Chocolate Tree Coming to Dallas

The Dallas Arboretum sent a release today about something called “The Amazing Chocolate Tree” coming to Dallas. They had me at “chocolate.” Jump for details. DALLAS, TX - Chocolate will be in the air this fall when The Amazing Chocolate Tree, supported by Dove, comes to the Dallas Arboretum.

Displays take visitors inside the world of chocolate, from its beginnings as a part of the cacao plant to a candy factory, and explains in an interactive journey how chocolate comes to the consumer. The exhibit ends in a chocolate factory that involves guests in the entire process of chocolate production.

The Amazing Chocolate Tree runs during Autumn at the Arboretum: The Great Pumpkin Festival, presented by Mike Miller & Associates Special Events, which features the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch sponsored by Tom Thumb Food & Pharmacy. Entertainment each day is made possible by Texas Instruments.

The Amazing Chocolate Tree has several key parts that bring the world of chocolate consumption alive. They include the “Flower Dome,” with rain forest sounds and the unfolding of an enormous cacao flower; ”Unbe-Leaf-able Leaves,” all about photosynthesis including a leaf maze; “Chocolate Then and Now,” a history of chocolate; the “Bean Scene” with scent stations; and the “Chocolate Factory,” which shows how to grind, winnow, roast, mix, and mold chocolates.

This touring exhibit was created for  WOW, a national consortium of major botanic gardens, of which the Dallas Arboretum was a founding member. The collaborative exhibit was created for both indoor and outdoor museums and gardens to bring the excitement of the botanic world to life.

Three months of public events, focusing on the uses and enjoyment of chocolate, coincide with the exhibit. Chocolate dipping presentations, tastings and chocolate cooking classes will highlight weekends.

The creativity that chocolate inspires will be on display when pastry chefs, professionals and students, compete in the creation of miniature “chocolate tree” designs on display in the Arboretum’s Sewell Board Room November 3-25. In addition, chocolate teas, featuring a tantalizing, chocolate-themed menu, will be held in the Arboretum’s elegant DeGolyer Garden Café. 

The popular Arboretum Gift Shop will also have a full array of chocolate gifts for visitor purchase, as well as gift-giving including chocolate candles and taste selections of all types.

The Amazing Chocolate Tree opens during the Autumn at the Arboretum all festival with breathtaking fall color in one of the leading display gardens in the United States.

Among the highlights:

·        Flower Power Dome unfolds an enormous cacao flower

·        Chocolate Then & Now: A History of Chocolate

·        Bean Scene

·        Unbe-Leaf-able Leaves

·        Chocolate Factory which shows how to grind, winnow, roast, mix

·        A sample of Dove chocolate

Activities and Special Events

·        Chocolate tastings every Saturday and Sunday

·        Chocolate Baking Contest: November 3

·        Cocoa Therapy: November 3 - 4, December 1 -2

·        Chocolate Dipping Presentation: November 10 - 11

·        Chocolate Cooking Classes: December 8

·        Chocolate themed classes: November 10, December 1, 8

Chef’s Amazing Chocolate Tree Competiton

Pastry chefs are already planning their creations which will be on display November 3-25, 9am to 5pm. in the Sewell Board Room. Judging by a panel of certified pastry chefs and food experts will take place Nov. 2.

Chocolate Tea

A special menu in the De Golyer Garden Café will be available Thursday through  Sunday, September 27 - November 18 at  2pm. The menu includes chocolate specialties such as Mini Cheesecakes with Chocolate Drizzle, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Chocolate-filled Cream Puffs. Reservations are required. Phone  214-515-6512.