Chicago Treats for Chocolate Lovers

Chocoholics rejoice! The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show, a unique fine chocolate & culinary event open to the general, chocolate-loving public will feature fine artisanal chocolate creations from around the world. 

World class chefs and master chocolatiers will showcase classic techniques of chocolate making, from truffles to marshmallows, presenting the versatility of chocolate as an exceptional ingredient amongst a variety of cuisines and culinary techniques. Over 100 vendors will offer samples for you to taste and enjoy as well as specialty items for purchase.

The show will be held Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18 at Chicago’s Navy Pier - Festival Hall. 

The event features live pastry demonstrations by the world famous French Pastry School; fun and interesting seminars created by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), ranging from small batch chocolate making from bean to bar, leveraging and creating trends, sustainability in chocolate, the lifecycle of chocolate from the farm to table and more; free samples; and The Story of Chocolate presented by the National Confectioners Association – where you’ll learn the six steps of the creation of chocolate.

Guests will learn how to pair and taste the nuances of fine chocolate with not only wine, but with beer and spirits as well as coffee, tea and more. Guests can explore what they enjoy and what pairs well and what doesn’t through guided tastings from chocolate expert Clay Gordon of The Chocolate Life.

This affordable, family-friendly event is the perfect place to enjoy your weekend or to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Visit www.chicagochocolatefestival.com for more details.

For more information about top events in Illinois take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Illinois.

Texas Revs its Engine for Formula 1

Racing fans, rejoice! November 16 to 18 marks the first Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the brand new Circuit of The Americas in Austin. This is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the country designed for racing events of all forms. 

Formula 1 has selected Austin to hold races from 2012 to 2021 because of the city’s central location, easy accessibility for international fans, desirable climate and world-class music scene.

The FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ will attract as many as 300,000 people each race weekend, with an estimated 80 percent of attendees coming from outside Texas. 

The Circuit of The Americas’ boasts a one of a kind, 5.5 km track with capacity for 120,000 fans and an elevation change of approximately 40 metre. Circuit of The Americas is situated on a 1,000-acre site in southeast Austin, approximately two miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with scenic views of downtown.

Keeping with Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World, some of the biggest names in music will soon be entertaining fans at Circuit of The Americas. Once completed in 2013, the Tower Amphitheater will be the largest permanent stage in Austin, with a capacity of 15,000 people, and will host major concerts and national touring events through a partnership with Live Nation.

The Circuit of the Americas complex will also include a conference center, banquet hall and state-of-the-art medical facility. Future proposed features include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.

Visit www.traveltex.com for more information about travel experiences in Texas.

For more information about top events in Texas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Texas.