Dessert Heaven! Chocolate Academy Opens in Montreal

Desserts table at the Chocolate Academy launch party. Photo by Annie Shreeve Desserts table at the Chocolate Academy launch party. Photo by Annie Shreeve

I can’t think of many better ways to spend a Monday afternoon than having the absolute pleasure of attending the official launch party for the Cocoa Barry Chocolate Academy here in Montreal. What an incredible event!

Chocolate Academy Launch Party. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Chocolate Academy Launch Party. Photo by Annie Shreeve

After great success in Quebec City, throughout Canada and in the North-East of the United States, finally the city of Montreal is officially home to an incredible Chocolate Academy of it’s own. Here, chocolate and pastry gastronomic magic has come to life. The academy offers various high end classes in chocolate, pastry, ice-creams and sorbets. Having officially launched classes just last week, the academy has already tripled class numbers due to demand. The facility boasts six learning areas to create a professional and well equipped learning and teaching environment.

Handing out deserts! Photo by Annie Shreeve

Handing out deserts! Photo by Annie Shreeve

From the moment I walked in the front door, I was in awe. The people, the products and the entire atmosphere were all wonderfully inviting. The chocolate was free flowing! Wonderfully elegant displays, trays of taste-testers and industry professionals to speak with. It was a golden opportunity to learn about the beautiful world of Cocoa Barry chocolate.

Guests from Stubbe Chocolate, Ottawa. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Guests from Stubbe Chocolate, Ottawa. Photo by Annie Shreeve

The journey began in the foyer of the academy where I spoke with people, admired the products and smelt the freshly brewing coffee. As we ventured through the academy, we stopped for a quick chat with the guys from Neige Cidre de Glace and tried the liquid nitrogen Iced Cider sorbet – absolutely delicious!

Liquid Nitrogen Iced Cider Sorbet. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Liquid Nitrogen Iced Cider Sorbet. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Following this frozen treat, I had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful production kitchen which was bustling with chefs, servers and guests alike. The kitchen – the heart of any good party!

The Production Kitchen. Photo by Annie Shreeve

The Production Kitchen. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Chocolate and Cherry Sweet Canapes. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Chocolate and Cherry Sweet Canapes. Photo by Annie Shreeve

And of course they save the best for last! Finally, we reach the final room of the tour. It was nothing short of an overly pleasant surprise! A room dimmed and coloured with pink lights, wine passed freely around the room and guests had the golden opportunity to taste the beautiful displays of sweet and savoury canapés.

Chocolate and Pistachio Foie Gras. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Chocolate and Pistachio Foie Gras. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Sesame Chocolate. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Sesame Chocolate. Photo by Annie Shreeve

Chocolate Macaroon and Apple "Cupcake". Photo by Annie Shreeve

Chocolate Macaroon and Apple “Cupcake”. Photo by Annie Shreeve

This launch party left me filled to the brim and left me itching to see what else the Montreal Chocolate Academy has to come.

The Montreal Chocolate Academy is located at 4850 Molson Street, Montreal. All information regarding classes can be found on their website here.