Set Taste Buds on Delicious at Chocolate Fantasia

Chocolate and coffee? Oh my! That’s what people can expect from this year’s Chocolate Fantasia, the annual event sponsored by Mimbres Region Arts Council (MRAC). This year’s theme is Mochaccino, which means participating businesses will match up and host a chocolatier who will create yummy chocolate-coffee sweets for you to enjoy. Taking place one week before Valentine’s Day, on February 7-8, it’s a great way to treat your sweetheart and your sweet tooth.

For the second year Chocolate Fantasia will be a two-day event. The chocolate sampling event is, as usual, on Saturday, February 8th. In addition, there is a Friday night music and dinner special at Little Toad Creek Brewery. The 300 tickets will rapidly sell out, so do not hesitate. The Saturday chocolate sampling is $25 per person. The Friday night dinner and music special is $55 per person and includes Saturday Mochaccino.

Little Toad’s Friday night dinner is, of course, a chocolate inspired menu prepared just for ticket holders. Feast on Candied Bacon-wrapped Figs stuffed with chocolate cream cheese filling, Espresso Rubbed Steak and finished off with homemade High-Stacked Chocolate-Coffee layered Tiramisu. MRAC/Chocolate Fantasia and Little Toad Creek are co-sponsoring the evening event, which will feature music by Baracutanga.

Simon Sotelo has been involved for several years, first as a chocolatier and now as the event organizer for MRAC.  “The Chocolate Fantasia event is a super community-based event, promotes our downtown plus brings many visitors from out of town,” he said. “Last year we saw an even broader audience than prior years with more people under 40.” 

As part of the chocolate event there will be awards for the Best Chocolate with first, second and third prizes. Hosting businesses can hire a chocolatier or create their own entries. The ticket holders will be the judges. All are encouraged to decorate their businesses and come out in costumes as well.

Chocolate Fantasia funds will go towards youth outreach programs such as the Youth Mural program and Arte Para Todos. The MRAC website states “We provide these programs FREE of charge to children. Mimbres Region Arts Council believes everyone, including our youth, should have access and opportunity to participate in meaningful arts experiences. Your purchase at Chocolate Fantasia will help ensure we can continue to reach the children of the Mimbres region.” MRAC also sponsors the Silver City Blues Festival every Memorial Day.

For further information visit chocolatefantasia.org and mimbresarts.org