Response: Chocolate Thunder in Aspen

Wow...I am on a sugar high unlike any I've been on before.  AspenSpin just completed duties as a "guest judge" at Response Aspen's 20th Annual Chocolate Classic.

CLICK 4 PIX:  RESPONSE: CHOCOLATE THUNDER

Response has been providing non-judgmental support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1983.   Response is the only non-profit in Pitkin County and Western Eagle County providing services such as a 24 hour help line and crisis intervention and emergency short-term shelter.  

RESPONSE has the mission to SUPPORT, EDUCATE and EMPOWER victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.    For 24 Hour Support call  970-925-SAFE.  Or click their site  www.responsehelps.org   

Now a few observations about The Chocolate Classic...OMG!!!! I am bouncing off the walls.   40 or more restaurants, caterers and bakers from around Aspen and The Roaring Fork Valley brought their best deserts to the Hotel Jerome to be rated and eaten.  As a judge, I was required to try at least 15 offerings.

Good ol' Andy Party OD'd on chocolate.  By the 10th sweet treat I was doing laps around the ballroom trying to walk it off. Once the doors opened to the public...I could not eat another bite.  It was an amazing display of chocolate decadence...a feast of chocolate gratification.  Plus the crowd was a like a stocked pond of valentine-ready Betty's.  I digress.

The First-Prize winner was a 4 layer chocolate torte that I have nicknamed Chocolate Thunder from All Sweet Things a local caterer.  One word: Sick.

CLICK 4 PIX:  RESPONSE: CHOCOLATE THUNDER