Stimulate your senses and feed your soul at this year’s West Coast Chocolate Festival, a flavourful and enlightening array of events October 15 to November 10, 2009 in Coquitlam, Port Moody & Port Coquitlam, and this year expanding to locations around the Lower Mainland, including Pacific Culinary Institute at Granville Island and Horizons Restaurant in Burnaby.

The festival opens with an exciting new event, Salon du Chocolat, October 15 at the Red Robinson Theatre, that will showcase many of our participating sponsors, offer attendees a vast selection of samples and tastings, all while being entertained by local talent such as the Ken Abel Jazz Quartet.  Also new to the festival this year is a unique and innovative afternoon event fusing two classically elegant delights: tea and chocolate. A Tealicious Chocolate Tasting will take place October 25 at Port Coquitlam’s Gathering Place, and November 1 at the new Tealicious Heritage Teahouse in Port Moody.

Back by popular demand are the Festival’s signature alcohol and chocolate pairing events.  Single Malt Scotch and Chocolate at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts on October 18, hosted by Marcus Von Albrecht of Mava Foods, will feature some of the worlds best single malt scotches, such as Ileach Peaty, Finlaggan Old Reserve, Ileach cask strength and Laphroaig 10 yr old paired with delicious chocolates from Xoxolat Chocolaterie and desserts made by PICA chefs.

Other highly anticipated pairing events are Wines, Liqueurs and Chocolates at Place des Arts in Coquitlam on October 24 and Desserts, Chocolates, Wines and more at Club Illia restaurant located atop Burnaby Mountain in SFU’s UniverCity.  Both events are led by West Coast Wine Education’s John Gerum and feature Reubens Chocolates paired with a variety of liqueurs and wines.

Lastly, beer connoisseurs will have a chance to taste their favorite Sleemans and Okanagan Spring beer paired with a wide variety of artisan chocolate at Craft Beer and Chocolate at The Outlet in Port Coquitlam on October 17 and Just Here for the Beer…and Chocolate at The Old Mill Boathouse in Port Moody on October 23.  Beer experts Ken Beattie and Colin Jack will lead guests through beer and chocolate tastings at these two fun and exciting events.

Always keen to help people appreciate the finer points of the ‘food of the gods,’ the Festival again offers several events aimed at educating guests on the benefits of chocolate.  Cooking with Chocolate at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver is an enlightening, and informative class incorporating the history of chocolate, how chocolate is made, and how to taste chocolate.  Chef Julian Bond and PICA Chefs will be hosting this event where at least eight different chocolates are being made and sampled.

Joining the Festival this year as one of the new venues for the 2009, Schokolade Café in Vancouver is home to several unique events.  At the Chocolate Appreciation Workshop on October 24, guests will learn all about how chocolate is made and how to select good quality chocolate for home use, all the while dipping and decorating your very own handcrafted chocolates to take home.  The Café is also hosting a Chocolate High Tea where guest will enjoy house made chocolate tea treats, Spicy Ancient Aztec chocolate drink and herbal tea.  The Children’s Session on October 30 at Schokolade Café will have the kids making their own chocolate creations for take home Halloween goodie bags.

Always a favorite and great for the whole family, Charlie’s Chocolate Factory Tours will be taking place throughout the Festival.  Come see the famous chocolate river, meet owner Charlie and learn about the history of chocolate at this popular event.

For the first time, the Festival is introducing the tantalizing and tranquil combination of yoga, meditation and chocolate at several events hosted by Veracis Wellness centre in Port Moody.  These events are designed to relax and centre the mind, body and soul through yoga, meditation and of course chocolate.

The festival will wrap up with an upscale dinner gala, Chocolat ce Soir, hosted at Horizons restaurant on Burnaby Mountain on November 10. Featuring an exquisite multi-course menu designed by Chef John Garrett and Maitre Chocolatier Wim Tas of ChocolaTas, the dinner will incorporate West Coast cuisine both seasonal and regional as well as fabulous wines, and — of course— chocolate!  This signature event is sure to top off a fantastic festival with a top of the mountain experience.

If this—and chocolate— appeal to you, more information about sponsorship opportunities, event details, and ticket purchasing can be found on the website www.chocolatefestival.ca.