Hawaii - 8^th Annual Kona Chocolate Festival

The 8^th Annual Kona Chocolate Festival is set for March 31 through April 5, 2009, at Dolphin Journeys and Na'alehu Theatre. The celebration of chocolate includes farm tours, seminars, Miss Hawaii Chocolate Contest, a kick-off dinner at Huggo’s, wine and chocolate pairings at Mixx Bistro, and Sunday brunch at the Sheraton.

The highlight of the festival is Saturday's Evening Gala featuring a chocolate taste-off competition with awards in professional and amateur levels. Categories include sweet, savory, mole, and sculpture. Entries will be judged by world renowned Chef Sam Choy, Chef Vincent Tropepe from New York City, Pastry Chef David Brown, Autumn Martin, Chocolatier for Theo Chocolate, Cathy Smoot Barrett of Kailua Candy Co., and Madelyn Miller, Chocolate Atlas.com and TravelLady.com. Attendees will judge "people's choice" nominations. Also included in the Gala are:

• tastings from the competing chefs
• a life-sized chocolate fountain
• unlimited the chocolate treats
• wine, champagne and specialty beer
• a silent auction
• live music featuring Grammy Award winner slack-key guitarist/singer Cyril Pahinui and the Salsa Latinos.

A portion of the proceeds goes to support the Kona/Kohala chapter of the American Culinary Federation's Chef & Child Program and students of West Hawaii Community College Culinary School. Sponsors include Dolphin Journeys, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Kona Brewing Co., Kona Wine Market, Barry Cutler, Kona Chamber of Commerce, Kona/Kohala Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, Theo Chocolate, and Pacific Radio Group.

Visit: www.konachocolatefestival.com

Edited by Patricia D. Sherman

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