WEST CHESTER, PA –American-born Master Chocolatier Christopher Curtin, the genius behind Philadelphia magazine’s “Best Chocolate, 2008,” and owner of Éclat Chocolate (24 South High Street,), has created a Six-Pack of Local Beer-Infused Truffles in honor of Philly Beer Week 2009 (PBW). The six-pack will be available for a limited time for $15; $3 from each six-pack will be donated to Philly Beer Week, a non-profit organization. The six-pack of chocolates can be purchased at the PBW Opening Tap kickoff event on March 6, at Fork; etc. (306 Market Street) or by calling Eclat Chocolate, 610-692-5206 for mail order.
“I’ve always been obsessed with sourcing the world’s finest chocolate for my confections, and by adding the finest beers to the finished product creates a one-of-a-kind treat,” Curtin says. “I’m proud to partner with local breweries and to celebrate our region’s rich beer culture.”
The six featured beers in Éclat’s six-pack are: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant’s oak-aged, Belgian-style Cassis Sour Ale; Dogfish Head Brewing Company’s Palo Santo Marron; Nodding Head Brewery’s Chocolate Stout; Victory Brewing Company’s Hop Wallop; Stoudt’s Brewing Company’s Fat Dog Imperial Oatmeal Stout; and Yards Brewing Company’s India Pale Ale.
Christopher Curtin perfected the fine art of chocolate-making in the world’s premier chocolate houses throughout Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Japan. Beginning at House of le Companion Du Devoir, the premier tradesmen guild in France, he eventually worked under many of the world’s great masters, including stints at: Konditorei Bachman in Switzerland, where he developed a mastery of chocolate and other ingredients; Confiserie Coppeneur in Germany, where he focused on industrial and mass production; and with world champion Herman Van Dender in Brussels, which he says served as his “finishing school.” Curtin spent a total of 14 years refining his craft overseas, and is the first American to be awarded the prestigious honor of Konditor [Master Pastry Chef] from Handwerkskammer Zu koln in Cologne Germany. His caramels were recently selected by Vogue magazine as “World’s Best.”
Philly Beer Week 2009 is the second annual celebration of Philadelphia’s dynamic and diverse brewing culture. More than 20,000 attendees are expected to attend the over-650 events, tastings, tours and educational seminars on all things beer and brewing. National and international brewing celebrities will attend, as well, bringing with them their incredible depth of knowledge and of course, kegs and casks of their esteemed lagers and ales. For general information, including the ever-expanding schedule of events and list of participants, please visit www.phillybeerweek.org.
Éclat Chocolate is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The shop is closed on Sundays. For more information on Christopher Curtin or Éclat Chocolate, or to place an order for his six-pack of beer-infused truffles, or any of his one-of-a-kind treats, please call (610) 692-5206 or visit www.eclatchocolate.com.
