Long Island Food Critic

Chocolate World Expo, which made its Long Island debut in 2012 to large and enthusiastic crowds, returned to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY, on Sunday, March 2nd. At Chocolate World Expo, attendees got to taste, purchase, celebrate and otherwise indulge in delicious gourmet chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, gelato, cheeses, wines, beers and much more from about 70 local & regional vendors.

Among the unusual items at this year's Expo were chocolate cheese, chocolate wines, chocolate salad dressing, chocolate-scented soaps and the hugely popular chocolate-covered bacon. Attendees also had the opportunity to try unique new items such as Peruvian-style pastries, traditional Middle Eastern sweets and "raw" cookie dough-style treats in a variety of flavors.

Many vendors from previous years enthusiastically returned, such as Bacon Bites, Breezie Maples Farm, Bella's Biscotti, Chocolate Works, Dutch Desserts, Babunya's, Fretzels by Jill, JD Gourmet, Screme Gelato, Custo Cookie, and Isn't it Sweet, among others.

For ready-to-eat treats, Aurora Gourmet's chocolate fountains greeted visitors at the front atrium lobby of the Museum, while Pika's Farm Table was making authentic Belgian-style waffles using imported Belgian pearl sugar and then dipping the waffles in a choice of white, dark or milk chocolate.

Wine tastings and sales were another highlight of Chocolate World Expo, with offerings by Americana Vineyards, Fox Run Vineyards, Glenora Wine Cellars, Knapp Vineyards, Oliva Vineyards, Pazdar Winery, and Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery. Those who preferred beer had the chance to taste brews from Chatham Brewing Company, winner of the Matthew Vassar Award for best brewery in the Hudson Valley at TAP New York.

Tickets included admission to the Cradle of Aviation's fascinating exhibits. Offering much more than chocolate, the Chocolate World Expo had a little something for everyone to enjoy. With three triumphant events under their belt, the next expo will surely be another sweet success.