The Salon du Chocolat arrives in Milan

2023 Author: Cody Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:20

9 out of 10 people love chocolate. The tenth lies. Ergo, 10 out of 10 people are happy because the most important world event dedicated to the food of the gods finally arrives in Milan.

In fact, from 13 to 15 February, the Salon du Chocolat in Paris lands in the capital of fashion with all its set of truffles, cremini and, of course, maîtres chocolatiers.

But let's get to the point, indeed, to the 5 reasons why the wonderful Willy Wonka, if he really existed, would immediately leave his chocolate factory full of Umpa Lumpa to throw himself headlong into the stands of the Salon du Chocolat.

1. Stealing ideas (and buying chocolates)

The first reason is obvious: Willy Wonka would go to the Salon du Chocolat to study the competition, steal ideas and get better ones (like his famous dairy cows and chocolate, for example - I admit, I still don't realize that he doesn't exist).

And certainly there will be producers and confectioners at the Salon, as well as the maîtres chocolatiers who will arrive from all over the world: Italy, of course, France, of course, and then Germany and Belgium, which when it comes to chocolate cannot missing, but also Hungary and Japan, to name two.

Sure, we may not come across invisible chocolate sticks to eat in class, but it will definitely be worth a stroll to fill your bag with goodies.

However, a doubt remains: shouldn't such an important event see all the producers in circulation lined up?

Yet, many are missing the appeal.

In short, not all the usual suspects will make their appearance. Which is perhaps a good thing, who knows: the fact remains that certain absences will be noticed and that those present will have to fill that void by giving all their chocolate.

2. Make up your wardrobe

If in other respects the Salon du Chocolat is similar to many other events that see chocolate as the protagonist and that bring together large and small producers, it is certainly the only one who has thought of combining the talent of chocolatiers with that of stylists to create real and own chocolate dresses.

And if there is anyone who would not shy away from wearing them, it is surely the eccentric Willy Wonka, with his plum-colored dovetail jacket.

The gala evening will be on February 12, but the fashion shows will also be repeated on Saturday and Sunday, while the clothes will be exhibited during the three opening days.

The stylists will be young students of the Naba Fashion Lab in Milan, under the guidance of Nicoletta Morozzi and Silvia Grilli, director of Grazia Magazine. To help them, of course, ten AMPI maîtres chocolatiers, who will design the 10 protagonist dresses together with them.

If you feel like wearing them, however, remember to pay attention to the spotlights: the limelight gets hot, sometimes too much.

3. Taste chocolate (and, with the excuse, even a little rum)

There is no doubt that Willy Wonka knows more about chocolate than anyone else, but if he happened to be at the Salon he would certainly not miss the tastings of the Chocolate Company and the International Chocolier Institute.

Of course, he might say that the chocolate from his waterfall is the only one that truly deserves the attention of the palate, but a rum or vermouth at the Sensory Bar would be enough to brighten the atmosphere.

In short, in other words: never miss tastings, you always learn and become better consumers.

4. Take the stage

Well, if Wonka really existed she would probably be there, showing her wonders without revealing too much of her secrets. Unfortunately, Wonka is not there, but there are his worthy substitutes: chocolatiers, chefs and pastry chefs who will rattle off recipes and sauté surrounded by the scent of melted chocolate during the Pastry Shows.

An opportunity to write down tips, tricks, techniques and, of course, to taste the delights of Italian and international maîtres chocolatiers. After all, let's face it, we sweet tooths go to the Salon du Chocolat - and the others, well, I always thought they were missing out on all the fun.

Among the guests, Iginio Massari, the Master of Italian Confectioners, Luca Montersino, who has now made a brand of health with taste, the gluten free chef Marcello Ferrarini and Maurizio Santin, historical face on Gambero Rosso, but also guest stars like Carlo Cracco and Sonia Peronaci, founder of Giallo Zafferano.

Make the children happy

At the Salon du Chocolat there will be a space dedicated to the little ones, not the Umpa Lumpa, but if anything the Willy Wonkas of the future, children aged 4 to 10 who will wear hats and aprons, will experiment, play and taste with the help of Kikolle Lab in a setting inspired by the chocolate factory.

Because Willy Wonka believes in children: not in spoiled ones, of course.

But for the others, well, for the others it reserves great surprises. We hope that the Salon du Chocolat lives up to expectations.

Instructions for use (Augustus Gloop proof)

The Salon du Chocolat will be held from 13 to 15 February, from 9.30 to 19.30, at The Mall in Piazza Lina Bo Bardi.

Tickets cost 15 euros, but children pay less (8 euros) and there are several family discounts in addition to the Early Bird discounted rate for those who book online.

I forgot: if you don't know Augustus Gloop you have to read “The Chocolate Factory”, perhaps while you are traveling to Milan.