ChocoCarib’: See you there!

It was against the stunning backdrop of the Anse Marcel Beach Resort that this Ti Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie, conceived by the Saint-Martin Restaurant Association under the leadership of its president Alain Warth, found its home.
Over three days, a series of masterclasses took place, featuring no less than two MOFs (Meilleur Ouvrier de France), Serge Granger and Bruno Pastorelli, along with local chef Sébastien Quillère, as well as chocolatier Naomi Martino, who had travelled specially from Guadeloupe. Those who paid close attention and took notes will now be able to try their hand at recreating chocolate quenelles, trompe-l’œil cocoa pods, chocolate spread, a reimagined truffle or chocolate rose des sables at home. Chocolate was everywhere, right from the welcome with a delicious hot chocolate served by students from the Daniella Jeffry vocational college, and so it was also an opportunity to learn a little more about all the benefits of a simple little square… the ultimate stress-reliever, as it stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphins, the ‘happiness’ molecules. No more reason to feel guilty!
Happiness was undoubtedly in the air, particularly in the area set aside for the little chocolate market, where visitors could, of course, sample creations and other innovations from afar, but also some local sweet treats such as those cute biscuits decorated to order, honey from Les Ruches de Coco or jams by Emmanuel Gimenez… and others, too many to list here. No lack of taste here – we’re all for it! Let’s hope that this year’s success encourages the organisers to repeat the experience, so that we can once again immerse ourselves in the enveloping sweetness of Michel Cluizel’s marshmallow bears (yes, we’ve got a bit of a soft spot for them!), fine chocolates from all over the world, or simply melt with pleasure!