Hunter Valley Gardens is proud to announce that on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of August, the fourth annual Chocolate Festival will take place. Proudly sponsored by Callebaut Chocolate this year is gearing up to be bigger, better and sweeter than ever, where visitors are invited to enjoy ‘the sweet life’ at the Gardens. The event will feature plenty of chocolate, breads, pastries, desserts, cakes, truffles and a number of sweet celebrities too including;
Adriano Zumbo
Adriano Zumbo (Masterchef and Zumbo on SBS) Saturday 9.30-11.30am, Sunday 12-2pm
Adriano is best known for his famous macaroons. His creations have gained him the highest respect from food critics and the public. The Champion of Patisserie will share his knowledge and dessert inspirations in the Live Kitchen over the two days, and he will also judge the showpiece competition.
Justine Schofield
Justine Schofield (former Masterchef contestant) Daily at 10am and 1.45pm
Justine is a favourite from the first series of MasterChef, and since leaving the show has expanded on her knowledge of food by working in some of Australia’s top restaurants. Justine will share her love of all things sweet at the Chocolate Festival.
Ed Halmagyi
Ed Halmagyi (Better homes and Gardens) Daily 11am-1pm
Fast Eddy, who is a whiz in the kitchen, believes ‘when you do less, the ingredients can do more.’ This fast cooking chef will share his encyclopaedia of knowledge on chocolate and food when he hosts the main stage over the weekend.
Celebrity Cafe
Visitors can sample their favourite celebrities’ delicacies at the Celebrity Café, where a two course menu will be designed by Justine and Ed.
Degustation Dinner – Saturday 6th of August from 6.30pm
For the true chocoholics, why not indulge in a special chocolate inspired degustation dinner prepared by award winning Hunter Valley Gardens Executive Chef Nick Vivian and award winning Dessert Chef Anna Polyviou from Bathers Pavilion Sydney. The mouth watering 7 course degustation dinner will be hosted at The Barrel Room at Tempus Two Winery on Saturday August 6. Tickets cost $150 per person, and bookings are essential.
Chefs and industry experts will perform demonstrations at the ‘Live Patisserie Kitchen’ giving guests a special insight into how the professionals operate in a commercial kitchen.
The Callebaut showpiece competition, now in its 2nd year, will challenge competitors to build works of art using chocolate. Visitors can also tempt their sweet tooth by visiting the Chocolate Pavilion, which will feature many of the Boutique Chocolate providers within NSW. Best of all visitors can sample and stock up on all the chocolate products.
Kids can also join in the fun and participate in an ‘Ice cream sundae eating competition’, and create and decorate their own cupcakes at the cup cake kitchen.
Entry to the Gardens is $24.00 per adult, $20 for Seniors, children aged 4 – 15 are $15, with children 3 years and under admitted free. For further information please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au
