All chocolate enthusiasts at the event will be eligible to win the world's most expensive truffle, La Madeline Au Truffe, donated by Knipschildt Chocolatier.
Local celebrity judges, including ABC7's Kathy Brock and Kevin Roy will name the night's top confections. Past World of Chocolate creations have included an Aztec themed chocolate pyramid, a 20 foot, 8 inch tower made entirely of chocolate, as well as flowing chocolate fountains and a Willy Wonka-style chocolate river.
A new element to the event this year, the first annual Chocolate Bliss Recipe Challenge, invites chocolate lovers to submit their own original recipe after purchase of a World of Chocolate ticket. A panel of professional chocolatiers and chefs from the event will select the top recipe; the winner will be announced at World of Chocolate. The top prize will receive the first-ever Amateur Chocolate Recipe Award title and complimentary tickets to next year's event. The winner will also receive a small stipend for supplies and ingredients to create the winning recipe for VIP Reception guests at the World of Chocolate 2010.
While sampling the delectable spread and mingling with fellow chocolate enthusiasts, guests will browse the Holiday Bazaar featuring gifts from Batsiranai, a women's handicraft group in Zimbabwe that supports mothers of disabled children, many of whom are living with HIV/AIDS. Guests will also enjoy a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle with luxurious prizes and musical entertainment provided by DJ Mark Picchiotti, who has collaborated with artists including Kylie Minogue.
Restaurants participating in World of Chocolate include the Hilton Chicago, RL Restaurant, University Club of Chicago, Palmer House Hilton, Terry's Toffee and The Cupcake Counter.
World AIDS Day is a worldwide effort to increase public awareness and encourage support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV infection. Since 1988, Dec. 1 has been observed every year when an international summit of health leaders called for a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS in every country around the globe.
General admission is $75 in advance; $100 at the door. Sponsors tickets range from $150 to $800. For more information and to reserve tickets, call (312) 922-2322 or visit www.aidschicago.com.
Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
Recipe: Xoconusco (Mexican) Chocolate Mousse Cake
World of Chocolate
Thursday, December 3
6 to 10 p.m.
Hilton Chicago
(312) 922-2322
www.aidschicago.com.
