The world of chocolate continues to expand. Not only is chocolate (cocoa) a traded commodity but it has also become a medium for self expression. From Chocolate Fashion Shows to the artistry of Jacques Torres, chocolate is being used these days in increasingly creative and scary ways. I was working on a posting about chocolate fountains this morning when I received an email that an article about chocolate had been printed in the New York Times. It is a review of Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man by Frank Bruni. I first read about this East Village chocolate theme restaurant in New York magazine. I immediately thought of Planet Hollywood. And theme restaurants in Disneyland. I have not been to this restaurant. New York friends that I have tried to talk into going report back that the lines are too long. After reading Mr. Bruni’s review I am even more intrigued. But I am also intrigued by the popularity of the chocolate fountain. I can’t seem to be able to avert my eyes from freakish food disasters.
After reading the review I realized that the appeal of the chocolate fountain is the same appeal at work at Max Brenner’s. Both give you permission to play with your food while providing food pyrotechnics. There is hardly anything more sensual than the flowing drape of a river of warm melted chocolate. The quality of the chocolate does not seem to matter. Nor can it with so much vegetable oil being added for viscosity. Who cares really? Chocolate enthusiasts are not always chocolate connoisseurs. It is the notion of being next to a stream of melted chocolate that doesn’t seem to end that is exciting the crowds. And anything that can get someone excited about chocolate is okay by me. Chocolate voyeurs unite.
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