Fine chocolate, world-renowned pastry chefs, innovative brands and edible fashion are all coming together in New York City this month for Salon du Chocolat on November 16th and 17th. Crowds of chocolate aficionados will watch master chocolatiers practice the craft of carving sculptures, participate in exciting workshops, sample as many chocolate treats as they can stomach, and get a ring-side seat for the world-famous Salon du Chocolate Fashion Show, where chocolate is transformed into haute couture.
Since its creation in Paris in 1994, Salon du Chocolat has grown into a worldwide entertainment brand that boasts 224 events in 16 countries, gathering a total of 10.5 million attendees. In years past, there was a chocolate show in NYC that was associated with its global counterpart, but it was branded under a different name—The Chocolate Show. It was run by an entirely different organization, and according to our Editor-in-Chief, did not live up to the high standards of the other Salons du Chocolat. This year promises to bring the excitement, enticing tastes, and pageantry to NYC.
This year’s new iteration of Salon du Chocolat will be the first time the real deal event will officially hit the city in nearly a decade. Reed Exhibitions, the group behind the famous ComicCon convention, is this year’s force behind Salon du Chocolat, so we can anticipate a caliber of event that’s sure to impress.
According to the show’s press release, the event will feature a ‘capsule fashion show’ which will take viewers on a journey through the many eras of fashion. The show will focus on fashion trends throughout the decades as well as provide an imaginative glimpse into the future. This is no ordinary fashion show however, as the main ingredients of the ensembles will be chocolate. The big show will be held on Saturday, November 16th at 4PM, but the designs will remain on display for the remainder of the weekend.
The pastry chefs and chocolatiers participating in the fashion show include Vanessa Greeley, Håkan Mårtensson, Fritz Knipschildt, Moran Etstein, Ashley Holt, Richard Capizzi, and Marilyn & Joe Bawol. On the design and fashion front, the chocolate experts will have help creating their extravagant designs from Christine Alaniz, Libat Ohayon, David Woolard, Dede Ayite, and Ia Faraoni.
A large-scale chocolate sculpture will be created during the event by Salon du Chocolat artist-in-residence, Paul Joachim. The sculpture will be carved using chocolate donated by Endangered Species Chocolate, a brand that’s committed to both creating delicious chocolate and benefitting a worthy cause. Not only is the company committed to using fair trade cocoa, but it also donates 10% of its profits to organizations that support wildlife and the environment.
Chocolatiers and pastry chefs will be demonstrating their skills and sharing their best tips with live audiences, and chocolate-loving kids can participate in hands-on activities. The show will also delve into the cultures of cocoa producing countries, making the event as educational as it is entertaining.
Abby Swain, executive pastry chef of Temple Court by Tom Colicchio at the Beekman Hotel, will be demonstrating a cocoa nib chocolate tart with an oreo crust. Celebrated cookbook author Nick Malgieri, will step up to the stage to bake a chocolate bourbon cake. Miro Uskokovic, pastry chef of Gramercy Tavern, will be teaching audiences how to make almond milk chocolate chip cookies. Katzie Guy-Hamilton, pastry chef and wellness expert, will teach viewers how to use a surprising ingredient – melted vanilla ice cream- to make her ‘chocolate puddin’. Jürgen David of International Culinary Center will be doing a demo on Thanksgiving breads, just in time for the holidays.
Valrhona will be kicking off its fifth annual Hot Chocolate Festival at Salon du Chocolat. For a small fee, a portion of which will be donated to Food Recovery Network, guests will be able to sample Vahlrona’s innovative hot chocolate recipes. Valrhona has recruited Milo Uskokovic, Laure Larrose, Eunji Lee, Thea Habjanic, Dan Keehner, and Paola Marocch to help create this unique hot chocolate experience.
Nearly 100 brands will be exhibiting their products, and guests will have the chance to observe, shop, and learn. Exhibitors include: Amedei Tuscany, Christopher Elbow, Dandelion Chocolat, Eclat Chocolat, Frution Chocolat Works, Hoja Verde, Gotham Chocolates by Ron Paprocki, Harlem Chocolate Factory, Conexion, and Maggie Louise Confections.
The CulEpi team will be attending Salon du Chocolat, and we could not be more excited! As a die-hard dessert fan myself, nothing sounds better than spending a weekend devoted to all things chocolate! Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased here.
