So this week it's Chocolate Week in the UK (14th until 20th of October) do I hear a big hip hip hooray? Well, as far as I'm concerned every week should be national chocolate week. On the one hand I'm delighted that an entire week is dedicated to showcasing chocolate in all its glory and celebrates businesses, small and large that work in this magical industry. On the other hand, the cynic in me feels a bit 'iffy' about an artificially constructed excuse to sell chocolate during a specific week.
Am I shooting myself in the foot then? As the founder of CHOC Chick a lovely raw chocolate business (if I may say so myself), I am of course very happy for opportunities to sell my chocolate making kits and I most definitely should be embracing National Chocolate Week wholeheartedly. It's just that chocolate brings so much joy, especially good quality fine chocolate, to those who enjoy it, that every week is essentially chocolate week or international chocolate day if you live in my house.
I have been a part of the UK fine chocolate sector for five years now and love working in such a unique and thriving industry. So I guess I should just stop moaning and simply get into the spirit of it. Having looked at the events scheduled for this week there are certainly some great chocolate tastings and wonderful opportunities to learn more about the history of chocolate as well as indulge in some of the best chocolates in Britain.
I'm particularly keen on celebrating women in the chocolate world and here are some of the events I would happily recommend and hope to attend this National Chocolate Week:
The amazing Chantal Coady, founder of Rococo will be celebrating 30 years in the chocolate industry with an evening of Rococo History and Chocolate on October 15th 6:45pm to 8:00pm, 321 Kings Road, London SW3 5EP.
South American chocolate goddess Maricel Presilla is back in the UK, I absolutely adore this woman and an Evening with Maricel Presilla on October 16th 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Gallery, Hotel Megaro, Belgrove St, London WC1H 8A, is definitely worth going to.
Don't miss the fabulous Jennifer Earle's Chocolate Ecstasy Tours, a brilliant day out visiting some of London's best chocolatiers running throughout Chocolate Week (which by the way also run all year round).
Salon du Chocolat has finally come to London and definitely worth visiting this exhibition at National Hall, Olympia, London W14 from 18-20th October.
The lovely CHOC Chick Rosemary will be demonstrating raw chocolate making at Whole Foods Market's new store in Richmond (12-3pm) and John Lewis Food Hall Oxford Street (4-7pm) on Thursday 17th October. I will of course be joining in as well and you can catch me making lots of raw chocolate treats to share on Saturday 19th October from 12-3pm at Whole Foods Market in High Street Kensington London.
Happy Chocolate Week! Although I still think every week should be chocolate week!