World of Chocolate 2005 Raises Over $120,000

aria serves chocolate delicacies off the body of a male model. Photo by Kathleen Sikora

More than 1,300 chocolate-lovers dined on delectable creations from 24 of Chicago’s finest restaurants, chocolatiers and caterers on December 1 at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) annual holiday extravaganza, World of Chocolate.  Held at The Fairmont Chicago, the one-of-a-kind event commemorated World AIDS Day and raised more than $120,000 for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

To view or purchase photos from the event festivities, please click here.  Don’t forget!  10% of the proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Guests sampled chocolate ravioli, chocolate-filled gourmet pretzels and a variety of other chocolate-inspired dishes while being wowed by creative displays including: a Willy Wonka-style chocolate river, men coated in cocoa butter and sugar while acting as living platters for chocolate treats, and fantasy fountains of chocolate martinis and dark, milk and white chocolate.

Awards were presented in four categories: the Hot Chocolate Award for overall tastiest treat went to Terry’s Toffee for their gourmet toffee and biscotti; the Loco Cocoa Award for most creative use of chocolate as an ingredient was presented to Thyme for their chocolate hazelnut and raspberry sandwiches on Brioche; the Sweetbooth Award for best presentation went to Regency Caterer’s by Hyatt for their Willy Wonka-style chocolate river; and the Chocoholic’s Dream Award for most visually enticing treat was presented to aria for their display of live men serving as platters for chocolate treats.

Judging this year’s treats were chocolate connoisseurs Ana Belaval, WGN -TV morning news reporter; Kathy Brock, WLS-TV evening news anchor; Gale Gand, Tru Restaurant pastry chef; Wayne Johnson, WMAQ-TV and Today show reporter; Ina Pinkney, owner of Ina’s on Randolph; Kevin Roy, WLS-TV weekend news anchor; Randy Salerno, WBBM-TV morning news co-anchor; Leda Santodomingo, WSNS-TV reporter; and Jim Verraros, actor, singer and American Idol top ten finalist. 

The Brass Ensemble of the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band and pianist Kevin Hyland entertained the crowd during the event, which also featured a light buffet, an open bar and a Holiday Bazaar with fine gifts and ornaments donated by renowned designer Christopher Radko.

Lucky raffle winners walked away with luxurious raffle prizes including a beach paradise package in Barbados for five nights at The Fairmont Royal Pavilion; American Airlines tickets to any U.S. destination; a weekend at The Fairmont Chicago; and dinner for six at aria.

Funds raised through World of Chocolate will support AFC’s policy, public education and grantmaking programs, and $10,500 of the proceeds will fund AFC’s new global AIDS Initiative. This new grantmaking program will benefit local community-based organizations that collaborate with an international organization to conduct global HIV prevention, advocacy or treatment programs. AFC awarded inaugural global grants to WE-ACTx (Women’s Equity for Access to Care and Treatment for HIV), The Children’s Place Association, and Martin Temple AME Zion Church for their global HIV/AIDS initiatives. 

Special thanks to Bridgette Chambers, Joe Sullivan, and Don Wiener for co-chairing this year’s event, and to Michael Flagg of The Meeting Group for serving as the corporate chair.

AFC thanks participating restaurants for their generosity:
 
Andersson's Chocolates/ Patisserie
aria
Blommer Chocolate Store
Coco Pazzo
Crêpes à Latte Catering
The Culinary Experience
E-Sutras
The French Pastry School
Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels
Leonidas Belgian Chocolates
Love in Disguise Chocolate
The Melting Pot Restaurant
Nestlé Waters North America
Oral Fixations
Regency Caterers by Hyatt
Rique’s Regional Mexican Food
Sodexho Special Events
Sweets and Savories
Take the Cake
Terry’s Toffee
Thyme Restaurant
Unique So Chique Boutique Tea & Chocolate Room
Windy City Sweets