Small incursion into the world of chocolate at Altana

What should have been a simple and fairly quick assignment for the barganews award winning photographer O'Connor, turned into a marathon 12 hour photo session yesterday at the Altana Restaurant in Barga Vecchia.

O'Connor was there to photograph the work of a couple from Pisa that are winning awards around the world for their trail blazing work in handmade chocolates.

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

Paul de Bondt and Cecilia Iacobelli, a Dutch chef and confectioner, and Cecilia Iacobelli, designer 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 entire menu was based on cacao with such specialities as fish with seeds of cacao and roast pork with chocolate.

O'Connor had the rare privilege of watching the pair at close quarters as they prepared the ingredients in the Altana kitchens.

Paul seemed to be unbothered by the constant presence of the photographer and kept up a running commentary of just what he was preparing and kept offering small tasters of some of the dishes.

He pulled seemingly out of thin air, a series of taste sensations one after another, each one more stirring and stimulating than the last, so that the next time O'Connor looked at his watch it was already evening and the guests were already arriving.

A memorable evening was enjoyed by all and a rare chance to glimpse into the working processes of a creative team who are opening up not just the palate but the mind.

O'Connor's images are here


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The Altana is also the venue later on this week for the long awaited opening of "The Mutande of Barga" exhibition plus live music in the Piazza with Jack's Pack Blues Band and (if the rumours in the piazza are correct) a 15 piece Samba band ...telephone for booking your table .. 0583 723192