Celebrating Chocolate UK-style

Today, October 10 begins Chocolate Week 2011 in the U.K.  This 7-day celebration of fine chocolate features talks, tastings, and demonstrations, and culminates in "Chocolate Unwrapped", a 2-day event where chocoholics can immerse themselves in this "food of the gods."  Though little known in the U.S., Chocolate Week began in 2004, and is the UK’s first dedicated chocolate show.  The original intention was to promote exceptional chocolatiers in the UK, highlight the fantastic chocolates they produce, and encourage people to visit their wonderful, indulgent chocolate shops. In other words, a U.K. chocolate marketing blitz, but the event has grown and changed over the years.

If you're curious check out this video featuring the highlights of Chocolate Week 2010.

In some ways, Chocolate Week is similar to the Chocolate Salons which are held annually throughout the U.S. in Seattle, Napa, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.  With the U.K. Chocolate Week now in its its 8th year and the U.S. having its first Chocolate Salon just 5 years ago in 2006, I can't help but wonder if we, Americans, did what what we did with American Idol and Masterchef -- "stole" the British idea, claimed it as our own, and added our own twists.  This of course includes creating the first "International Chocolate Salon" and inviting chocolatiers from around the world to compete for prizes. 

The competition aspect does mark the big difference between Chocolate Week in the U.K. and Chocolate Salons in the U.S.  Chocolate Salons focus on professionally produced confectionery chocolates (aka candies and bars) and awarding the "best" - gold, silver, bronze - in 21 categories, ranging from taste to packaging.  For the 2011 winners at the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon, click here.

With confections not being my favorite form of chocolate and competition not being my modus operandi, I like Chocolate Week in the U.K. because of its balanced focus related to chocolate.  Events are held throughout the country (not just at one venue) and include talks about sustainable chocolate practices as an example, classes on cooking with chocolate, restaurants serving savory and sweet chocolate samples, along with the "Great Chocolate Cake-off", a competition for amateur home bakers with the winner announced at Chocolate Unwrapped.  Clearly the focus is not just awarding professionals, but recognizing the efforts and interests of your everyday chocolate aficionado. 

While I cannot journey "across the pond" to London this week, I decided to spend the next 7 days celebrating chocolate in my own way by blogging about some of my new chocolate discoveries which include much more than simply reviewing chocolate desserts.  I'll be sharing about blogs and books, shows and s'mores, along with some new drinking and eating chocolate favorites.  Join me this week on the blog as I celebrate the U.K.'s Chocolate Week.