Best Magazine Of Haute Pâtissere

October 7, 2010

Cocoa: Quetzalcoatl’s Gift

October 7, 2010
Author:
Lisa Shames
TAGS #
Couvertures and Chocolate World Chocolate Masters

Cocoa: Quetzalcoatl’s Gift

Cocoa: Quetzalcoatl’s Gift

Author:

Lisa Shames

Starting with 2,500 pounds of some of the world’s best chocolate from Barry Callebaut the five contestants of the 2010 World Chocolate Masters U.S. selection competition didn’t waste any time over the two-day event, creating five different chocolate masterpieces, including a plated dessert, a multi-layered mousse cake, molded and hand-dipped pralines, and a towering showpiece made entirely out of chocolate. Held in conjunction with the International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas (Sept. 26-29), this year’s theme, “Cocoa, Quetzalcoatl’s Gift,” with its nod to the mystery surrounding the discovery of cocoa in the rain forests of South America, provided ample inspiration for the pastry chefs’ stunning creations. As a judge my job was much easier, but nonetheless stressful with each of the competing chefs presenting something worthy of an award on its own. But in the end, it was Sylvain Bortolini, assistant executive pastry chef at Bellagio Las Vegas, who took home the top prize, along with Best Showpiece, and will represent the United States at the World Chocolate Masters finals in Paris next year.

Other contestants:

  • Frederic Loraschi, chocolatier and owner of Chocolat Frederic Loraschi LLC in Hummelstown, Penn., earned Best Degustation and Second Place.
  • Stephen Durfee, pastry chef instructor at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helene, Calif., earned third place.
  • Naomi Gallego, executive pastry chef at the Fairmont Hotel in Pittsburgh, Penn.
  • Jove Hubbard, executive pastry chef at the James Hotel in Chicago, Ill.
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