You can shop for delicious chocolates among the fish and sea animals as the Chocolate Expo takes over the aquarium again this year with 40 regional and local vendors who will set up their stands throughout the aquarium.
Guests at the event can enjoy delicious baked goods, chocolates, gelatos, and much more. The aquarium plans to be open until 7 p.m. Jan. 25, which is two hours longer than normal business hours. It will also have discounted tickets for admission.
The squarium’s marketing director, Chris Loynd has this to say about the event, “Here’s a recipe for a great day. Start with one of the best places for family fun in Connecticut, and melt in fine chocolatiers. Next, whisk in an assortment of other things chocolate, from soaps and crepes to Brussels sprouts and bacon. Sprinkle in free demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and keep it all simmering for an additional two hours. Adorn with sides, relishes and sauces to taste. Finally, serve it all up for a 25 percent discount on regular aquarium admission. As we say every year, you’d have to be dipped in nuts not to come.”
Marvin Baum, the expo producer, said the expo is for the serious chocolate lover.
“Vendors at the expo typically offer small tasting-sized portions of their products. Think of the chocolate tastings in the way you might think of a wine tasting at a winery: you get a small sample to try and you often get to talk with the person who made the product. If you like what you've tasted, you can purchase that product for yourself or to give as gifts.”
Special events throughout the day include flowing chocolate fountains from Aurora Gourmet, homemade Belgian waffles dipped in chocolate from Pika’s Farm Table, and an IMAX presentation.
Special celebrity guests will make appearances, including Tony Albanese from “Cake Boss,” Barret Beyer from “Hell’s Kitchen,” and Larry Rosenberg, owner of Bacon Bites. The celebrity demonstrations will begin at 11 a.m., and seating is limited by a first-come, first-serve basis.
All of the aquarium’s exhibits will be open except for “Meerkats” and “Jiggle-A-Jelly” during the Chocolate Expo.
Tickets for the event are $15 per adult and $10 for kids ages 3 to 12. Paid admission is required to enter the aquarium and members can save $2 per ticket. Prices for that day include admission to the Chocolate Expo.
For more information about the event, tickets, or parking, visit The Chocolate Expo’s website at www.thechocolateexpo.com or the aquarium website at www.maritimeaquarium.org.
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