The Michigan State University Museum held its 23rd Annual Chocolate Party Benefit February 26th, at their usual venue - the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. This popular fundraising event is a showcase for chocolatiers from the Greater Lansing and Mid-Michigan area. It has been one of my most favorite culinary events I look forward to every single year!
This year the event takes its inspiration from a new "Cabinets of Curiosities" exhibit featuring rare and unusual natural -science specimens and historical objects from the MSU Museum's collection. The Chocolate Party Benefit is one of the few professional culinary events in the country open to general public with area chefs and culinary students competing to create elegant, edible masterpieces.
Guests also enjoyed museum's display while indulging themselves with all kind of chocolate creations - for a worthy cause. The MSU Museum stewards nearly 1 million objects, artifacts, and specimens, which are housed in four buildings across the MSU campus -- many dating back to the museum's founding more than 150 years ago. Recently, Chocolate Party proceeds have helped with the purchase of items such as protective cabinets and preservation equipment.
Toward to the end of an event, winners of the competition, as well as the People's Choice Vendor were announced and awarded.
Congratulations!
All participating sponsors were from all over Michigan. Local restaurants, caterers, bakeshops, candy makers, and other vendors shared their chocolate creations.
This year's participating chocolatiers included American Crepes, Awesome Chocolates, Bake N' Cakes, Caruso"s Candy Kitchen, How Sweet It Is, Second Floor Bakery, The Sweet Cake Company, and Wright Endings.
Until next year...
Source of information: Michigan State University Museum
Spending a few days in Chicago a couple weeks ago, and it was a blast! Since the boys stood us up for a mid-winter break trip, it was just Lynne and I who headed to Chitown - we had a lot of fun, good eats, and relaxing days.
Overlooking Navy Pier from our room on floor 13 at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Beautiful day to visit Chicago. It was sunny, and pretty warm for February temperature.
A walk through Millennium Park
Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Great Lawn - the centerpiece for Millennium Park
Every trip to Chicago, we always have pictures taken with Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park. I wasn't going to do that this time. But while we were walking around to the other side, I discovered "the other side" of "The Bean" was also amazing! I can still see myself and the reflection of the city skyline - though it doesn't have a bean-like shape from this angle.
Museum fun at The Art Institute of Chicago. Amazing collection!
I love love love visiting Chicago :)
Soy Joy Spicy tuna, albacore, cucumber with tempura crunch and soy paper topped with eel sauce, spicy mayo and fantacy sauce
Ocean's Eleven Salmon, cucumber, sprouts, kampyo topped with albacore and avocado, with spicy oyster glazed salad (organic greens, carrots, cucumber, asparagus)
