3rd Barga Cioccolata

Spectacular success this weekend for the Barga Cioccolata Event. The narrow streets of Barga Vecchia were crammed with people all eager to sample the various designer and artisan chocolates on sale in many of the cantanas, studios and small shops. Last year the two day event was curtailed on the second day by torrential rain. This year the organisers had extended Barga Cioccolata to cover three days and the exceptionally fine weather after a month of rain brought thousands of people into the piazzas during those three days.
Also present at this years edition were Paul de Bondt a Dutch chef and confectioner, and Cecilia Iacobelli designer who have been winning awards around the world for their trail blazing work in handmade chocolates.

[View with PicLens]

The Chocolate Bible – the prestigious guide “The Chocolate Companion” by Chantal Coady puts them among the best 15 chocolate manufacturers worldwide.

They were last here in Barga during 2005 (article here) when they were invited by the Altana to prepare a menu which had as its title ” A chocolate coloured evening – a small incursion into the world of chocolate”

The award winning photographer O ‘Connor spent the day with them that year – this images are here

• Taglio del nastro per Barga Cioccolata 2011
• Conto alla rovescia per Barga Cioccolata
• 5th Annual Barga Cioccolata opens
• Barga Chocolate – second day
• Barga Cioccolata – second day