Charity in Chocolate: An Event Too Sweet To Miss

Every fall, when Le Salon du Chocolat takes over the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center, I cannot help but marvel at the intricacies of chocolate couture during the event’s signature chocolate fashion show. When you see the models strutting their stuff down the runway it’s hard to believe their dresses and outfits are not haute couture but haute chocolate…

Sonia Jeito et concept chocolate www.sebastiengras.com — at Lille Grand Palais.

Last week, I got a sneak peek at what it takes to design and create a unique fashion statement made out of chocolate and sugar during a preview event for the upcoming Charity in Chocolate event, which will be held September 6th at the Mandarin Oriental. The fundraiser is the Heart of America Foundation‘s signature event and one of its highlight (other than knowing that you’re raising funds to help kids have access to books) is D.C.’s only chocolate fashion show. At the preview event, held at Boxwood’s Tasting Room in Chevy Chase, pastry sous-chef Shaun McCarty of the Reagan Building and pastry chef instructor Carlo Figarella of the Art Institute of Washington explained some of the challenges involved in creating chocolate fashion pieces. As expected, temperatures are a huge issue, and  I must say that I  have a newfound respect for the chefs but also for the models who volunteer to walk down the runway covered in stiff (and heavy) cocoa couture! 

Chefs McCarty and Figarella at the preview event at the Tasting Room

Since the event raises funds to provides books to children who have little or nothing to read at home, the fashion show typically has a literary theme. I love the Madhatter inspired dress that Chef Figarella created last year for the event (picture below) and can’t wait to see what the chefs come up with this year! 

Charity in Chocolate 2012

In addition to the sweet soirée’s signature fashion show, Charity in Chocolate features some 50 local chefs offering sweet & savory tastings. There’s still time to buy your tickets ahead of the Friday, September 6th event and you can even use the code CICInsider for a slight discount. Remember it all goes towards a great cause…