San Francisco-based International Chocolate Salon announced medalists for its third annual Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon competition. In the Best Dark Chocolate category, three chocolatiers received gold medals: Amano Artisan Chocolatier, Chuao Chocolatier and Zokoko.
Within the Best Milk Chocolate category, three entrants also received a gold medal: Forte Chocolates, Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. and The Tea Room. For the Best Truffle category, Coco Tutti captured first place and a gold medal.
The Top Artisan Chocolatier segment saw Amano Artisan Chocolate get the nod. As for the Most Delicious Ingredient Combinations, Chuao Chocolatier received another gold medal.
In an unprecendented show of artistry, William Dean Chocolates was a three-time winner, earning golds in Most Artistic Designs, Best Gift Set and Most Luxurious Chocolate Experience categories. William Dean Chocolates also received the gold for Best in Salon.
Forte Chocolates also flexed its prowess as a chocolatier, getting gold for Best Milk Chocolate Bar, Best Caramels and Best Traditional Chocolates. Chocolot and Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. also were awarded gold medals in the Best Traditional Chocolates.
The Tea Room impressed judges with its innovative flavor combinations, as it took home the Best Flavored Chocolate gold medal. Chuao Chocolatier was recognized as the best producer of a dark chocolate bar. A complete listing of all gold, silver and bronze awards can be found on www.tastetv.com/sf-ger-chi-award11.html.
Judges for the Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon competition consisted of the following: Penny Pollack, Chicago magazine; Jennifer Olvera, Daily Herald, Gayot.com and "Food Lovers' Guide to Chicago"; Amanda Barrett, Chicago Sun Times; Chandra Ram, Plate magazine; James Norton Heavy Table; Robert Luce, Chicago-Scene magazine; Terry Boyd, Blue-Kitchen.com; Anthony Todd, Chicagoist.com; Anita Chu, author of “Dessert First”; Robyn Nisi, Gapers Block; Courtney Nzeribe, Coco-Cooks.com; and. Bernard Pacyniak, Candy Industry magazine.
International Chocolate Salon sponsors a variety of all-day public tasting events as well as regional events honoring chocolatiers and confectioners in America. Upcoming Chocolate Salon events are scheduled for Los Angeles (September 25), Las Vegas (October 9) and San Francisco (November 13).
For more information, visit www.tastetv.com.
