Cultural Trust’s Chocolate Bar Event Goes Virtual with Real-life Chocolates

Cioppino was well represented at 2015 Chocolate Bar by pastry chef Meghann Walsh and asst. GM Dominick Mastrogiacoma, who served Dark Chocolate Truffles, Chocolate Covered Bacon, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Balls, Chocolate Turtles, and Chocolate Marshmallow.

The Chocolate Bar fundraiser, held each year at Benedum Center is a very popular and important event for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. It is a multifaceted celebration to all things chocolate. There are many different types of both sweet and savory treats on hand for sampling. Additionally there are chocolate inspired drinks and fun fashions. Live music adds to the frivolity.

This year, obviously, the big event can’t be held in person, but will be enjoyed virtually on Saturday, November 14. The revised event includes deliveries of special chocolates, a virtual happy hour, and digital culinary master classes focused on chocolate. All attendees will receive  a box of high-quality A519 Chocolate truffles and access to two master classes. One class will be led by Amanda Wright of A519 Chocolate who will demonstrate the art of truffle making. The other class is on creating chocolate inspired cocktails and will be conducted by Akil Babb of Bridges & Bourbon. The classes are hosted by journalist Natalie Bencivenga. 

Other treats on the rest of the Circles Lounge bar at 2015’s Chocolate Bar.

“After the success of our virtual celebration of the Cultural Trust in September, To the World We Dream About, we are thrilled to offer Pittsburgh another opportunity to come together virtually for the love of chocolate and support the Trust,” says Nick Gigante, Vice President of Development for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “As we approach the year’s end, we are constantly working to close the funding gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been amazed by the generosity of so many who have already contributed to our critical fund, and we hope that fundraisers like this one continue to bring our valued supporters an even deeper appreciation of and love for the arts in Pittsburgh.”

The Chocolate Bar event tickets start at $55 ($45 for Cultural Trust members). This level includes the aforementioned, plus eight specialty chocolate recipes and an introductory partners membership to the Trust for first time members. There are also VIP levels beginning at $175, ($165 for Trust members) for the event which include additional chocolates, a post-show Q & A with a Pittsburgh chocolatier, and on screen name recognition during the master class videos. The happy hour starts at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Chocolate Bar event page or call the box office at (412) 456-6666.

Women (and men) love chocolate, including Lisa Sipusic (L) and Alexarae Wehlau. They are ready to indulge in Flourless Chocolate Cake with Rich Dulce De Leche Cream and White, Milk, and Dark Chocolate Crisp Pearls from Sonoma Grill, as Scott Skaggs looks on. 2015 Chocolate Bar.

Story and photos by Rick Handler, executive producer of Entertainment Central.

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