Chocolate-lovers descended on the Great Hall in Union Station on Dec. 3 for the 14th annual World of Chocolate celebration.
Some twenty-seven chocolatiers participated in the event, which raises money for HIV/AIDS prevention and education for AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Among the treats on hand were Beef Wellington Cigars with Smoked Chocolate Jus, as well as the Bootleg Bourbon Glazed Scalloptwo dishes literally combining the sweet and the savoryprovided by the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. Uptown Brownie served up its "Phat Tuesday"a chocolate truffle brownie with bourbon, bacon fat, bacon, caramel and pecans. Loews Hotel offered Christmas ornaments that guests could eat; they were actually made of peppermint s'mores. The recently-opened Chicago Athletic Hotel served spice-crusted venison loin under a chocolate demi-glace.
A Minions display looked out over The Peninsula Chicago's booth distributing chocolate tarts, while Life's Sweeter Side Luxury Buffets served up pastel-colored cookies, cakes and marzipan.
About 1,200 guests attended the evening, according to Chicago Pride. DJ Marc "Moose" Moder provided the entertainment.
Among the awards handed out for the chocolate creations were People's Choice, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile; Best Sweet, Kendall College of Culinary Arts; Best Savory Dish, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel; Best Libation, CH Distillery and Cocktail Bar; Best Small Business, Fred's at Barneys New York, Chicago; and Best Large Business, The Peninsula Chicago.