The Benefits Of Chocolate: ‘Une Soirée Délicieuse’

WOODBURY — They came, they saw, they had a great time.

New Morning Store’s second annual chocolate dinner benefit on Saturday, February 26, was a smashing success. A capacity crowd of almost 200 people attended “Chocolate: Une Soirée Délicieuse.”

They navigated the narrow spaces in Country Loft Antiques to the tune of live period French music performed by Grace’s Three, enjoyed a full menu of exquisite all natural and organic food from New Morning’s Provender, took in an informative display on Fair Trade chocolate by Naren Sonpal of Goshen’s Coffee-Tea-Etc., and heard a lecture by the naturopathic physician Eugene Zampieron, ND, on organic chocolate and its health benefits.

Country Loft Antiques, at 557 Main Street South in Woodbury, offered dining among 18th and 19th Century country French antiques. Sofie Kirk of Wildflowers in Woodbury also added to the setting, donating gorgeous fresh cut floral arrangements.

New Morning Chef Carol Byer-Alcorace once again created an interesting and inviting menu. Guests dined on curry cocoa red lentil soup, seared duck breast with sour cherry, cacao nib chutney, pomegranate glazed roasted filet of salmon, and “to die for” chocolate truffles, vegan chocolate, and chocolate chip scones.

The chocolate used for the dinner had been donated by Dagoba Chocolate Company from Oregon. The company, which is devoted to delicious and earth-friendly chocolate, was voted Best Dark Organic Chocolate by Money magazine for 2004.

John Pittari, Jr, the owner of New Morning, and John Longstreth, the executive director of the Bent, share a common passion for ensuring that outdoor spaces, whether habitat or agricultural, are maintained in a manner that is healthy for people and wildlife. The natural and organic growing methods, as tasted in the evening’s food were an irresistible opportunity for all guests to experience the outstanding quality of this approach to a healthy diet.

The food of Saturday evening was complemented by a selection of French wines from Organic Vintages, distributed by Nutmeg Wine and Spirit Shoppe in Woodbury. Additionally, Country Loft Antiques owner Carole Winer Sorensen offered information about the history of France’s romance with chocolate.

Two resident raptors from the Audubon’s Sharon Center also visited with guests.

All proceeds of the dinner will benefit the programs at the Audubon Center at Bent of the River, a 650-acre sanctuary and education center located in Southbury. Last year’s dinner, held in February at Woodbury’s Old Town Hall, also saw a capacity crowd and a final donation of $1,677.50 for Bent of the River and its programs.