by Ari Kane (@Aricurian)
We spent this past lovely winter Saturday, January 25th at the serene Fairchild Botanic Garden for its 7th Annual International Chocolate Festival.  The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a tropical oasis off of Old Cutler Road that sports a beautiful collection of trees, plants and wildlife. The chocolate festival was an event for all ages held over three days. The venue provided chocolate tastings, Whole Foods sponsored chocolate beer tastings, a chocolate themed spa, chocolate plants, food trucks, educational seminars, cooking classes for adults and children. Truly a delight for all things chocolate! In addition to the festival, patrons were granted access to the Garden’s tropical flower garden, spiny forest of Madagascar, Victoria pool, butterfly garden, tropical fruit pavilion, conservatory and many other attractions. The butterfly garden was mesmerizing to walk through with gorgeous butterflies literally landing on your shoulders and fingers.
We especially enjoyed The Short Chef who gave a comical and inspiring children’s cooking workshop highlighting the child obesity issue plaguing our country. He was hysterical and enchanted both the adults and kids who attended. He served up a healthy chocolate-marinated strawberry salad that was gobbled up by the attendees. The event was packed with smiling faces and kids running around the park on glorious chocolate sugar rushes. The setting was stunning, the free beers superb, the chocolate exquisite and the vibe of the event sweeter than decadent Swiss chocolate. We look forward to more chocolate dipping next year.
Photo Credit: Daniella Veras (@DaniellaVeras & @_DaniMiami)
