Hey Chocolate Lover!
Have you ever daydreamed about wandering through a world filled with chocolates from every corner of the globe, picking and indulging in anything that catches your fancy? What if I told you such a paradise exists right here in Nagoya?
Get ready for an adventure at “Amour du Chocolat!” – a festival that’s every chocolate enthusiast’s dream come true, happening in early February. It’s a time when the air is sweet with anticipation, and the city comes alive with the spirit of Valentine’s Day. In Japan, it’s traditional for women to gift chocolates to men they cherish on February 14th. But let’s be real, a lot of those chocolates end up being a treat for the ladies themselves (wink).
So, I dove into the heart of this chocolate frenzy at the special event space on the 10th floor of JR Nagoya Takashimaya. And boy, was it a sight! The place was buzzing with fellow sweet-tooths, even on a weekday. Imagine the crowd on weekends!
Last year, this chocolate haven drew in around 700,000 visitors over two weeks – that’s an average of 50,000 a day! People from all over the world gather here. Ever seen an event in your country where the buzz never dies down?
As I braved the crowds, the lineup was nothing short of spectacular. With 150 of the world’s top chocolate brands, including Godiva, offering special creations just for the festival, it was a feast for the senses. From innovative to traditional, there was something to make every chocolate dream come true.
Ever thought about chocolate with a cosmic twist? Or how about some colorful chocolates to brighten your day and tantalize your taste buds?
But here’s what caught my eye – a chocolate infused with “Kuu,” the most famous sake from Mikawa, Nagoya’s neighbor. Alas, it was sold out for the day…
Not to be deterred, I found another gem – chocolates made with “Dassai,” a globally beloved sake. In such a bustling atmosphere, hesitation means missing out. So, if you spot a favorite, grab it before it disappears!
After about 30 minutes navigating through the crowd, it was time for a break. Ready to taste the treasures we discovered?
Opening a chic box adorned with rice stalks revealed luxurious chocolates. Do chocolates with alcohol evoke a certain image for you? For me, it’s usually a direct hit of liquor. However, these chocolates offered just a hint of Dassai’s elegance. It made me wonder if pairing it with the actual sake might enhance the flavor.
And there you have it, my friend – a whirlwind tour of this year’s chocolate festival, as delightful and indulgent as ever.
So, are you tempted yet? Here, have one of these chocolates and let the taste transport you. Let’s dive into this chocolatey journey together!
Koki@SamuraiWaderer
