UK: Chocolate Festival April 8-10

The Chocolate Festival UK is coming to London’s Southbank Centre April 8 through 10. I was invited to a preview at Caffe’ Vergnano to taste some of the chocolates that will be available .

Damian Allsop was the first chocolatier to speak. He described his special water ganache which makes his chocolates quite interesting. Instead of using milk or cream, he tries to get to the essence of chocolate by pure water alone. He has a chef’s background, having worked in starred Michelin restaurants from England, France and Catalonia. He’ll be speaking on Saturday, April 9 from 3 to 3:45 p.m. at the ticketed event.

Next we heard from William Curley chocolates. William is Scottish married to a Japanese wife, Suzue. You can see the Japanese influence in his chocolates. I really liked the one studded with sesame as it had a hint of yuzu. The black vinegar one was also very cool.

William will be speaking about his Japanese couture chocolates from 2 to 2:45 at the ticketed event on Saturday, April 9.

Bill McCarrick of Sir Hans Sloane chocolates had an interesting story. He’s American but has lived and worked in Europe and Asia for over 20 years.

Sir Hans Sloane is known for conching their own chocolate. Bill will be speaking at the ticketed event from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Check out this great preview video from Implausible blog.

Seeing all the chocolate again makes me wish I was back in London for the festival. Someone will just have to eat lots of chocolate for me!

THE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 2011
April 8-10

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SQUARE, BELVEDERE ROAD, SE1 8XX, UK