Posted by Melissa Bell in event reviews, events on October 21, 2007 at 5:17 pm
It takes a lot to pull me out from under my duvet before noon on a Sunday – especially a gloomy grey Sunday in mid-October. And it's generally dang nigh impossible to get me to come out from beneath said duvet on a gloomy grey Sunday in mid-October and actually have me throw some real clothes on, get in the car and head along the 401 toward the DVP. But when there's the promise of two things I thoroughly enjoy coming together under one roof – free chocolate and pay-what-you-can spa treatments - I decided it was worth throwing an extra $10 in my gas tank. I then pointed my vehicle in an easterly direction, and toward the heady possibilities awaiting at the Crowne Plaza where the kick-off for Chocolate Fest '07 was taking place at the hotel's wellness centre.
Celebrating the healing and health-giving properties of chocolate, the spa services provided included sugar hand scrubs, chocolate peppermint foot treatments, white chocolate facials, and chocolate massages. Other lovely chocolatey delights were also promised - chocolate tastings, a chocolate fountain, coco d'eurves (sic). Sweet.
Scheduling a spa service in advance was not an option, however, and one had to book appointments on site. Arriving a bit early (the event was scheduled to run from noon until 8 p.m), and expecting to see a significant line-up of eager chocolate lovers in need of some pampering, I was surprised to see that the "line-up" comprised myself and one other person. Nevertheless, we were greeted warmly by Audrey Hlembizky of Spadirect, and after a short wait, I was escorted poolside to enjoy a relaxing hand scrub and massage. And when they said "free", they meant free. My attempt at a gratuity was flatly, but politely, declined – all services were complimentary. I must point out, however, that while donations were expected in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital Prostrate and Breast Cancer Research Programs (as indicated on the event brochure), I didn't see an opportunity to provide one. More signage at the event would have been appreciated. (They were still working out signage issues upon my departure.)
With fingers, hands and forearms gently kneaded into submission, I was urged by one of the attendants to enjoy a chocolate "martini". Now I'm not familiar with the hotel or spa rules, but the only thing that said "martini" about these chocolate martinis was the glasses. It was literally milk and ice cubes in a cocoa-rimmed martini glass "garnished" with a chocolate-coated cookie stick. Yes, I know I really shouldn't have been expecting anything vodka-based at noon on Sunday in a wellness environment, but something a wee touch more imaginative than milk on ice could have been explored perhaps?
Wandering back to the pool area, I met with Ben Stellino who was promoting Xoçai, the Healthy Chocolate ™. Produced using a cold-pressed method during processing, which maintains the anti-oxidant properties of the cocoa's flavonoids, Ben pointed out to me that one little nugget of her chocolate product provided the same anti-oxidant "power" as half a pound of spinach. Impressive. (Although I should let it be known I have no problem whatsoever eating half a pound of spinach.)
The Xoçai chocolate was certainly deep, dark and intense – for serious chocolate lovers only. A couple of children had approached the table for a tasting and it was clear by the looks on their faces that Xoçai is an acquired taste.
While the kids in attendance seemed eager to enjoy the experience of the chocolate fountain (as advertised), it hadn't made an appearance by one o'clock. They looked disappointed. I was relieved. Chocolate fountains and young children can be hazardous and messy. What child can resist sticking their whole hand under that lovely ooze of flowing chocolate, slurping it off their fingers, and then going back for more? Certainly none that I know of. What was provided, however, was a lovely-looking tray of chocolate-based treats and pastries. I sampled a ganache-filled tart shell. It wasn't horrid, but it wasn't worth the empty calories either. I left half of it on the plate.
By the time I left, the 15-minute-massage chairs were fully occupied and the sign-up sheets that eventually appeared at the event entrance were rapidly filling up with appointment bookings. Audrey and the Spadirect crew were gracious and professional. I loved my free handscrub. I'm typing this up with cocoa-infused speed and my hands still smell delicious.
