2nd Annual Chocolate Week New York

I received an incredible invite from Severine Piquet of MPB Agency. It was for a press lunch to inaugurate Chocolate Week New York 2013. It was held at one of my favorite restaurants, Master Chef Claude Godard’s Jeanne & Gaston and had a very special guest; Master Chocolatier Eric Girerd.

What is Chocolate Week?

Chocolate week (February 4-13) was created by MPB Agency (in conjunction with Paris Gourmet/Cacao Noel) in order to put focus on chocolate as a more versatile ingredient. They partnered up with some of New York’s best restaurants to craft menus showcasing this beloved ingredient.

This year, the concept is “Cafe Gourmand”, “Tea Gourmand”, “Bubbly Gourmand”. Participating businesses will offer a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of bubbly with a chocolate inspired mignardise ($10-$15).

They’ve also partnered up with Action Against Hunger (one of my favorite non-profits) since their goal is to bring hunger relief to over 40 different countries throughout the world.

What did I get to enjoy?

Great company, great food, great chocolate. We started off with Chef Godard’s lunch prix fixe. I started with the sweet crab and avocado Napoleon. It was made of the thinnest crispiest sheets layered with succulent crab meat salad and avocado mousse. The dish was decadent, yet light. I felt zero guilt while enjoying this dish.

I followed this up with the shrimp and spinach lasagna. I had been wanting to try this for a while. It was rich and decadent, I’ll need to hit the gym tomorrow, but it was totally worth the calories.

La piece de la resistance was a gorgeous Chocolate Napoleon. It was accented by pears and a perfect dessert for someone who is looking for a sophisticated sweetness. It was paired with  rose bubbly (my favorite kind), Cuvee des Barons Brut. It was a gorgeous pairing and totally worth it for $15. I’ll definitely be going back to enjoy this during Chocolate Week.

We also got to sample plenty of Master Chocolatier Eric Girerd’s chocolates (I’m already a big fan of his creations). I tasted rose d’Anjou, the rose flavor lingered in an incredibly pleasant way. I can definitely see this as a perfect Valentine’s flavor (even though Maya is my favorite, that one is made of dark chocolate with hazelnut and chipotle for smokiness and a kick).

Where Can I Go to Enjoy Chocolate Week (check out the complete list here)?

Ayza Midtown - 11 West 31st Street – Midtown

Ayza West Village - 1 7th Ave – West Village

Cafe Noir - 32 Grand Street – SoHo

Cercle Rouge - 241 West Broadway – Tribeca

Barclay Bar & Grill - 111 East 48th Street – Midtown East

Jeanne & Gaston - 212 West 14th Street – West Village/Meatpacking/Highline

Jules Bistro - 65 St. Mark’s Place – East Village

L’Atelier Du Chocolat: 59 West 22nd Street – Flatiron District

La Bergamote 515 West 52nd Street – Hell’s Kitchen

La Sirene - 558 Broome Street – Hudson Square

La Tarte Flambee - 1750 2nd Avenue – Upper East Side

Le Pain Quotidien - various locations

Le Singe Vert - 160 7th Avenue – Flatiron District

Maison Harlem - 341 St. Nicholas Avenue – Harlem

Opia - 130 East 57th St – Lennox Hill/Midtown East

Serge Bistro - 1099 2nd Ave – Upper East Side

Serge Brasserie - 165 Madison Avenue – Murray Hill

Sofitel Hotel – Gaby Restaurant - 45 W 44th Street – Theater District/Times Square/St. Patricks

Table Verte - 127 East 7th Street – East Village/Alphabet City/LES

Vin et Fleurs - 69 Thompson Street – SoHo