Chocolate Cook-Off at Ethan Stowell’s Tavolàta [Event]

There are a few updates to share about the event. First off, Valrhona Chocolate is awarding the first place winner with a two-day pastry class at their new Brooklyn outpost of their acclaimed culinary school, L’Ecole du Grand Chocolat! Second prize will be dinner for four at any Ethan Stowell restaurant, and third prize will be dinner for two.

There has been a change in the judging lineup—chef Mike Easton, chef-owner of Il Corvo and Pizzeria Gabbiano will step in for Jason Franey and join Julien Perry, of Seattle Magazine, and Derek Poirier, of Valrhona, to judge the dessert lineup.

Participants include Baruch Ellsworth from Canlis, Matt Woolen from Old Sage, Pyles of Parchment, Karen Krol from Cantinetta, Alissa Frice from Frice Pastry in Portland, Artis Kalson from the Fairmont Hotel, Renee Bostad from Revel, Nica Falcon from Chocolopolis, Himmelfarb herself, and a few more surprise all-stars to come!

Tickets for the event are $50/person, and include hors d’oeuvres, charcuteries, wine, beer, and, of course, the chocolate tasting. All of the proceeds from the event will go to Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Tavolàta at 206.838.8008.

Valrhona was founded in 1922 in a wine-growing district near Lyon, France. In the 92 years since then, Valrhona has grown to become one of the main producers of high-end chocolate in the world, and also runs the École du Grand Chocolat, a culinary school for chocolate-focused pastry chefs. Though the main role of Valrhona is to provide excellent chocolate for chefs, they also make bars and confections for consumers around the world. For more information, visit www.valrhona-chocolate.com.

Opened in January of 2007 by chef Ethan Stowell, Tavolàta is an urban Italian eatery located at 2323 Second Avenue in Seattle’s bustling Belltown neighborhood. Sublime house made pastas, simple Italian cuisine, and a 30-foot communal table (tavolàta) that runs down the center of the narrow room keeps the crowds coming back. Tavolàta offers a full bar and a selection of Northwest and Italian wines. Tavolàta serves dinner seven nights a week from 5pm to 11pm. A happy hour bar menu is offered from 5pm – 7pm every evening. Tavolàta has a small patio for seasonal dining. For more information or reservations, call 206.838.8008 or visit www.ethanstowellrestaurants.com.