EK goes to the Chocolate Soiree
February 5, 2010 by chef channon
Filed under The Eclectic Kitchen Blog
Last night was my first Chocolate Soiree, in downtown Kalamazoo- a chance for me to give back to Wellspring and the Cory Terry Dancers, after having received support from EFA (Jeff Harkins) last fall when I did the World Origins of Rhythm Drum and Dance event with Helene Eriksen.
The evening was a complete hit- everyone did amazing food and the organizers did an incredible job making sure that everyone was cared for and pampered- we were all able to mingle with guests, visit other tables and have an all around good time.
The auction items were beautiful, but I have to admit my focus was on food (big surprise there). I wasn’t able to get everyone’s name but I did get pictures which I’m sharing here. If you’d like to add a name or correct one, please, send it on to me I’ll be happy to update the info. And be sure to pass it on so you don’t miss next year’s event!
Matcha Mochi Bon Bons and Xocolatl Truffles by Renaissance Cuisine
Chef Channon Serves custom Vegan Truffles at the 2010 Chocolate Soiree
These truffles were fun to put together, after weeks of working on them, Taylor Bowen (an aspiring young chef) worked with me to create over 300 chocolates for the event. We used approximately 8 pounds of bittersweet Belgian chocolate in addition to (for the Xocolatl Truffle) Teloloapan mole from Guererro Mexico, almonds, annatto seed, sea salt, silken tofu, (for the Matcha Mochi Bon Bon) Rikki Matcha green tea, mochi rice flour, sugar, and sweet matcha tea!
Both of these custom made vegan candies will be available at Chocolatea located on South Westnedge in Portage or by special order with me- just call 269-547-0339
Hands down my favorite sweet was from Rustica- the pastry chef created a chocolate genoise layered with a blueberry (Fennville) buttercreme, sheeted with bittersweet chocolate- OMG to die for!
Rustica's Chocolate Blueberry Genoise
Here are more images of the fun event!
Epic Bistro does Scallops with Mandarin sauce, Tempura Carrot with Wasabi sauce and an Endive spear Salad, all delicious
FANTASTIC table scape and food from Full City
The event was as beautiful as it was delicious, every vendor took time to create a delight for the eye and the palate, see here the granite and glass table scape by Full City Bistro (my boy’s favorite restaurant).
Mackenzie's Bakery does chocolate and curry chicken
The curry chicken was a nice redirect after so much chocolate!
A salty, sweet chocolate satisfaction!
Pasta Pasta does great Pasta!
Most creative use of chocolate for me was this corn tamale with chocolate, served with whipped cream and a fruit couliss from Just Good Food
Just Good Food Chefs also did a Chocolate mole chicken
Sinsational Cookies Rebecca Steele serves up some real treats
Best overall Savory dish - Corn and Crab concoction from Bold- Texas Townships newest restaurant
Gorgeous and scrumptious- mango lahsi and compound salad from Saffron
Also present were Zazio’s with a seafood tomato dish, Arcadia Brewing- with paired nibbles and beer, Chocolatea and Somethings Brewing (if I missed anyone, please let me know). The last of my images that I can load here is this one. Just to show you, were don’t take ourselves completely serious
What was that you said?