A Chocolate Carnival

Last weekend I was in New York City and was passing the store window of the popular Godiva chocolatier. As I walked past the window, I saw people shooting photographs of something and my first thought was, “What is there to photograph? It’s only chocolate.” But then, as I got closer, I realized they were shooting photos of a desk and chair entirely made of chocolate, decorated just in time for Valentine’s Day.

We all know that February is the perfect time to indulge in chocolate, whether it’s only staring at it through a glass window, salivating at the sight of a chocolate desk or chair, or in a more local sense by attending a Chocolate Carnival.

A Chocolate Carnival? Yep, you read correctly. This one will be hosted by New Morning Natural and Organic in Woodbury on Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury. It is a dinner extravaganza to chase away the winter blues, according to a release sent by New Morning.

Charles Monagan, editor of Connecticut Magazine, will be the host and music by the rocking Zydecats, wines from three Connecticut vineyards and delectables from two chocolatiers promise for an unforgettable dinner. There will be Creole cuisine with dark chocolate and accents of the Caribbean created by New Morning’s own chef, Carol Byer-Alcorace.

The menu introduces dark organic chocolate in every form imaginable, from Crayfish Étouffée in Phyllo cups to chunky chicken Gumbo and All Fools chocolate cake. 

Those attending this chocolate filled event will have the chance to taste the difference local products make—vegetables from Fort Hill Farm in New Milford, pork from Rowland Farm in Oxford, Soffer Farm eggs from Branford, milk from Arethusa Farm in Litchfield, herbs from Castle Rock in Bethlehem and Wave Hill Bread from Wilton. For the first time ever, new hot, spiced cocoa from Coffee, Tea, Etc in Goshen will be served. 

This sixth annual benefit dinner will benefit the programs at Audubon Center at Bent of the River in Southbury—a 660-acre outdoor sanctuary with 15 miles of walking trails and an environmental education center for all ages. New Morning is encouraging guests to bring a camera and meet birds of prey from the Audubon Center in Sharon.

Another exciting element to this event is that, in the spirit of Mardi Gras, which is also on the horizon, guests who wear a mask could win a prize!

Tickets are $75 a person. Details and ticket sales are available at www.newmorn.com, www.bentoftheriver.audobon.org. Call Jennifer at 203-264-5098 for special diets and table reservations. Order early! This event sells out.

IRS Regulations require all charities to disclose the value of all goods and services conveyed to donors in connection with their gifts.  Audubon Center at Bent of the River estimates the value of the goods and/or services recieved in exchange for this gift to be $15.