Dress Up Your Christmas Party

It's not too late to plan that special holiday party and wow your friends and family! Contact Chocolat Elegant Fondue at 708.562.4600 to add that extra touch of pizzazz. Dip strawberries in warm milk or dark chocolate. Make a smore' with graham crackers, marshmallows and warm chocolate. Your friends won't stop talking about it! Chocolat Elegant Fondue is a chocolate fountain rental company located in the Chicago area. We come to you! All-inclusive packages with the dipping items included. Booking space is limited so call today...

Holiday Event Ideas

If you're looking for a fun and classy way to kick up your Holiday Party a notch, we've got the resounding answer! Add a chocolate fountain, some Belgian chocolate, some fresh fruit (strawberries a MUST) and other delectable treats and you have a surefire big hit.

Whether you're planning the corporate holiday event or having a get-together with friends, you CAN Step out of the box of the ordinary dessert table. Chocolat Elegant Fondue, your Chicago chocolate fountain rental company provides No Worries!! Service™, each and every time…

Guaranteed to be a conversation starter! Our all-inclusive chocolate fountain service packages include server(s), our elegant (and highly acclaimed) table decor and dipping items, delivery, set-up, teardown and cleanup.

Book your event today by calling 1-877-FONDUES, or in the local Chicago area (708) 562-4600, but hurry, event dates are quickly disappearing... We'd love to be of service!

Grad Party Ideas - Vol. II

by R.L. McGuire

The ceremony is over, and the planning begins. Many family and friends scramble to find an innovative graduation party idea that will add that extra "wow factor" to their event.

A Chicago area chocolate fountain rental company Chocolat Elegant Fondue offers the answer. An all-inclusive package that includes the fountain, server, dipping items and elegant table decor. Have a school theme color?? We'll try to incorporate it into our set-up...It's absolutely NO WORRIES!! Service each and every time. Keep in mind that chocolate fountains can only operate indoors. Two reasons.... wind and bugs.

Having the event at home? No problem!! Take advantage of our "Party Servers For Hire" service. Book in advance, and our tux-attired staff will arrive early, assist in set-up, serving, and clean-up. They'll even greet your guests at the door if you'd like. The goal with this add-on service is to relieve the hosts of the stresses of 'trying to handle it all'. We want you to thoroughly enjoy your event, cherish the memories... It's more affordable than you think, and worth every penny to take the pressure off the host/hostess.

Give us a call at 708.562.4600. Be sure to book early as availability is on a first-come/first-booked basis. You can visit our web-site at http://www.chocolatelegantfondue.com/ for more information...

Punching Up The Party Plan

So you've been elected to plan the party. Book the hall. Get the DJ. Find the caterer.

All the standard things required to make a happening happen. You're hoping everyone will get up and dance. Have a great time and rave about it.

Here's your chance Punching Up The Party Plan... Chocolate. Very few people don't like chocolate. Will there be women at the event? Guaranteed big hit!

Chocolat Elegant Fondue, Chicago's Premiere Chocolate Fountain Rental Company enables you to enjoy a dessert delicacy, without lifting a finger. Our all-inclusive specials include everything. From start to finish. Staffing, chocolate, fountain, table decor (no tables or linens though) and an exclusive dipping package that's unique to the Chicagoland area!

We are also launching "Dessert Station Creations" in 2008, becoming Chicagolands' must-have for any event. These new stations can also be utilized for outside events. (Historically, chocolate fountains belong indoors due to wind, pesky insects, etc.)

Looking to add an extra touch of pizzazz or elegance, consider our sister company, Elegant Wedding Services for discounted party and wedding invitations, professional calligraphy services, envelope addressing, party and wedding favors and more! Visit that web-site for more information at: http://www.elegantweddingservices.com/

So if you're looking for something special, give us a call at 708.562.4600 or visit our web-site at http://www.chocolatelegantfondue.com/ and get your punched up party started!!

We are Your Dessert Specialists at its finest!

Chicago Area Sushi – Anniversary Event

By Rhonda McGuire

Sushi has an attraction in and of itself. Health benefits, the wide variety of choices, its’ visual appeal and of course the delectable taste. Now add a contemporary/retro flair to the mix and you’ve got a huge hit!

The Blu Coral Contemporary Sushi & Lounge, located in the newest mall on Route 53 in Woodridge has quickly become a staple restaurant in the community. Celebrating its’ one-year anniversary by inviting out area VIPs, the Village Mayor and its loyal customer/fan base, the Blu Coral is clearly here to stay.

The Evening
In addition to serving its’ delicious sushi, some grilled delights, and tempura hors d'oeuvres the restauranteur/ owner David Yi chose to sweeten up the evening by offering fresh fruits, and other Belgian chocolate-dipped treats with a chocolate fountain, provided by Chicago area Dessert Specialists, Chocolat Elegant Fondue. Gasps, chuckles and delight were a great finish to a superb evening.

The Space
Clothed in retro blue, enhanced with HD screens, and classically crisp Japanese-flaired dining room, this restaurant, convenient to I-88 tollway, is also the perfect location to host a private party or event for small groups of 40 or more, to larger on-site events (up to 150 people). To book a private event contact Hannah Yi by telephoning the restaurant at (630) 719-8808.

You may make your reservation on-line by clicking here, or visit the restaurant web-site.

Desire to have a sushi party at home? No problem! The Blu Coral also offers off-site personal chef services and/or catering services.

Grad Party Ideas

by R.L. McGuire

It's that time of year again when the young adults strap on their fancy clothes, don a cap and gown and walk down the aisle toward their bright new future... From junior high to high school. From High school to college, or college to a new profession.

Many family and friends scramble to find an innovative graduation party idea that will add that extra "wow factor" to their event.

Chicago area chocolate fountain rental company Chocolat Elegant Fondue offers the answer. An all-inclusive package that includes the fountain, server, dipping items and elegant table decor. Have a school theme color?? We'll try to incorporate it into our set-up...

It's absolutely NO WORRIES!! Service each and every time. Keep in mind that chocolate fountains will really only operate well indoors. Two reasons.... wind and bugs. Although we have a few arthropod connoisseurs out there, chocolate-covered cicadas are not on the menu.

Having the event at home? No problem!! Take advantage of their "Party Server For Hire" service. Book in advance, and their staff will arrive early, assist in set-up, serving, and clean-up. Their tux-attired staff will even greet your guests at the door if you'd like. The goal with this add-on service is to relieve the hosts of the stresses of 'trying to handle it all'. We want you to thoroughly enjoy your event, cherish the memories... It's more affordable than you think, and worth every penny to take the pressure off the host/hostess.

Give us a call at 708.562.4600. Be sure to book early as availability is on a first-come/first-booked basis. You can visit our web-site at http://www.chocolatelegantfondue.com for more information...

Thanks for stopping by!

Chocolate Fountains - The Interesting Side... Post I

MESSES

As a chocolatier and chocolate fountain rental company in the Chicago area we see it all.

Imagine this...

• 22 lbs. of chocolate and excited people wielding strawberries on a spear. (Skewers of course)...
• In many cases this is the environment: blaring DJ music, cocktail hour and 'upbeat' guests "ready to go at the deeeeessert" ("Yeehah," as I've heard with my own two ears)...
• I've had to get between the two macho guys having 'sword fights' with chocolate-covered strawberries
• Yes - we have people standing about four feet away from the chocolate fountain, holding their dipping items out to the fountain
• Our cascading chocolate is sensitive. It's effected by temperature, drafts and wind.
• Who wants to clean up chocolate from their brand new carpet or linens?
• The result? A stream of warm, delicious chocolate from the fountain to the guest and their best clothes
• Funniest story? A woman apparently leaned into the fountain unawares, and she had a mound of warm, delicious chocolate on her shoulder. The priceless part? Her husband said, "Honey, you loved that chocolate so much you're saving some for the ride home..."

SOLUTIONS...

• That's why we send out our professional staff to events. To assist our clients and their guests to ensure a positive experience.
• That's why we recommend that our guests grab a plate before dipping.
• Wearing white? Take your time. Listen to our staff as they coach you for the first time.
• Unsure? Allow us to demonstrate.
• That's why we recommend that when you dip you keep the tip of your dipping item pointed upward. Otherwise you may lose your delectables in the cascade
• Place your plate up to the base.
• Don't be afraid of the cascade! It won't jump off the tier.
• If you're having an outdoor event, consider moving the dessert station indoors. Besides, every flying creature within a five mile radius will catch wind of the chocolate fragrance wafting on the breeze and decide to crash your party.
• If there's a ceiling fan, air condition vent or the wind blows - so will the cascading chocolate. Not a pretty sight.
• Dip away and ENJOY!
• Choose Chocolat Elegant Fondue, Chicagolands' Premiere Chocolate Fountain Company

watch for our next post... I have a home fountain - now what do I do with it??

Text & Image/Copyright Chocolat Elegant Fondue, Inc. 2007. All Rights Reserved.

No portion of this post may be duplicated without written permission.

Valentine's Day Ideas

What some consider a "Hallmark Holiday", is also the perfect opportunity to give your sweetheart an evening to remember on Valentine's Day. Whether its' a romantic night out on the town at your favorite Chicago restaurant or an intimate gathering at home for two, there's one guarantee we can make...

Women love chocolate...

In fact, that's the next survey this blog will be conducting. For women only, on a scale of 1 to 10 rate the level of enjoyment you receive... watch for that one.

We have a couple of solutions for the Google searchers...

1. Book an intimate micro package that includes the fountain, Belgian chocolate and dippers, delivery and next day pick-up. You melt the chocolate in the microwave, warm the fountain, pour it in and watch your Sweetheart go crazy. Dip fresh strawberries, pineapple, cookies and more...


2. Want to have an office Valentine's Party? Or luncheon? No problem, our staff will do all of the work.


3. Have a home fountain already, but don't know where to buy the fondue chocolate? No problem! You can purchase that on our web-site. It's easy, no mess, no oil necessary...


4. Want to send the gift of chocolate? Call us at 708-562-4600. Nationwide shipping.
   Don't wait - event slots are almost booked!
   

Chocolat Elegant Fondue, Inc. - Chocolate Fountain Rental in Chicago, and Fondue Chocolate Sales, nationwide...

Chocolate Fountain in Chicago

So you're planning an event. You want to pump it up a notch and be the talk among your friends and family? So how do you go about doing it? We have just the solution... Add a chocolate fountain.

Perhaps you received a mini-fountain as a gift, you tried it and it just didn't work out. You thought it was messy, the chocolate wouldn't flow, or you just didn't like doing it yourself...

So there goes your home chocolate fountain, into the pile with all the rest of your useless (or infrequently used) appliances.

We have a few solutions...

1. Hire our chocolate fountain rental service to come in and handle all of the details for you, from the fountain and Belgian chocolate, to the professional server and all-inclusive dipping item special. We take the guesswork out of having a successful event.


2. Pull your home fountain off the shelf and order our fondue chocolate. It's formulated to work well in most chocolate fountains. (Note: Some inexpensive fountain motors don't have enough amperage to flow properly). No oil needed.

For more information about our packages, visit our web-site at:

http://www.chocolatelegantfondue.com

To order fondue chocolate, visit our on-line store: http://www.fonduechocolatesales.com

Step Aside Pastry Tables

by R.L. McGuire

Ask any bride what's most important to her, and she'll tell you that she hopes to have a unique dream wedding, perfect from veil to honeymoon. Faced with hundreds of decisions, we make it easier for brides to choose us for their reception. After all, who doesn't love chocolate?

Why settle for a simple wedding cake, fruit platter or pastry table, when you can have the most popular dessert around? That's right. I'm talking about a chocolate fountain. It adds elegance, fun and conversation.

Undoubtedly, Chocolat Elegant Fondue of Chicago offers their clients the opportunity to gather round the fountain table, dip their delectable goodies while laughing, smiling and oooing and ahhhing... We're not just talking any chocolate fountain though - this is a premiere Belgian chocolate fountain - flowing as smoothly as milk and honey... Yes, many customers call it simply heavenly and we invite comments from our clients to validate their delights.

With the advent of the home fountain market, many of Chocolat's customers have requested the chance to order their dreamy, creamy chocolate. FondueChocolateSales.com, a division of Chocolat Elegant Fondue, Inc., has been launched by popular demand. Offering only the finest chocolates, gift ideas and accessories. In addition, top-of-the-line Sephra home fountains will be available for purchase at the beginning of 2007 on their web-site.

Chocolat Elegant Fondue is all about customer service. You can either order on-line or call to talk to a personal service rep at the phone numbers listed below.

Chocolate Fountain chocolate can be delivered locally in the Chicago area and shipped nationwide. Call us toll-free at 877-FONDUES (877-366-3837) or 708-562-4600 locally.

Holiday Party Ambience

If you're looking for a fun and classy way to kick up your Holiday Party a notch, we've got the resounding answer! Add a chocolate fountain, some Belgian chocolate, some fresh strawberries, pineapple and bananas, Toll House Cookies, marshmallows and pound cake and you'll be a big hit.

You CAN Step out of the box of the ordinary dessert table.

Chocolat Elegant Fondue, a Chicago chocolate fountain provides not only the chocolate fountain service, with server, decor and dipping items, but has quickly become the largest fondue chocolate sales distributor in the Midwest.

"The problem most consumers find once they've purchased a home fountain, is that there is no resource for the fondue chocolate. Even though we're located in the Chicago area, we can ship nationwide. Not only do we sell Belgian chocolate, but also products that are designed specifically to eliminate the need to add any oil. It's not a bad idea to have some canola oil on hand, as some home fountain manufacturers' motors may not amp-out the chocolate like it should," says owner Rhonda McGuire.

Having trouble with your fountain? Call the fountain manufacturer first, or our hotline at 1-877-FONDUES, or in the local Chicago area (708) 562-4600. We'd be glad to help.

Revisiting the Nostalgic Community

by R. McGuire

For those folks who are trying to bring back a sense of community, we had the honor of being a part of a village-wide event in the Chicago suburb of Forest Park. Of course, it occurred the day after Chicago's first winter storm, but the snow added visual ambience to the season's kickoff.

Holiday Walk 2006

Forest Park held its' annual Holiday Walk on Friday, December 1st. The evening kicked off in central square as the sound of Christmas carolers wafted through the air. Village officials, business owners, friends and families gathered around for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Children clapped and shouted with joy as Santa Claus arrived - sirens blazing, on his big red sled, courtesy of the Forest Park Fire Department.

The brisk winter evening was warmed by the smiles of children roasting marshmallows, and families sipping hot cocoa as they gathered around to chat or listen to the carolers. Many strolled Main Street with its beautifully-donned holiday display windows.

The highlight of the night centered around the heated tent where Chocolat Elegant Fondue, a Chicago area company, delivered delicious dark and milk Belgian chocolate in its' towering chocolate fountains. Laughter, delight and awe filled the air as first-timers dipped strawberries, cream puffs, and other delectable delights into the rich, warm chocolate. It was a nice surprise and generous gift provided by the Forest Park Main Street Association (its' local Chamber of Commerce). Many lucky attendees took part in a raffle. Prizes were donated by local area businesses.

During this season of the year, while the masses scurry around to shop for the holidays; or hunt down the latest gadget or toy, or battle the stresses of traffic jams at shopping malls, the Forest Park Main Street Association generously created a memorable evening of true community and family for all to enjoy free of charge.

Perhaps this observer is sentimental, but the night reflected a clear sense of genuine community and nostalgic warmth at its' best. I'd welcome being a part of that kind of village any day...


For more information about fondue chocolate sales and services please contact :

Chocolat Elegant Fondue at 708-562-4600,

or the Forest Park Main Street Association,

Assistant Director Kathleen Hanrahan at 708-771-4777.

Copyright 2006 R McGuire. Use by permission only

OUR Dark Chocolate

by R. McGuire

In light of the previous article about dark chocolate let me tell you this. If I had to choose between Belgian Milk Chocolate, Belgian White Chocolate, or Belgian Dark Chocolate - Dark would be my pick.

But why do SO many people shy away from choosing it? One word, bitter-sweet. Okay - it's a hyphenated word. Most people remember tasting moms' baking dark chocolate and they figure that the dark fountain chocolate will taste the same way.

The good thing about our Belgian Dark Chocolate is that its' not bitter. It's not overly rich. It's perfect. It flows beautifully, looks delectable and tastes unbelievable. So, in light of the recent declaration that chocolate is healthy, dark chocolate wins hands down!

Don't want to take our word for it? Contact us and we'll send you a sample.

It can be ordered on our web-site by clicking here.

Health benefits of chocolate

by R. McGuire

Ask any woman if she loves chocolate, and you'll receive an unequivocal "YES!"

Chocolate equals pleasure in my book. After all, being a chocolatier means I have the benefit of consuming, tempering, smelling the aroma and playing with chocolate.

Now, the AMA reports that there are definite health benefits from chocolate. But it's not every flavor of chocolate, but dark chocolate specifically. As reported by WebMD:

"...Studies in two prestigious scientific journals say dark chocolate -- but not white chocolate or milk chocolate -- is good for you.

Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate lowers high blood pressure, say Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Cologne, Germany. Their report appears in the Aug. 27 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.

But that's no license to go on a chocolate binge. Eating more dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure -- if you've reached a certain age and have mild high blood pressure, say the researchers. But you have to balance the extra calories by eating less of other things.

Antioxidants in Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate -- but not milk chocolate or dark chocolate eaten with milk -- is a potent antioxidant, report Mauro Serafini, PhD, of Italy's National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome, and colleagues. Their report appears in the Aug. 28 issue of Nature.

Antioxidants gobble up free radicals, destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease and other ailments. "Our findings indicate that milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate ... and may therefore negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate."

Translation: Say "Dark, please," when ordering chocolate. But don't wash it down with milk. And if health is your excuse for eating chocolate, remember the word "moderate" as you nibble.

For the full article click here.

*******

Does this change the chocolatier/blog author's opinion on chocolate consumption? "Absolutely not! It validates it. Dark Belgian chocolate is my choice hands down anyway. Of course in moderation..."

For more information, visit our web-site at: Chocolat Elegant Fondue for fondue chocolate sales and fountain rentals in Chicago. Click here.

This content was used by permission, and cannot be reproduced without the expressed written permission of WebMD.

Revival Of An Old Favorite: The Fondue

by R. McGuire

Navy Pier - Crystal Garden, Chicago

A recently revived dessert and entertainment craze has swept across the nation. An insurgent from the 60s has resurfaced -- fondue. The party host would invite friends over, sit around the table in bean bag chairs and dip breads and fresh veges in cheese fondue, or fresh fruit in chocolate fondues. For the upscale, cubed filet mignon and shrimp were the order of the day. A rudimentary fondue pot was typically used with a candle or sterno as its' heat source.

The result? Tons of fun, delicous food and chatty praise of a successful party.

We're living in the 21st Century now and the hottest craze is the chocolate fountain. Yes, a two- or three-tiered fountain which cascades chocolate. Perhaps you've seen them demonstrated on your favorite Food Network show or attended a wedding where it became a beautiful centerpiece in and off itself.

The most logical application for the updated fondue are weddings. Some brides are even choosing chocolate fountains to replace their sweet pastry table or their wedding cake altogether.

Chocolat Elegant Fondue, a Chicago chocolate fountain company in the Chicago area specializes in providing their clients with NO WORRIES!! Service, handling the set-up, professional service, plus specially selected Delectable Delights in one swift package.

They have recently launched The Chocolate Fountain Store and Fondue Chocolate Sales to allow their guests/clients to experience their delectable chocolate at home. Their products include the contemporary fondue pots of olden days, and of course the best home chocolate fountains on the market. Check back often for specials, recipes and more!

But what good is a fountain without the specially formulated chocolate?

Chocolate, fountains, tips and advice are offered on our web-site. These products make wonderful bridal shower, wedding or Christmas gifts.

Overall, even though the 'fondue' world has changed, the end result is the same. Fun, conversation and smiling faces. What more can a party host ask for?

Read our next article on Best Chocolate Fountain Applications