October 21 - 23 2005 - Gourmet Institute's 3 day event running October 21-23 2005 here in New York City. Jacques Torres of Chocolate Haven will be conducting a demonstration. Other speakers of interest for the "sweet tooth" crowd include Johnny Iuzzini , the four star pastry chef from Perry Street, Francois Payard , of Payard on French Pastry, Gina DePalma from Babbo on Italian Pastry and of course many of the food industries titans, Daniel Boulud,Cesare Casella, Marcus Samuelsson among others who will discuss food from when before the dessert cart arrives. The event is a bit pricey but if you really enjoy eating well then it is something you might be interested in. October 28 2005 - Italian Biscotti Workshop at Bruno Bakery. This is a non credit class offered through the New School and is limited to 10 participants. At $70 it is certainly fairly priced as pastry genius Biagio Settepani invites the participants into his kitchen and instructs you in how to make treats including regina (with toasted sesame), anisette toast, quaresimali (studded with almonds and flavored with honey), chocolate biscotti, and more. November 11 2005 - Jacques Torres will be conducting a demo at his Chocolate Haven Shop. It is scheduled from 11:00 - 11:30 am. November 11 2005 - Panettone Workshop at Bruno Bakery. This is a non credit class offered through the New School and is limited to 10 participants. At $70 it is certainly fairly priced as pastry genius Biagio Settepani invites the participants into his kitchen and instructs you in how to make this light sweet bread. November 10 - 13, 2005 - The Chocolate Show is returning to New York November 10 - 13 2005. Once again the Show will be held in the Metropolitan Pavillion and Altman Building, 125 West 18th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or you can call 212 307-7171 to charge tickets by phone. Last years show was amazing and this years promises to be more of the same. Sixty Five top exhibitors including everyone from local favorites Chocolate Bar and Jacques Torres to Mary's Chocolate from Japan. The last few Chocolate Shows have been very special events and this years, the eighth, promises to be another winner. Events include everything from a Fashion Show to benefit DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), top notch designers create outfits that incorporate the use of chocolate, tastings from chocolate and high grade pastry chefs, Chocolate martinis, Champagne and leave with a goody bag jammed with delicacies to enjoy at home. In addition to the Fashion Show other events include two theaters with demonstrations by such luminaries as Jacques Torres , Francois Payard and Martin Howard. For the youngsters a Children's Corner for decorating cookies and other food items and book signings at the Barnes and Noble Booth by 17 noted food authors. December 6 2005 - The French Institute / Alliance Francais will be holding a Pastries and champagne event at Cafe Fauchon. Florian Bellanger , Fauchon's resident chef will be on hand to discuss the history of the pastries being served. The tasting is from 5 - 7 pm and is $60 for members and $75 for non members. Tickets must be urchased in advance so act quickly on this if you want to attend. February 4, 5 2006 - Chocolate Festival Weekend at The Blue Cross Riverrink Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Lots of chocolate related activities and geared towards the whole family. The price is great, free and you can combine your visit with a $6.00 skating session. February 13 2006 - The French Institute / Alliance Francais will be holding a special Valentines Day tasting in conjunction with Cafe Fauchon. Tickets are $60 for members and $75 for non members. Florian Bellanger Cafe Fauchon's chef extraordinaire will be on hand demonstrating how to make "the worlds ultimate chocolate cake" the Megeve. An expert will be on hand to explain why Sherry and Port make for great pairings with chocolate. Tickets need to be purchased by February 10th. May 26 , 27 2006 - Many Godiva stores will be holding in store sampling events of Godiva's Summer Truffle Collection. We list most New York City Godiva stores so call the one nearest you and see if they are participating.