Chocolate Time
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
To gastronomes with a sweet tooth, the arrival of fall means it’s time for the Chocolate Show. The Metropolitan Pavilion and Altman Building will become terra sancta for devotees of the cocoa bean this weekend. Professionals can check out the latest developments in the chocolate trade, but anyone is welcome to come along for the ride for just the price of admission. The show represents the largest convention of its kind in America, covering 40,000 square feet of space, and is part of a worldwide festival that includes shows in Paris, Tokyo, and the most recent addition, Beijing.
Guests can mingle with chocolate’s high priests, sample 75 brands and view 65 demonstrations. The “Bean to Bar” exhibit provides chocolate-based edification; chocolate-based cocktails will be served in the Chocolate Lounge, and there’s also a chocolate spa. There won’t be a chocolate waterfall or Oompa-Loompas, but the show does take place amid the opulence of chocolate fountains, paintings, and sculptures. Those who got an early start on the event at the gala opening last night were treated to a chocolate fashion show, in which designers coated models in couture inspired by and made from the confection. Anyone planning on attending this weekend should come with an empty stomach.
Chocolate Show: Tomorrow, 2-9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Metropolitan Pavilion & Altman Building, 125 W. 18th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues, $25 general, free for up to two children under 12, $8 additional children between 5 and 12. Tickets are available at www.chocolateshow.com, or at the door. Cash only.