(Image above: Famed William Curley's new chocolate range for Fortnum & Mason)
At Fortnum & Mason, enlightenment is acquired deliciously with a week of special events throughout the store
Ah, Chocolate Week. It has been a whole year since this happiest of celebrations. No less an august body than the British Museum joins us in our enthusiasm. Their major exhibition, Moctezuma Aztec Ruler (24 September 2009 to 24 January 2010), supported by the Mexico Tourism Board explores Aztec civilisation through the ruler, Moctezuma II (reigned AD 1502–1520), who reputedly drank chocolate fifty times a day. At Fortnum & Mason, enlightenment is acquired deliciously with a week of special events throughout the store.
Monday 12 October: Meet the Chocolatier - Gerrard Coleman
As the only chocolatier in the UK to use specialist chocolate-making machine named a conch, Gerrard Coleman produces a rare and exquisite blend of chocolate bars that come exclusively to Fortnum's. Join Gerrard on an insightful chocolate journey from cocoa bean to bar and taste the craftsmanship first hand. Ground Floor, 12noon to 4pm.
Tuesday 13 October: Meet the Chocolatier - David Burns
Join Fortnum & Mason's longest serving chocolatier, David Burns, whose traditional apporach to chocolate making produces the most delicate range of handmade, English chocolates that are simply mouth-watering. Ground Floor, 12noon to 5pm.
Tuesday 13 October: Tequila Masterclass, 1707 Wine Bar, 7.30pm
In association with the Mexico Tourism Board mixologist, Andy Pearson, invites a special few to witness the delicate art of tequils cocktail making. A cocoa delight awaits with lessons on how to make the perfect tequila cocktail that includes a surprising chocolate twist.
To reserve please call 0845 602 5694 or email restaurants@fortnumandmason.co.uk. Tickets £15 per person.
Wednesday 14 October: Meet the Chocolatier - Matt Tarran
A rising star in the world of chocolate, Fortnum & Mason welcomes Matt Tarran for the first time to launch Fortnum & Mason English Mitcham and Peppermint Chocolate range. Developed using the precious Mitcham mint that almost died out in the 1940s, the exclusive range of chocolates are simply mouthwatering. Ground Floor, 12noon to 5pm.
Wednesday 14 October: Holy Mole! A Mexican Themed Lunch with Monica Patino, The Gallery Restaurant
From 12noon, experience chocolate with a twist as renowned Mexican chef, Monica Patino, hosts a Mexican themed lunch in our famed Gallery Restaurant. Held in association with the Mexico Tourism Board, the delicacies are sure to pleasure the palate, with Mole Chicken and chocolate surprises that make each dish even more delectable. Monica will be hosting a cooking demonstration on the First Floor before the lunch at 11am.
Chocolate Week Special 12th to 18th October, Chocolate Indulgence, £14.00
Dark Chocolate Fondant with White Chocolate Ice Cream
Served with your choice of Classic Tea, Hot Chocolate or Pot of Kings Blend Coffee
Chocolate Truffles
To book a table in our Gallery, please call 0845 602 5694 or email restaurants@fortnumandmason.co.uk.
Thursday 15 October: Meet the Chocolatier - William Curley
Fortnum & Mason are delighted to welcome the Academy of Chocolates Best British Chocolatier for 2007, 2008 and 2009 whose gorgeous new selection of dark chocolate delicacies come exclusively to Fortnum's. Ground Floor, 11am to 5pm.
After the tasting an intimate gathering with William Curley that includes tastings of his exquisite Fortnum & Mason chocolate range, accompanied by a glass of Fortnum's finest. Let complimentary flavours of the wine and chocolate take you to a place of complete decadence.
6pm to 7pm in The Gallery Restaurant.
Ticket Price: £10 per person, includes a glass of wine.
Reservations: 0845 602 5694 or email restaurants@fortnumandmason.co.uk
15 October: Mexico the Magnificent
Mexico the magical. Be enthralled by expert Isabella Tree, author of Sliced Iguana: Travels in Unknown Mexico. Journey through this ancient country with all its exciting modernity. 6.30pm in the Burlington Room.
Tickets, for this exclusive talk,which includesa glass of wine, cost £10 per person. Reservations: 0845 602 5694
Friday 16 October: Meet the Chocolatier - Elinor Gorvett
Join prestigious Great Taste Award Winner, Elinor Gorvett, for the launch of a new range of Fortnum & MAson modern English chocolates. The handmade treats are prepared locally in England using the finest selection of chocolate, fruits and spcies. Ground Floor, 10am-4pm.
Friday 16 October: Meet the Chocolatier - Marc Demarquette
Marc Demarquette, whose name precedes him, will be conducting a tasting of handmade chocolates using only Fortnum & Mason ingredients, Marc's chocolates have been awarded Great Taste Awards in the 2009 'oscars of the food world.' His revised collection of chocolate delights have been created especially for Winter 2009. Still focusing on the use of Fortnum & Mason ingredients, Marc returns for the third year running, this time using ingredients that include Black Velvet Jelly, Galangal Spice and Port. Ground Floor, 4pm and 5.30pm.