Huggo's Three-course Chocolate Tasting Dinner

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Hawaiians are nuts about chocolate. And they love to celebrate. So when an event like the annual Kona Chocolate Festival comes around, everyone gets involved. I was a judge at the 2009 Festival. The next is set for April 12-17, 2010.

One of my favorite restaurants on the Big Island, Huggo's even created a special chocolate menu for the week of the festival. It was so popular, it sold out before 8:30 pm on the Tuesday night before the festival. The only reason I got to even taste it is they saved a reservation one for me because they knew I was a judge.

I did not even realize how lucky I was.

As I entered Huggo's I was greeted by Miss Chocolate Hawaii and Miss Chocolate Hawaii runner-up. The evening was off to a beautiful start. But looking at those gorgeous girls, I do not really believe they eat much chocolate. Perhaps I should be named Ms Hawaiian Chocolate Eater. I certainly got more than my share that week

The Chocolate Festival Menu started with cacao nib and guajllo chili crusted seared yellow fin tuna. Next came the 6 0z. filet Mignon with crispy polenta. I knew the dessert would be wonderful because the last time I judged the Festival Huggo's won first place for their dessert. Conrad, the new chef, seemed ready for the challenge. He created a stunning Hawaiian chocolate cake with toasted meringue and Kula strawberry compote.

Visit www.huggos.com www.konachocolatefestival.com

The 2010 Kona Chocolate Festival is set for April 12-17.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who adores chocolate. She has judged many festivals: chocolate, coffee, chili and cookies and others.

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