The seventh annual Chocolates of the World Gala and Dessert Competition-sponsored by the International Visitors Corps of Jacksonville, HelmsBriscoe, and Jaxport-was held February 8 at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach. As guests arrived, they were given passports to enjoy the international cuisine and desserts at each of the six stations. While some headed straight for the sweet temptations, others enjoyed a buffet of hors d'oeuvres such as antipasto kebabs and a cheese station, courtesy of the hotel. Mimes Chris Ford and Nash Hightower entertained guests throughout their culinary tour.
For the main competition-voted on by the attendees-local restaurants and chocolatiers prepared a bevy of creations such as triple chocolate hazelnut tiramisu, from Maggiano's Little Italy, bonbons three ways, courtesy of Etiquette of Chocolate, and other chocolate creations from Savannah Bistro.
Special guests of honor were Ethan and Susan Becker, authors of the 75th anniversary edition of The Joy of Cooking.
In the end the winners were:
Best Chocolate Exhibit: Jim Mullaney from the Cloister at Sea Island Resort
Best Plate Presentation: Jaycel Adkins and Judy Tan of Etiquette of Chocolate
Best Taste: Hector Gonzalez from TPC Sawgrass
For the main competition-voted on by the attendees-local restaurants and chocolatiers prepared a bevy of creations such as triple chocolate hazelnut tiramisu, from Maggiano's Little Italy, bonbons three ways, courtesy of Etiquette of Chocolate, and other chocolate creations from Savannah Bistro.
Special guests of honor were Ethan and Susan Becker, authors of the 75th anniversary edition of The Joy of Cooking.
In the end the winners were:
Best Chocolate Exhibit: Jim Mullaney from the Cloister at Sea Island Resort
Best Plate Presentation: Jaycel Adkins and Judy Tan of Etiquette of Chocolate
Best Taste: Hector Gonzalez from TPC Sawgrass
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