Sweet chocolate vacations in Toronto
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C-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e! Now that I’ve gotten everyone’s attention, here’s a getaway to satisfy even the most insatiable chocoholic.
The Toronto Chocolate Festival includes a gala, mystery dinner show, relay, high tea and daily “Chocolicious” events. It’s been called the “most decadent and delicious event ever” and has returned to Toronto through Nov. 4.
Sweet!
“This is the event where chocolate is featured in all its magnificent and tasty forms,” said publicist Norma Meneguzzi Spall.
As a “chocolate-coated metropolis,” Toronto will be the scene of “delectable, delicious and simply decadent events,” she added.
In its seventh year, the city-wide fest kicks off with the annual Chocolate Ball called “Cocoa Cabaret.”
Taking place Oct. 19 at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.), there will be “more than 150 feet (45.7 metres) of chocolate-filled stations to feed all your senses.”
The event features entertainment by the Toronto All-Star Big Band along with the Sisters of Swing and special guests. Tickets: $129 and $154, taxes included
Only in Toronto, you say
For a decadent afternoon break, try chocolate high tea served with an assortment of pastries at the King Edward Hotel (37 King St. E.).
Tempt that sweet tooth with the King’s Chocolate Inspired Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s Victoria’s Restaurant. It’s an “enticing addition” to the afternoon tea offerings that are an institution at the hotel, said Kate Hillyar, director of communications and media relations.
There’s the choice of two specially blended teas – chocolate macaroon, a delicate Ceylon variety scented with sweet chocolate and coconut and topped with cacao nibs, and chocolat, an exotic medium-bodied black Ceylon tea with high-grade chocolate oil.
“Tea-lovers will enjoy a two-tiered selection of sweet and savoury treats such as a flourless chocolate cakelet, chocolate and salt caramel truffle tart, a cocoa butter brushed cone with duck confit and classic egg, smoked turkey and roast beef finger sandwiches,” Hillyar said.
Costing $39, it’s available Friday through Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations: (416) 863-4125.
How sweet it is
- Dine with the “choc-elite” at a chocolate-infused dinner with mystery guest celebrities at Mysteriously Yours Dinner Theatre (2026 Yonge St.) on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.
Executive Chef Rosie Earle will serve up a three-course dinner with the appetizer, main course and dessert made of or infused with chocolate. It includes the whodunit show called “The Fine Art of Murder – Death by Chocolate.” Tickets: $75 and $85.
- The Toronto Luxury Chocolate Show takes place on Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall. Celebrating “everything chocolate,” there will be a “diverse array of fine chocolates and chocolate-inspired products.”
Vendors will be displaying, sampling and selling their fine chocolate products at the event that features wine and chocolate tastings, a chocolate bar, cooking demonstrations and the Chocolate Tales Kids Camp. Tickets: $25; $12, children five to 12.
Then at 6:15 p.m. is the 9-1-1 Chocolate Relay where firefighters, police officers and paramedics “fight to the finish in what has become chocolate warfare.” Each team battles it out by devouring chocolate in the ultimate chow down for the trophy currently held by the Toronto Firefighters.
Chocolatiers and pastry shops throughout the Greater Toronto Area have chocolate delights including special offerings and samplings. Festival activities contribute to the fund-raising efforts for prostate and breast cancer program initiatives.
To plan a “Tour de Chocolat,” go to www.TorontoChocolateFestival.com or call (905) 820-6400.
Hallelujah!
Amen – Sister Act, the hilarious musical comedy from Broadway, is wooing audiences in Toronto now through Nov. 4 at the Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria St.).
The opening-night crowd gave a sustained standing ovation to the cast of the lively show starting Ta'Rea Campbell as Deloris Van Cartier, Hollis Resnik as Mother Superior and Kingsley Leggs as Curtis Jackson.
Producer Whoopi Goldberg, who starred in the movie version, said “Deloris and her fabulous sisters are spreading the love” in this North American tour.
The story follows the adventures of disco diva Van Cartier who witnesses a murder and is put into protective custody in a convent disguised as a nun.
Tickets:$35 to $130. www.mirvish.com; 1-800-461-3333
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