 70% cacao, let this venue be the place to challenge you.
8. Think of others. Chocolate makes great gifts. Consider this as early shopping for Mother’s day or other special events in your life.
9. Pace youself. This is an all day event as since chocolate is a recession proof commodity, the crowds are expected. Try not to let all the chocolate go to your head. Instead, enjoy each sample as a tasting experience. Don’t sell yourself short by coming for an hour or so. Not only are there 50 vendors to visit, but there will also be guest speakers and demonstations, and book signings.
10. A secret password will get you a discount. Quietly whisper the words ‘Sweet deal’ and Jade Chocolates will give an extra 10% off the already reduced show special pricing on purchases over $20. Sweet deal!
Come and visit us at Table 17 in the center island. Click here for the layout.
