Export Manager of Bisol

On Sunday October 24^th I attended the West Coast Chocolate Festival’s Brunch and Chocolate Buffet at Beyond Restaurant in the Century Plaza Hotel.

Chocolate Buffet

Chocolate Buffet

In addition to their regular Sunday brunch of breakfast specialities (pancakes, waffles, eggs and such) and their lunch specialties (beef curry, chicken with vegetables, mussels and other dishes), salads and cold dishes they also had a full on chocolate buffet. This Chocolate Buffet table was filled to the brim of chocolate cakes, English Trifle (outstanding) and a coffee crème brulee that was delicious ( I had 2) along with a chocolate fountain with dipping fruits and a White Chocolate Passionfruit liquid drink made by Xoxolat.

Bisol Wines of Italy had their export manager in Vancouver to pour their Proseco at the event.

By: Richard Wolak

Vern Lambourne, Brewmaster - Granville Island Brewery

On Friday November 5^th I attended a wonderful event that was put on by the West Coast Chocolate Festival, it was beer and chocolate pairing evening, specifically Granville Island Beer & Rogers Chocolates.

Granville Island Brewery Craft Beer

The evening also saw Bella Gelateria maestro James Coleridge create 4 flavours as he presented 3 sorbettos and 1 gelato made from Granville Island Craft Beer, these flavours were the Lions Winter Ale Sorbetto, Chocolate Stout Sorbetto, Cypress Honey Lager Sorbetto and my favourite Wort Gelato!

James & Nina of Bella Gelateria

The packed house enjoyed the evening of tasting as well as the music provided by Geoff Peters on Piano as well as other musical entertainment.

By: Richard Wolak

$28/person. Tickets on sale now.

November 7th. 2:00pm-6pm at Port Moody Galleria at Port Moody City Hall.

http://historychocorecep.eventbrite.com/

Now for The Contest

To enter to win 2 Tickets to the HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE and Reception on November 7.. Leave a comment on this post listing answering this question.

How many events has the West Coast Chocolate Festival presented during this 2010 festival?

The first person to have entered their detailed answer correctly receives the 2 Tickets and will be announced via Twitter.

Fine print: Contest will run until someone wins. You must enter your full name and register when entering the contest.

WINNER – Congratulations Bonnie Yee for winning the tickets!

Five great dessert wines, paired with five fabulous desserts. John Gerum leads this tasty seminar, educating us on the nuances of pairing bold, rich, amazing wines with chocolate influenced desserts.

$70/person. Tickets on sale now.

October 24th. 7:00pm-10pm at Place des Arts in Coquitlam.

http://chocochallenge.eventbrite.com/

Now for The Contest

To enter to win 2 Tickets to the CHOCOLATE DESSERT & WINE CHALLENGE on October 24.. Leave a comment on this post listing answering this question.

Which two chocolate cafes are offering Chocolate High Tea during the West Coast Chocolate Festival?

The first person to have entered their detailed answer correctly receives the 2 Tickets and will be announced via Twitter.

Only enter the contest if you are available to attend this event on October 24.

Fine print: Contest will run until someone wins. You must enter your full name and register when entering the contest.

WINNER – Congratulations Joyce Lam for winning the tickets!

Beyond restaurant & lounge and the West Coast Chocolate Festival have partnered together to host a memorable event this weekend celebrating Italian wine, food and chocolate.  Italian Chocolate and Wine – Winemaker’s Dinner at beyond restaurant and lounge Saturday evening, October 23, 5 to 11 pm. Chef George Koay will be creating a unique 6 course meal to pair with Italian wines and food.

$140/person. Tickets on sale now.

October 23rd. 5:00pm-11pm at Beyond Restaurant in the Century Plaza Hotel.

http://winemakersdin.eventbrite.com/

Now for The Contest

To enter to win 2 Tickets to the ITALIAN WINEMAKERS DINNER on October 23.. Leave a comment on this post listing answering this question.

Name a brand of chocolate made in Italy and provide the url to the factory?

All submissions will be entered to win for the random draw. The winner will receive 2 Tickets and will be announced via Twitter this evening.

Only enter the contest if you are available to attend this event on October 23rd.

Fine print: Contest will run until 6pm on 10/22/10. You must enter your full name and register when entering the contest.

WINNER – Congratulations Sean Miles for winning the tickets!

The West Coast Chocolate Festival is pleased to present this special Martini & Chocolate evening taking place tonight.  The evening will explore new and classic pairings. Thrill your senses with a “Gatsby Gin Mill” or “Swanky Doll” martini paired with canapés like Slow braised buffalo ribs, braised with chocolate, and cinnamon, boneless and served on a potatoes and pear pancake and more.  Don’t pass on this perfect excuse to indulge!

$58.11/person. Tickets on sale now.

October 22nd. 7:00pm-Midnight at Leigh Square Community Arts Village in Port Coquitlam.

http://martinichoco.eventbrite.com/

Now for The Contest

To enter to win 2 Tickets to GREAT GATSBY & MARTINI EVENING tonight.. Leave a comment on this post listing answering this question.

What is the name of the hotel that is participating in the West Coast Chocolate Festival’s Romance Package and name the person that owns the hotel? (you must enter this 2 part question correctly to win)

The first person to have entered their detailed answer correctly receives the 2 Tickets and will be announced via Twitter.

Only enter the contest if you are available to attend this event tonight October 22.

Fine print: Contest will run until someone wins on 10/22/10. You must enter your full name and register when entering the contest.

WINNER – Congratulations Mark Galvani for winning the tickets!

Buy two tickets to the dinner – save $25… use the discount code TwoTicketBonus

http://winemakersdin.eventbrite.com/

Also, every person who buys a ticket to the dinner will be entered in a Contest to win tickets to the Italian Chocolate and Prosecco brunch on Sunday, Oct 24 at Beyond. Prosecco being poured by Roberto of Bisol Winery, who has flown in from Italy to pour his wines at this Italian weekend at beyond.

The Italians are Coming!  With Wine and Chocolate

Beyond restaurant & lounge and the West Coast Chocolate Festival have partnered together to host a memorable event this weekend celebrating Italian wine, food and chocolate.  Italian Chocolate and Wine – Winemaker’s Dinner at beyond restaurant and lounge Saturday evening, October 23, 6 to 11 pm. Chef George Koay will be creating a unique 6 course meal to pair with Italian wines and food.

Guests will enjoy this fabulous meal and meet the winemakers from Italy who have come to Vancouver for this event.  Osvaldo Veglio – master winemaker, Veglio Winery Alba Italy; Peter Zimmer, master winemaker for Peter Zimmer Winery – Winemaker of the Year 2009, Europe; and Roberto Cremonese- International Manager – Bisol Desiderio & Figli, will be presenting their wines paired with various courses.

This is a unique opportunity for a personal, exclusive behind the scenes look at Italian winemaking – presented by the winemakers themselves!  In addition to the wonderful meal and wine tasting, guests will also enjoy live music and other surprises which – in festival terms – will open the senses and the soul.  The violinist will be memorable, with a once in a lifetime experience occurring.

Ticket’s $125+HST each for 6 course meal + 6 wine pairings.  For tickets and more information visit http://winemakersdin.eventbrite.com/ (and remember to use the discount code TwoTicketBonus to save $25).

These remaining tickets will go fast with this special offer so get them quickly and see you there on Saturday night.

Now in its 8th year, the festival added a brand new event: “Great Gatsby” Martini and Chocolate Evening presented in partnership with Leigh Square Community Arts Village and Christine’s Catering Company. This cocktail event was inspired by a 1920′s motif and will dazzle your senses and your soul as we pair four tantalizing martinis such as the “Swanky Doll” and the “Gatsby Gin Mill” with eleven delectable canapés, Brie and Cranberries Sachet, Slow Braised Buffalo Ribs and Pepper Beef Carpaccio infused with unforgettable artisanal chocolate. On display for your viewing pleasure is the art collection “The Game” inspired by the 1920’s surreal game, titled Exquisite Corpse or Cadavre Exquis and topping it off, local youth crooner, 2010 PNE Talent winner  Corbin Van der Zalm, will be sharing his inspiration.

Reminiscent of the 1920’s, a time of celebration, the festival will inspire surprise, entertain and above all, help us cherish the good things in life… chocolate. As if that is not enough, your mere presence fulfills our mission: mentored work experience for youth, showcasing emerging artists’ and performers, and modeling our mindfully appreciative approach to chocolate and to life.

Swing with us at the Great Gatsby Chocolate & Martini Evening, for your senses and soul.

Tickets available at festival website www.chocolatefestival.ca ; for direct link to ticket purchase, click here please.

Ticket Price: $56.00 (all inclusive)

Location:

The Gathering Place, Port Coquitlam

#1100 – 2253 Leigh Square Place

Chef Thierry Busset

I attended the opening event for the West Coast Chocolate Festival on Friday October 15^th, this event was called “Panache” and was held at the top of the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel. It was an elegant affair with canapes and appetizers made by Chef Kevin Greehy being passed around, glasses of Prosecco and wines being poured, along with a walk around Vistas with a 360 degree view of Vancouver while indulging in all things chocolate.

Chocolatier Greg Hook

The room was filled with chocolatiers, chefs, vodka purveyors, wineries, pastry chefs, and many passionate chocolate lovers including yours truly.

Chocolate Macarons, Pistachio filled Chocolates, Soucees by Chef Thierry Busset

Belgian Chocolate in raspberry by the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel

Chocolatier Hodie of Xoxolat

Cardemon Crème Brulee Chocolates by Xoxolat

My favourites were Chef Thierry Busset’s (of CinCin and soon to be Thierry) Chocolate Macarons and his Pistachio filled Chocolates and his Soucees, I also loved Greg Hook’s (of Chocolate Arts) Pumpkin Chocolate Squares, the Belgian Chocolate in raspberry (by the Renaissance chefs) was divine as was the Chocolate Tini made by XFour Vodka, and I always love seeing Hodie Rondeau (of Xoxolat) and indulging with her Cardemon Crème Brulee Chocolates.

Bernard Callebaut Chocolate Ganache

Handcrafted gelato from Bella Gelateria

Many more events to come through November 10th for the West Coast Chocolate Festival and you can see them online here.

By: Richard Wolak

Panache is the Opening Event for the West Coast Chocolate Festival being held at top of the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside, with an elegant evening of chocolate, wine, hand crafted gelato, XFour martinis, Quady Wines, chocolate martinis, canapes, savouries, sweets, and all things that go with chocolate.

Purchase tickets to Panache here in advance before they sell out.

Here is the complete schedule of the Chocolate Festival Events.

Now for The Contest

To enter, Submit your favorite story that describes how chocolate is used in pairings with wine, beer or scotch, all submissions will be entered to win. Drawing held on October 7 after 12 noon and the winner will be announced via twitter and posted on this page.

Enter to WIN, 2 tickets to Panache(value $120) on October 15th.

Make your case in the comments below and we’ll select and announce a winner on October 7^th.

Fine Print: Contest will run through 12 noon on October 7, 2010 . You must enter your full name and register when entering the contest.

WINNER – Congratulations Nicole Bansal for winning the tickets!