Organizers of the third Big Island Chocolate Festival are looking for culinary participants to share sweet and savory tastes at the event’s gala Saturday, May 3, at The Fairmont Orchid-Hawaii.
Organizers of the third Big Island Chocolate Festival are looking for culinary participants to share sweet and savory tastes at the event’s gala Saturday, May 3, at The Fairmont Orchid-Hawaii.
Last year’s event sold out, and 500-plus attendees are expected this year.
Participating chefs, chocolatiers and confectioners can also enter the free culinary competition, vying in a variety of judged categories, plus people’s choice.
“Mr. Chocolate” Jacques Torrres, Food Network celebrity from New York City, will lead the team of celebrity judges.
Other celebrity chocolatiers participating in the festival include Vincent Bourdin of Valrhona Chocolates Asia-Pacific and Donald Wressell of Guittard.
The two-day chocolate decadence opens Friday, May 2, with farm/factory tours at the Kona Soap Company in Keauhou and a culinary competition between students from Hawaii Island, Maui and Oahu. Public culinary and agriculture-themed, hands-on seminars and demonstrations are Saturday at The Fairmont Orchid.
Fun culminates from 6-10 p.m. May 3 with the festival gala in the Fairmont’s Grand Ballroom. Also on tap will be fine wines and handcrafted ales, chocolate sculptures, live entertainment, dancing and a silent auction.
Presented by the Kona Cacao Association (KCA), event proceeds benefit the $150,000 “Equip the Kitchens” campaign for the future Hawaii Community College-Palamanui and efforts to build a community amphitheater at the Waldorf-inspired Kona Pacific Public Charter School in Kealakekua.
Culinarians interested in participating can signup at www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com.
Tickets are $75 now and will be $100 at the door.
New this year is the VIP Fast Wine Pass with early event admission and personalized wine service.
Buy tickets and find event details online at www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com.
Questions? Call 324-6100.
Also available is an inclusive Chocolate Lovers package that includes a two-night’s stay at The Fairmont Orchid.