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The Sweet Science
of Chocolate
Valentine's Day, February 14, 1999
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Live @ the Exploratorium Live Webcast at:
www.exploratorium.edu/chocolate
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Chocolate. There are few foods for which people feel such a passion--a
passion that goes beyond a love for the sweetness of most candies
or desserts. After all, few people crave caramel, whipped cream, or
bubble gum. Chocolate is, well, different.
On Valentinešs Day, Sunday, February 14th, from 2-4pm, the Exploratorium
investigates The Sweet Science of Chocolate. Youšll get a chance
to see, taste, smell, and learn all about the science and history
of this intoxicating food. Witness chocolate making demonstrations
and talk with chocolatiers, chefs, food anthropologists, and scientists
in the Live@The Exploratorium studio, which will be transformed into
a kitchen and dining room for this special one-day event. Host Sedge
Thompson of "West Coast Live" moderates. This delicious event is free
with admission to the museum. If you canšt make in person, join us
live at www.exploratorium.edu/chocolate
At The Sweet Science of Chocolate, taste what some critics are calling
the best chocolate in world. Chocolate makers from Scharffen Berger
Chocolate will be on hand to explain the process of creating America's
best-loved sweet, from bean to bar. Scharffen Berger is the only small
company whose factory roasts and grinds its own beans.
Explore the origins of chocolate and its importance to early Mesoamerican
cultures. Sample "xocoatl," the chocolate drink of the ancient
Aztecs and favorite beverage of Aztec ruler Motecuhzoma, who
is reported to have consumed "50 flagons a day."
Watch chocolatiers and pastry chefs demonstrate their skills--with
delicious results. Chocolatier extraordinare Joseph Schmidt
will show off some of his most delicious creations. Join us for a
tasting and for a raffle! Pastry Chef Angela Arzave from EOS restaurant
in San Francisco will demonstrate some easy ways to make chocolate
candies and show some of her more complex culinary creations.
As to the science of chocolate, find out if chocolate is responsible
for acne? Tooth decay? Scientists will examine everything from myths
to modern medicine and explain how chocolate consumption really affects
your health. Harold McGee, scientist and noted author of On
Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, will
discuss his latest research, and scientist Andrew Waterhouse from
U.C. Davis will explain the potential power of "phenolics," chemical
compounds found in chocolate and in other substances we consume, including
coffee, tea, and wine. Find out why eating chocolate makes you feel
so good--and why it may actually reduce the incidence of heart attacks.
The Exploratorium
is located inside the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco's Marina
District. Museum admission is as follows: Members FREE; Adults (18-64)
$9.00; University Students (with ID) $7.00; Senior citizens (65+)
$7.00; People with disabilities $5.00; Youth (6-17) $5.00; Children
3-5 $2.50; Children Under 3 FREE. First Wednesdays of the month FREE.
The Exploratorium's winter hours, from Labor Day through Memorial
Day, are TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY 10AM -5PM (WEDNESDAYS UNTIL 9PM),
CLOSED MONDAYS, except for most holidays. From Memorial Day through
Labor Day, the Exploratorium is open SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, from 10AM
-6PM (Wednesdays until 9PM). The Exploratorium is wheelchair accessible.
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