Chocolat at the Embassy of France

This afternoon I heard author Joanne Harris speak at the French Embassy. It was a program sponsored by the Smithsonian Residents Program. Harris wrote the novel Chocolat which was turned into an absolutely delightful movie of the same name, starring one of my very favorite actresses Juliette Binoche. If you haven't seen it yet, go to your Netflix account immediately and put it at the top of your queue!

Christine at the entrance to the Ambassade de France

Maison Francaise

Harris is a marvelous speaker - bright, witty, dynamic, expressive. She was a delight to listen to. At the conclusion of her talk, we all filed out of the auditorium of the Maison Francaise and into an open area with tables full of chocolates. I've taken some photos for you. I'm sorry you can't actually taste them. Try to imagine! White wine was also served but I was too involved in the chocolate to pay any attention to it.

The chocolate crepes were absolutely mouth-watering. I could have eaten a dozen!

The most exquisite treat

This spinning wheel was extraordinary. The chocolate was spinning around at three different levels. (Why wasn't it spinning out and splattering all over everyone?!) It was warm and incredibly delicious. You were to pick up a little stick, spear a strawberry or a pink marshmallow or a banana slice, and then twirl it in the molten chocolate. Or you could pick up a long, skinny pretzel and twirl it in the chocolate. (I chose a strawberry myself.)

I neglected to mention that the purpose of Harris' talk was to promote her latest novel, The Girl with No Shadow, which is a sequel to Chocolat. I look forward to reading it!