A Chocolate Fountain. Every time I see one, my heart lights up. Which human being doesn’t love chocolate? Or even better, a stream of chocolate. When we had a family lunch a little while ago at W. Hotel’s Kitchen Restaurant in Hong Kong, one of the first things my eye caught in that amazingly designed restaurant was the Chocolate Fountain. I observed it, I tried it and I got inspired by it. So I decided to do some research into the world of Chocolate Fountains. Here is everything you want to know about this delicious invention.
History of the Chocolate Fountain
Chocolate fountains were invented by Ben Brisbane and popularised in 1991 by Canadian company Design & Realisation. They became popular in the early 90’s when Design & Realisation displayed the chocolate fountains at the national Restaurant Show in Chicago. Entrepreneur and former Marriott Catering Executive Jay Harlan teamed up with Design & Realisation to introduce the chocolate fountain to the hotel and hospitality industry in the U.S.
Jay Harlan’s company, Buffet Enhancements International, started distributing the Design & Realisation chocolate fountains in the U.S. in 2001. Shortly after that, Buffet Enhancements copied and improved the Design & Realisation fountain idea and began manufacturing their own American-made version. In 2003, American company Tephra of California stepped into the marketplace and started selling their own high-end Chinese manufactured chocolate fountains. Tephra modified and enhanced the design of the original chocolate fountain to make its operation and cleaning of the machines easier. Tephra introduced a variety of accessories for their chocolate fountains and they added several size options to accommodate home dinner party’s but also massive catering events.
How does a Chocolate Fountain exactly work?
A chocolate fountain is composed of two parts. A motor and a heater. The heater is designed to transpose heat through the base to keep the chocolate in liquid form. The motor drives the screw in the upper part of the fountain. The fountain has multiple tiers over a heated basin at the bottom. The chocolate is melted in the basin and then pulled up through the augur and continuously flows over the tiers. And this is when the party begins. Dipping into that stream of Chocolate!!
There are various types of dips that can be used with a chocolate fountain. Fruit is one of the most popular options. Sweets are another possibility, with marshmallows and fudge being favourites. Also, cakes and cookie dips can be used. Doughnuts, waffels, brownies, shortbread or gingerbread to name a few.
It’s also possible to choose your favourite chocolate for your chocolate fountain. The most popular flavour is milk chocolate, but dark chocolate is considered a more elegant ( and also healthy ) option. White chocolate might be a little sweet but it makes less mess than the other two. Some chocolate fountain suppliers also offer speciality flavoured chocolates such as strawberry, raspberry, or orange.
When and Where do you use a Chocolate Fountain?
Chocolate fountains are a unique and impressive form of entertainment. They create a fantastic focal point at any major event and provide your guest with a unique and interactive way of treating themselves to luxurious fondue chocolate.
You don’t have to be rich to get your own chocolate fountain and trow a massive dinner party with friends and family. Check out Amazon’s best sellers here
Chocolate Fountains and weddings
Are a match made in heaven. Unless you spill some of that magical chocolate on your dress. Or you thought it was a good idea to use the chocolate fountain outside on a perfectly sunny day until that gush of wind came along. Or it was situated behind a closed door, and somebody slammed into it. Ok, I might drift off a bit, but better safe than sorry right? 😉
Anyway if you keep an eye on all the above things you should be perfectly fine and instead of a disaster, your chocolate fountain can be the perfect alternative of a wedding cake! More fun, unique and much cheaper also! If you are located or going to be married in London, you should check out www.chocolatefountainhirelondon.com. These guys know everything about chocolate fountains and they can make your party or wedding pretty delicious!
Chocolate fountains are pure eye-candy, in every sense of the word and will likely be one of the first things your guest notice when they arrive at your event. I mean it is not hard to miss right? Speaking for myself; If I walk into a restaurant, like I did at the W Hotel in Hong Kong, and there is a Chocolate Fountain in the room, it will be the first thing I notice, and my heart will make a little jump. And that was before I even touched or tasted the chocolate. It has something luxurious and unique.
Chocolate is Healthy!
Chocolate is not only really delicious, but also very healthy – Especially if you go for the pure version! And no, this is not an excuse to eat more chocolate, but studies have shown that eating a certain amount of dark chocolate can help lower your blood pressure, improve your blood circulation and is healthy for your heart ( same with red wine! 😉 )
Chocolate is also full of antioxidants, which is good for body, skin and mind. Apart from that, chocolate also contains Phenylethylamine, which is called “the love drug” because it apparently brings up feelings similar to being in love.
So bring on dinner parties with friends and chocolate fountains and red wine as dessert! Healthy and delicious!
Worlds largest Chocolate Fountain in Las Vegas
When I did my research on the Chocolate Fountain, I found out that the largest Chocolate Fountain in the world is at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Standing at 27-feet tall, this masterpiece of eye candy circulates nearly two tons of melted dark, milk and white chocolate at a rate of 120 quarts per minute. Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury is the master brain behind this epic chocolate fountain. Have a look at it here
Me too! 🙂 But I don’t have one at home ( yet 😉 )
Me Too! Las Vegas was always on the bucket list, but discovering this massive chocolate fountain makes that graving even bigger!! And yes chocolate and strawberries are my favourite too! 🙂
Have a lovely day!
X Jo
Ooo yummy! I’m always excited to see chocolate fountains ?
Ok, now I have a reason to go to Las Vegas! This looks absolutely irresistible, I’m craving chocolate right now! I wouldn’t mind diving into that beautiful fountain of joy and give myself a treat! Speaking of fruit, chocolate and strawberries are my favourite combination – match made in heaven!
Mal Xx