Judges on location:

– Nyssa Pierre

– Paul Prudent

– Jala Bernard

– Simone Hill

– Franka Philip

Nominees for Best Local Artisan – Chocolate:

Brasso Seco Chocolate Co

o Long’s Chocolate

o Omarbeans Organic Chocolate

o Sun Eaters Organic

o The Lopinot Chocolate Co

o Trinidad Chocolate Factory – House of Arendel

The 2015 T&T Table Talk Food Awards enjoyed an evening of chocolate tasting and judging of six local chocolate products from six chocolate makers and chocolatiers last week Thursday.

Many years have passed since cocoa was king in Trinidad and Tobago, however the country is now experiencing a growing cottage industry of artisan chocolate made from local cocoa.

With the assistance of Destination Chocolate Trinidad and Tobago (an affiliation of people, communities and organizations showcasing local chocolates, cocoa products, and chocolate related activities), the Table Talk Food Awards judges reached out to local chocolate makers and chocolatiers to solicit nominations.

Judges prepared for the judging session by participating in a short chocolate tasting training session conducted by Destination Chocolate Trinidad and Tobago.

Dianne’s Tea Shop in Maraval graciously hosted the blind tasting judging session, which included dark chocolates and truffles. The shop was the perfect backdrop for the session especially since it carries several local chocolates such as Omarbeans Organic Chocolate and Long’s Chocolate.

The winner(s) of the Best Local Artisan – Chocolate category for the 2015 Table Talk Food Awards will be announced on Tuesday, August at the awards ceremony at Estate 101 in Maraval.