As expected the 2017 Aspen Food & Wine Classic did not disappoint! It’s taken the Delysia Chocolatier team a few weeks to recover from all of the decadent food, delicious wine and amazing events we enjoyed with some of the world’s top chefs.
Here’s a quick recap of the highlights and innovative chocolate truffle flavors we sampled at this year’s Aspen Food & Wine Classic.
Party, Party, Party!
Everyone who’s been to the Aspen Food & Wine Classic knows the parties are serious business. These special, after hour soirees are where attendees, grand tasters and talent can mingle together and share their appreciation for fine foods. We also got the opportunity to participate in some of the festival’s premier events!
Aspen Kitchen Party With Aspen Magazine
We were so excited to partner once again with Aspen Magazine, this time for their Aspen Kitchen Party. It was one of the first events for this year’s Classic, which meant the lucky guests got an early taste of six new truffle flavors, including Lavender Honey Bacon and Apple Pie With Iced Apple Wine.
Spain 25th Anniversary With Dancing Bear
Spain was the inspiration for the evening at Dancing Bear’s 25th anniversary party. We delighted guests with our Gazpacho, Sangria, Dulce de Leche, Quince with Manchego, Saffron Orange Blossoms and Carob chocolate truffles.
Patron Parties
Teaming up with Patron Spirits during the Aspen Food & Wine Classic was a real treat for Delysia Chocolatier. We participated in not one, but two, Patron parties, including an exclusive invite-only lunch event where we served our Smoked Cigar, Black Currant and Honey Apricot chocolate truffles to pair with their Gran line of tequilas.
Testing New Flavors at the Grand Taste
One of the most exciting things about the Aspen Food & Wine Classic is it gives us a chance to test new flavors on a discerning crowd. This year we were inspired by iconic flavors from around the world. Each day we offered something new to tantalize the attendees’ palettes.
Here’s a small taste of the 25 truffle flavors we showcased at the 2017 Aspen Food & Wine Classic. See if you can guess which country was the culinary inspiration:
Cheeseburger – Milk chocolate blended with beef seasoning, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and a piece of cheddar cheese in the middle.
Root Beer Float – White chocolate infused with root beer ingredients (wintergreen leaves, sassafras, and spices), studded with a piece of candied ginger in the middle.
Honey Sriracha – Milk chocolate blended with local honey and sriracha sauce.
Mexican Street Corn With Grasshoppers – Dark chocolate blended with freeze-dried corn, grasshoppers, lime zest, and chili seasonings.
Smoked Cigar – Bittersweet chocolate infused with Cuban cigars, smoked salts, caramel, and orange zest.
Absinthe – White chocolate infused with tarragon, spiked with absinthe, and studded with dried plums and almonds
As a result of the Grand Taste in Aspen, we’re excited to offer a limited edition 16-piece collection that features our most favorited flavors from the international collection. You can shop the 2017 Aspen Truffle Collection here.
Getting a Visit From Zac Young
In the past we’ve gotten to meet a number of admirable chefs at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. Gail Simmons always takes the time to stop by and sample a few of our latest chocolate innovations. Host of Bizarre Foods Andrew Zimmern stopped by last year to try the Cricket Chocolate Bark he’d been hearing about. This year we also got a chance to meet renowned pastry chef and Top Chef finalist Zac Young. Turns out he’s got a sweet tooth that rivals ours. We truly enjoyed chatting over chocolate!
We also thoroughly enjoyed the great wines and conversations with our Grand Tasting neighbors from Stag’s Leap in Napa. It was also fun getting to catch up with the guys from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Getting to meet so many amazing people that share our passion for culinary perfection motivates us to keep creating flavors that have never been tasted before.
Check Out Delysia Chocolatier’s Coverage at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic
It was wonderful to see national and local publications stop by the Delysia Chocolatier table. It was even more wonderful to see a special mention of our award-winning chocolates on The Daily Meal and an Instagram shoutout from Aspen Sojourner. We also received honorable mentions from Communities Digital News and a highlight on our zesty Mexican grasshopper bark we showcased by USA Today. (photo 68)
When we weren’t doing interviews and sharing taste sensations from around the world, the Delysia Chocolatier team took time to relax and appreciate the beauty of Aspen. What could be better than being in one of the most beautiful places in the country surrounded by great food, wonderful wines and amazing people.
Until next year, Aspen!
