Chocolate, chocolate, and (no) more chocolate.

Fountains of chocolate

Fountains of chocolate

A couple of weeks ago I trotted along to the annual Salon du Chocolate that’s held at the huge exposition centre at Porte de Versailles on the edge of central Paris.  It was, of course, all in the interest of writing a story for this blog……..oh what a fib! I am a chocolate fancier; research for a post is the best excuse ever.

Now I confess that even though every aspect of chocolate and cocoa production was covered in the exposition with cocoa producer exhibits, chocolate sculptures, cocoa processing and chocolate making displays, chocolate workshops for kids, even fashion parades with models wearing artistic chocolate designs, I was really there to indulge in a little sampling and buy a few treats.

Feast your eyes on these…………

Patisserie by Laurent-Duchene. Chocolate and patisserie boutiques in the 13th  and 15th arrondissements.

Patisserie by Laurent-Duchene. Chocolate and patisserie boutiques in the 13th and 15th arrondissements.

 

Bowls of Chapon chocolates

Bowls of Chapon chocolates

Halloween themed chocolate gifts by Bruno Le Derf chocolatier

Halloween themed chocolate gifts by Bruno Le Derf chocolatier

Fine chocolate by Dalloyau

Fine chocolate by Dalloyau

Eyecatching as well as delicious chocolates from Brest.

Eyecatching as well as delicious chocolates from Brest.

No, I didn’t try all these, tasting and photographing were separate activities.  I came home with a delicious small dessert treat moelleux chocolate framboise from Arnauld Larher chocolatier, and what good luck: two of his chocolate and patisserie boutiques are within walking distance of our apartment.

There’s talk of a chocolate shortage looming.  I’ve read the reports and concluded I can continue with my ration of one square of dark (healthy) chocolate after-dinner and an occasional treat without catastrophic consequences.