Guest Post: So Much Chocolate, So Little Time

Do you dream in Chocolate? Elizabeth and I do. On a recent trip to French Lick, Ind., we stumbled upon what every child dreams of - a real life room full of chocolate just like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Valentine’s Day had been and gone but the small town decided to hold a Valentine’s Day Chocolate Festival last week at the Event Center of the French Lick’s Resort Hotel. Slightly overpriced at $25 per head, the event was held in a beautiful candle lit room adorned with balloons and hearts, white chairs and crisp white linen. When we entered the room the smell was mouthwatering.
The room was set up with six chocolate stations and a refreshment table. The first table had cute little fancies all lined up on beautiful silver platters: chocolate dipped strawberries, white chocolate covered truffles, heart shaped delights and a few surprises; chocolate covered bacon (not too obnoxious), chocolate dipped jalapenos (pass) and chocolate covered bleu cheese (not one of my favorites).

Table 2 was created for the pastry lover. Fruit based pastries all delicately hand dipped and totally bite size 

Table 3 included cupcakes in heart shaped papers and cookies all lined up like soldiers. Each tray had beautiful silver tongs to use to pick up the sugary treats, but most of the guests were too impatient and used their fingers (one for their mouths and one for their plate).

Table 4 was a delightful chocolate shake, which tasted heavenly and was extremely moorish.
Table 5 produced a chocolate flavor waffle, which lashing of toppings such as whipped cream, raspberries, chocolate chips and syrup. I was feeling a little unwell by this point but as a true professional I soldiered on.

Table 6 was the pièce de résistance, and by far, mine and Elizabeth’s favorite, the chocolate fountain. Four tiers of warm, gooey, chocolate heaven, which towered wayyyyyy above our heads. The choice of dips was many and surprising. Mini doughnut holes, strawberries, pineapple, marshmallows, chips, pretzels and Elizabeth’s particular favorite, Twizzlers!  On the other side of the table lay huge slabs of chocolate which you chiseled to take a piece of. I loved it.

A five-hour drive from Chicago, I’m sure there are closer chocolate festivals to me, but I would definitely take a trip to this one again. (see Kelly’s blog on The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show).

My girls and husband really enjoyed our time there. The entry is for three hours, but it was clear everyone felt a little nausea after 20 minutes. Thankfully, the soft drinks, water, hot cocoa and coffee on offer took the edge off the sickness but we were still in and out in less than an hour. Definitely worth a look if you happen to be in the area at the time.