NY Chocolate Show: CoCo Sala (DC)- what a nice find!

I travel to Washington, DC quite a bit but am embarrased to say I have not had the pleasure of finding and enjoying CoCo. Sala Restaurant, Chocolate Lounge and Boutique, but that will end as soon as I get back to DC.

I had the chance to meet and sample this great concept and was really impressed with the artisan chocolate lineup- loved the PB&J.  Took home the hot co co. pops and made a mean hot chocolate.

After looking at their website, I can't wait to hit this hot spot.

NY Chocolate Show: Bonnat Chocoilatier

Stephane Bonnat and I had a chance to meet and chat.  Mr. Bonnat is the 4th generation chocolatier from his family's Bonnat Chocolatier in Voiron, France.  Since 1884, Bonnat has been making chocolate confections at the base of the alps. I think Stephane had fun collaborating on a clothing design for the Fashion Show and for introducing his newest goods at the Chocolate Show.

Stephane, I'm coming to Voiron for a tour and proper sampling!!



The Show presented the Bonnat Chocolate Bars.  I had a chance to sample many of the flavors and found them an excellent representation of the areas where they buy their cocoa.



I was especially excited to learn the story and taste the chocolate bar from Mexico-

Bonnat Cacao real del Xoconuzco 75% Bittersweet Chocolate

I can't tell the story any better than the website :

This is the first cocoa known to have been cultivated by man in a sustained way, from near the Izapa pyramid in Mexico. Cacao del Xoconusco was reserved for the Emperors of the Precolumbian civilizations to imbue them with strength and courage. For the first time since 1850 this cocoa is being utilized so you can discover its raptuous aroma and exceptional flavor. Kosher-Parve

NY Chocolate Show: 2 Chicks with Chocolate

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On Wednesday night, I had a wonderful conversation with Founder/Daughter Elyissia Wassung and on Thursday, I spoke with Mother/ Chick 2, Barbara.  What enthusiasm for their work.  Elyissa successfully marries her corporate background and experience with her inherited love and talent for chocolate.   I had a chance to sample many of their great goodies: loved the bark- Oreo & Pretzel.  Heard a big buzz about the Fire & Ice Martini's.

NY Chocolate Show: The Europeans are coming... Christophe Roussel

I had a chance to sample and talk to several chocolate makers at the show:

Christophe Roussel: Although there is no easy way yet to buy this chocolate in the US, keep an eye out for this man and his line.  Christophe has the personality and the goods to breakout in the US in a big way.  His work is simple yet powerful.

Christophe is a chocolatier and a patissier and this brings him to the land of Payard and Torres.  His chocolate is beautiful and delicious.  Every sample amplified the ingredients beyond my expectations.  Christophe has a pedigree that has taken him from South America to Switzerland to St. Barts and France- he even worked at Relais & Chateau (see previous post about one of the best desserts I have ever experienced).  I didn't get to sample his desserts but a trip to Paris, La Baule and Guerande to taste first hand is not far off on my calendar.

A few chocolate examples: Christophe makes what I would call marshmallow sticks: From a perfectly designed and decorated box, I found, in multiple flavors, this thin stick of chocolate.  It has a delicate mini cookie on the bottom, with a marshmallow center and crunchy cookie nibs, encased in his chocolate-   it is to die for. Christophe also made a classic american style chocolate with an Oreo center, surounded by Marshmallow and covered in Chocolate- a Oreo-marshmallow-chocolate lollipop.  GREATNESS!

Welcome to America, Christophe!  I have a feeling you'll be here awhile.