World of Chocolate


July 22, 2014

On our recent visit to Orlando, we stopped by the World of Chocolate Museum and Café on International Drive. While waiting for our tour to begin, we studied the exotic chocolates offered for sale from around the world and the artistic creations inside display cases.

IMG_0869   IMG_0872

We couldn’t resist tasting some of the baked treats. This is our daughter’s portion of chocolate lava cake.

IMG_0871   IMG_0870

My husband and I ate our chocolate bombe filled with mousse so fast that I forgot to take a picture. It was heavenly! The café serves desserts along with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. It’s not for calorie watchers by any means. Put on your sweet tooth for this visit.

The guide began his tour amid rumblings of thunder and the pounding of rain from outside. This was appropriate as he led us into a faux rainforest to explain the origins of the cacao plant. Discovered by natives in South and Central America years ago, the plant was made into a drink that was bitter and spicy. Conquerors brought the plants to Spain where the resultant hot chocolate drink was consumed by royalty, and from there it made its way to France.

IMG_0873   IMG_0874

At some point, sugar was added to the mix. Cacao eventually made its way to the U.S. where Hershey grabbed onto it. Theobromine is an alkaloid found in cacao that is similar to caffeine. It is usually not present in white chocolate. Dark baking chocolate has the most content.

We saw sculptures made in Europe by artisans and crated to the U.S. for the museum. The intricacy of detail was amazing. You can smell the chocolate as you walk along.

IMG_0875   IMG_0876

IMG_0877IMG_0881

IMG_0878  IMG_0880

IMG_0882  IMG_0883

Next the guide explained the chocolate making process while pointing out various pieces of machinery. They do not make the chocolate in front of you here so don’t expect a demo.

IMG_0885   IMG_0886

Finally, we were taken to a room full of display cases showing chocolate bar wrappers from around the world. Then we sampled various bits of chocolate that ranged from bitter to quite sweet.

IMG_0888   IMG_0887

Of course, we ended up buying a few bars each in the gift shop. Who could resist?

What is your secret chocolate vice?

 




• Posted in Blog • Tags: , , , , , , , |  Comments Off on World of Chocolate

0 thoughts on “World of Chocolate

  1. Nancy, if you are ever in Seattle I hope you will have time to take in a Theo’s chocolate tour. They do make chocolate here and you get to sample a plethora of chocolates from cocoa nibs, bars, and new creations being developed by the chocolatiers. Divine!