A Passion for Chocolate

London’s Capital Hotel and Restaurant hosts chocolate master classes.

The Capital’s  pastry chef, Andrew Gravett, will lead the 2007 classes set for June 7,
September 6, and December 4, all Tuesdays. [Editor's Note: Click here for article for 2008.]

Chef Gravett trained at L’Ecole du Chocolat in France using Valrhona chocolate, imported from the Rhone Valley and at Bellouet Conseil (Gatronomic School of Paris). He has worked in the two Michelin-starred kitchens of The Capital since 1999.

“I trained initially with Xavier Havard (currently at The Ritz, Paris) who taught me the basic techniques of pastry, always pushing me to experiment and more importantly to consider taste above presentation,” he says. Eric Chabot, the hotel’s executive chef, “has taught me the importance of textures and temperatures in everything that we create.”

“Chocolate is such a complex ingredient to work with,” says Chef Chavot, “and Andrew often prepares his chocolate creations at 5 a.m. when the temperature in the kitchen is more conducive.  Chocolate can be compared to wine with such an incredible variety of flavours. Andrew has a genuine passion for chocolate.”

The Passion for Chocolate master class  includes a gift of Chloé Doutre-Roussel’s (chocolate buyer for Fortnum and Mason) ‘The Chocolate Connoisseur’ book, a chocolate making starter kit from Divertimenti and a gift voucher with 20% discount for their Knightsbridge or Marylebone stores. (The voucher will not include electrical or food items).

Guests arrive at 2 p.m. for  afternoon tea followed by the chocolate master class. Guests will work with flavours such as banana and rum ganache, earl grey ganache, lavender ganache, dark chocolate truffles and passion fruit ganache.

The Capital Hotel offers 49 luxury suites or bedrooms and personal service in the heart of one of the most prestigious locations in London. The Capital Restaurant serves gourmet French cuisine under the expert direction of Chef Eric Chavot. It is the only London restaurant within a hotel to hold two coveted Michelin stars.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Great Hotels of the World, The Capital Hotel holds 5 AA Townhouse Red Stars and 4 AA Rosettes for 2004, RAC 5 Townhouse Star accreditation for 2004 and was the proud winner of Hotel of the Year 2003 at the London Tourism Awards.

The chocolate and petit fours master class can be booked by contacting the events manager at The Capital on 020 7591 1212 or email events@capitalhotel.co.uk.

Visit www.capitalhotel.co.uk.

Edited by Patricia D, Sherman

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