The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
ALL HAIL CHOCOLATE TO THE RESCUE!
Middlesex Family Shelter benefits from Columbus House’s annual showcase
MIDDLETOWN >> Imagine a buffet of chocolate-infused tea, chocolate pancakes, dark chocolate bacon bark with sea salt, chocolate risotto with artisan cheese and bananas; Nutella, banana and caramel crepes — and every other chocolate concoction one could dream up.
At least 145 people enjoyed dessert for lunch during Sunday’s 15th annual Chocolate to the Rescue!, Columbus House’s signature fundraiser at the Inn at Middletown, held to benefit the Middlesex Family Shelter. The organization helps homeless families with temporary housing until they get on their feet.
Accompanied by cheese and fruit plates and champagne, both of which enhance the flavors of chocolate, those who milled about the upper balcony didn’t have to be asked twice to try the delectables and participate in the large silent auction.
“Last year, I based my confections on the ‘Mad Men’ series, so I made Betty Draper Brandy Alexander brownies, and Roger (on the show) loves his stout so we made a stout beer bread with a chocolate dipping sauce,” said Sweet Sage Bakery’s Kathleen Duffy, who went with a fairy theme this year — and tiny fudge brownies made with imported chocolate and cocoa. “When he goes out with his boys, he loves his beer.”
Last year, the chocolate extravaganza raised $20,000 for The Way Home shelter on Daddario Road, according to John B. Brooks, chief development officer for Columbus House.
“We have a big presence here so that’s why we moved it to Middletown,” said Brooks. Columbus House took over the event from the American Red Cross in 2011. The first events were held at Water’s Edge in Westbrook.
“This is the community we should be in,” said Brooks about returning to Middletown. Besides the shelter, Columbus House has two offices in Sanseer Mill on Main Street Extension, a main office and the Sup-
portive Services for Veterans’ Families.
“People love the chocolate ... we get a lot of the (same) people every year ... it’s fun yet we still get the message out that it supports homeless families and children,” Brooks said.
This year, eight area chocolatiers donated their high-end, gourmet creations to the benefit: Fascia’s Chocolates of Waterbury, ION Restaurant in Middletown, Marjolaine Pastry Shop of New Haven, Melt Chocolatier, with locations in New Haven, Milford and Fairfield; Perk on Main of Durham, Guilford and Middletown; the Purple Carrot in Colebrook, Sweet Sage Bakery of Middlefield and Tschudin Chocolates & Confections of Middletown.
“We made a little version of the special mice we make at the bakery,” said Marjolaine Pastry Shop owner Arlene Cardenis. She was showcasing tiny truffle mice made of frangipane almond paste dipped in chocolate.
Judges were Abraham Jacob Friedman, who manages The Meadow in Manhattan, which specializes in craft chocolate bars, finishing salts, cocktail bitters and fresh flowers; Tommy Juliano, who competed on Food Network’s “Sweet Genius” and “Beat Bobby Flay;” Christopher Prosperi, chef and owner of Metro Bis in Simsbury, who often appears on “Faith Middleton’s Food Schmooze” on WNPR; and food editor for the The Day of New London Lee White.
Both attendees and judges selected their favorites. The winners were: people’s choice for the most creative, Purple Carrot Foods; most amazing flavor, Marjolaine Pastry Shop; and critic’s choice for most creative, Marjolaine Pastry Shop; and most amazing, Melt Chocolatier.
Roberto Tschudin Lucheme was at the portable gas grill stirring warm chocolate banana risotto made with a vanilla-infused broth, brie-style goat and hard-rind cheeses and $800-per-pound Perigord truffles.
The Purple Carrot owners Richard Marchessault and Alan Thayer were on hand to man their 1950s diner-themed table — a breakfast menu that included the bacon bark and tiny cups of yogurt, chocolate sauce and a pink grapefruit section on top — a favorite with the crowd.
To learn more about the Middlesex Family Shelter, visit columbushouse.org.