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Chocolate creams its confectionery competition when it comes to faithful followers, dating even further back than the Aztecs, who revered it in beverage form. From tours to tasting tutorials to its very own festival, chocolate even manages to sweeten springtime.
Tours
The town of Geneva has gathered together enough artists in the medium to achieve critical mass, landing on the map with events put on by Chicago Chocolate Tours, founded by Valerie Beck.
“Our lovely Geneva Chocolate Tour (shows) you the sights and tastes of this sophisticated treasure on the Fox River,” Beck says.
Morning and afternoon tours run the third Wednesday of every month. For the 10:45 a.m. tour, the group gathers outside Graham’s Fine Chocolates, 302 S. Third St. The 2:45 a.m. tour kicks off outside Cocoa Bean, 11 S. Seventh St. The next dates are June 15 and July 20. The morning group then heads to Moveable Feast, Denisa’s Crepes & Fondues, Preservation Bread and Wine, and Graham’s 318. The afternoon itinerary continues on to Great Harvest, Moveable Feast, Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Chef Roby’s All-Chocolate Kitchen. The cost is $40, and advance registration is required.
For details on all its tours, including private options, as well as Geneva tour guide employment, visit www.chicagochocolatetours.com/geneva-il or call (312) 929-2939.
Chocolatier
Riverside chocolatier Kevin Roblee takes the chocolate products in his Kokku Distinctive Gourmet line on the road for chocolate events in the suburbs and city. Next up, he collaborates with wine experts Erica and John Witte, proprietors of Poison Cup, to present a “Rich Chocolate and Dangerously Dark” wine tasting of jammy Malbec grape selections from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 20, at 1128 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago. It pairs five Malbec wines with five gourmet, single-origin chocolates. The event costs $25; for reservations, call (773) 935-1325. For other events, click on “Meet the Chocolatier” at www.kokkugourmet.com.
Festival
For a flavorful field trip Memorial Day weekend, check out ChocolateFest, happening Friday through Monday, May 27 to 30, in Burlington, Wis. The festival features a battle of the chefs, geocache treasure hunt and varied activities including crafts fair and carnival. For details, visit www.chocolatefest.com.
Chocolate creams its confectionery competition when it comes to faithful followers, dating even further back than the Aztecs, who revered it in beverage form. From tours to tasting tutorials to its very own festival, chocolate even manages to sweeten springtime.
Tours
The town of Geneva has gathered together enough artists in the medium to achieve critical mass, landing on the map with events put on by Chicago Chocolate Tours, founded by Valerie Beck.
“Our lovely Geneva Chocolate Tour (shows) you the sights and tastes of this sophisticated treasure on the Fox River,” Beck says.
Morning and afternoon tours run the third Wednesday of every month. For the 10:45 a.m. tour, the group gathers outside Graham’s Fine Chocolates, 302 S. Third St. The 2:45 a.m. tour kicks off outside Cocoa Bean, 11 S. Seventh St. The next dates are June 15 and July 20. The morning group then heads to Moveable Feast, Denisa’s Crepes & Fondues, Preservation Bread and Wine, and Graham’s 318. The afternoon itinerary continues on to Great Harvest, Moveable Feast, Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Chef Roby’s All-Chocolate Kitchen. The cost is $40, and advance registration is required.
For details on all its tours, including private options, as well as Geneva tour guide employment, visit www.chicagochocolatetours.com/geneva-il or call (312) 929-2939.
Chocolatier
Riverside chocolatier Kevin Roblee takes the chocolate products in his Kokku Distinctive Gourmet line on the road for chocolate events in the suburbs and city. Next up, he collaborates with wine experts Erica and John Witte, proprietors of Poison Cup, to present a “Rich Chocolate and Dangerously Dark” wine tasting of jammy Malbec grape selections from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 20, at 1128 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago. It pairs five Malbec wines with five gourmet, single-origin chocolates. The event costs $25; for reservations, call (773) 935-1325. For other events, click on “Meet the Chocolatier” at www.kokkugourmet.com.
Festival
For a flavorful field trip Memorial Day weekend, check out ChocolateFest, happening Friday through Monday, May 27 to 30, in Burlington, Wis. The festival features a battle of the chefs, geocache treasure hunt and varied activities including crafts fair and carnival. For details, visit www.chocolatefest.com.
