Out of this World….of Chocolate

Hundreds of patrons crowded the Hilton Chicago as the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) held its annual World of Chocolate Dec. 2. Attendees sampled chocolate creations from more than 30 of Chicagoland’s finest restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers. Among those who attended were Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who spoke of the civil-union bill that the General Assembly had passed the previous evening, and mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel.

This particular World of Chocolate was the last one with Mark Ishaug heading AFC, as he is moving on to head AIDS Action. “This has been a spectacular event,” Ishaug told Windy City Times. “It’s grown from a couple hundred people to 1,500 people, and tonight we have the governor and Rahm Emanuel. It is the holiday event of the season, and it’s a party for a cause. I’m just so proud of this organization, and I’m proud of the Chicago community for rallying to make this event the huge success that it is.”

In addition to the chocolate, there were buffet-dinner items; a rummage sale; and a stand for the new Quality of Life scratch-off ticket, “Red Ribbon Cash.”

There was also an area for Celebrated Chefs (www.CelebratedChefs.com), at which attendees registered their credit cards; 5 percent of all purchases at a large group of restaurants (ranging from 312 Chicago to Zak’s Place) will go to a particular organization. The Dec. 2 registrants’ future purchases will go to AFC.

Among the honors celebrity judges bestowed at the event were: the Hot Chocolate Award to Terry’s Toffee; the Loco Cocoa Award (most creative use of chocolate as an ingredient) to Hearty Boys; the Sweetbooth Award (best presentation) to the Peninsula Hotel; and the Chocoholic’s Dream Award to the Peninsula Hotel. The Peninsula also received the People’s Choice Award. Text by Andrew Davis.