Le Meridien New Delhi transforms into a cocoa wonderland

A day full of chocolate is a day full of happiness, and on July 7, Le Meridien New Delhi brought joy to the faces of scores of people by celebrating World Chocolate Day in the most whimsical fashion. Chocotales, an immersive celebration of all things chocolate, was held at The Atrium, amidst diplomats, dignitaries, and chocolate lovers who were taken on a curated journey through taste, artistry and imagination.

From indulgent bites to towering sculptures, Chocotales honoured the rich heritage of chocolate, synthesising its ancient roots and contemporary expressions in one unforgettable experience.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome by Chef Davinder Kumar, Vice President – F&B Production, Le Meridien New Delhi, who hosted His Excellency Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India, and His Excellency Federico Salas, Ambassador of Mexico to India. These two countries deeply intertwined with the history and evolution of chocolate—from Mesoamerican cacao rituals to praline craftsmanship of Brussels—offered a symbolic nod to the global journey of cocoa.

Guests embarked on a sensory journey as they sipped orange coolers and chocolate shakes, with the accompaniment of a fun chocolate trivia session that highlighted Mexican and Belgian facts. Winners were rewarded with chocolate bars and certificates.

The evening’s pièce de résistance was the spectacular unveiling of a life-size chocolate bar sculpture titled "Once Upon a Chocotales". The gigantic 5-feet tall and 136 kgs installation was handcrafted from pure couverture chocolate from world-famous Casa Luker, by the hotel's award-winning pâtisserie team led by Chef Davinder.

Designed with intricate detail, the sculpture featured a nostalgic half-torn gold foil, reminiscent of a time when unwrapping a bar of chocolate was an experience in itself. “There used to be a feeling of excitement and curiosity those days when we unwrapped the gold foil to get the chocolate within,” said one of the guests at the chocolate soiree. The grand edible bar was not just a feast for the eyes but a celebration of technique and the timeless joy of chocolate.

The event showcased a rich tapestry of chocolate creations. From fruity infusions to nutty blends, and from Indian fusion desserts to European classics, the spread was both innovative and decadent. Highlights included chocolate-coated madeleines, mocha tartlets, classic French opera cake, chocolate macarons, and a dainty chocolate mocha tart.

At the heart of the dessert counter was an awe-inspiring chocolate replica of London’s Big Ben and a retro chocolate camera. The stunning creation, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, was a reflection of the hotel's culinary artistry. “Chocolate is one of the most versatile ingredients to work with,” shared Chef Davinder. “It needs passion, patience and precision.”

Beyond chocolate, the menu featured a selection of complementary delights like baked yoghurt, fruit mousse, pistachio travel cake, toffee caramel dry cake, among others. For those seeking a savoury break, there was a carefully laid-out fruit and cheese platter, alongside Indian favourites like dhokla and vada pav. Even traditional rasmalai was given a contemporary makeover with cream frosting.

Adding an element of fun was a live DIY chocolate lollipop counter, where guests could create their own treats using white or dark chocolate and a choice of toppings. This hands-on activity allowed visitors to embrace the playful spirit of the event.

From immersive storytelling to culinary art, Chocotales at Le Meridien New Delhi was more than a treat; it was a heartfelt tribute to chocolate as a shared paragon of joy, creativity, and comfort.