2011 Event Sponsors
Saturday, February 5, 2011 • Chicago, IL
Ticket Price: $200 (includes food & drink)
7:00pm - 11:00pm • Black Tie Attire
Cocoa Candy Land : Cocoa Cuisine : Cocoa Sutra : VIP Room
Entertainment : Photography : Event Sponsors : Special Thanks
For the Love of Chocolate Scholarship Foundation depends on its generous sponsors and donors who make the finest pasty education possible for students of The French Pastry School, the future pastry chefs of Chicago and the nation.
Find out how to become a sponsor of For the Love of Chocolate Foundation, and help provide scholarships to aspiring students of the pastry arts.
For the Love of Chocolate Foundation thanks the Merchandise Mart for hosting the 2011 gala!
Thank you to our past and ongoing sponsors of the foundation!
Madeleine Sponsorship
Plugrá European-Style Butter
The secret to Plugrá European-Style Butter is a slow-churned process that creates less moisture content and a creamier texture when compared to average table butters.This secret becomes yours for higher, fluffier cakes, flakier pastries, unbelievably creamy sauces, rich enviable risottos, sizzling sautés, and extraordinary flavored butters.
Sara Lee Corporation
Sara Lee Corporation has one of the world's best-loved portfolios with its innovative and trusted food, beverage, household and body care brands, including Ambi Pur, Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sanex, Sara Lee, and Senseo. The company generates more than $12 billion in annual net sales covering approximately 200 countries, and has 52,000 employees worldwide.
Brioche Sponsorship
American Almond
From around the corner to around the world, providing ingredients that inspire culinary professionals is what we do. Time and time again, bakers, chefs, chocolatiers and ice cream specialists choose the premium quality products of American Almond Products Company.
Founded in 1924, the American Almond Products Company manufactures a wide assortment of premium quality natural nut butters, sweetened nut pastes, finely milled nuts flours and related specialty ingredients.
Barry Callebaut
Barry Callebaut is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate – from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the store shelf. Barry Callebaut is present in 26 countries, operates 40 production facilities and employs more than 7,000 people. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate to global retailers. The company's flagship brands, Callebaut, Cacao Barry and Carma, offer products that are specifically designed to meet the special needs of artisan customers, including bakers, pastry chefs, hotels, restaurants and caterers. Barry Callebaut also provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing. Barry Callebaut is a proud sponsor of the French Pastry School.
Coalesse
Coalesse; a new approach to contract furnishings. Finally, work is getting a life! With products that fit as naturally in the office as the living room, Coalesse focuses on the increasingly growing similarities between work and life.
Dansko
Established in 1990, Dansko has been a leader in providing innovative comfort footwear while standing at the forefront of sustainable and ethical business practices. Dansko is an employee owned Pennsylvania company, still operated by its founders, husband and wife team Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup. Dansko shoes and boots are distributed to over 2,500 premium U.S. and international retail locations.
Dr. Graphx
Dr. Graphx is Chicago's finest graphic arts, production, and design studio, serving the industry for over 15 years. Our experienced staff, supported by cutting edge technology, provides full-service design, project management, and production services to some of the world's most discriminating agencies, corporate clients, and retail customers.
Nielsen Massey Vanillas
How do we stake such a claim? It starts with a family dedicated to pure vanilla products since 1907. Add the finest vanilla beans available - hand-picked for perfection, and the process has begun. Next, an exclusive cold extraction process slowly and gently draws the delicate and distinctive flavor from the vanilla beans. The result is the finest pure vanilla in the world -- perfect for the home cook or the discriminating chef.
Whether it is pure vanilla extract, vanilla powder, vanilla paste, organic vanilla or whole vanilla beans you're looking for, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has the expertise to provide the highest quality products to fit your need.
Office Concepts
Founded in 1938, Office Concepts provides workspace solutions, quality manufacturers, and local as well as national service support capabilities to help customers achieve their business goals. Office Concepts has full service facilities at 965 West Chicago Ave. in Chicago, IL and at 13820 W. Business Center Drive in Lake Forest, IL. Representing Steelcase, the largest and most respected name in the industry, we are a leading dealer in the Chicagoland area and among Steelcase's top dealers nationally.
Redmoon
Redmoon was founded in 1990 to promote a unique brand of performance committed to the highest quality artistic product and to civic well-being. Pulling with conviction from contemporary art forms and ancient theatrical forms, Redmoon has created a performance style that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, acrobatics, and ephemera.
Over the past decade Redmoon has garnered international attention for our theatrical productions and our site specific performances, which have been seen across Chicago. Over recent years, Redmoon has expanding projects in Holland, Ireland, France, and Australia. Redmoon is committed to creating unexpected theater in unexpected locations.
Talcott Publishing
Talcott Publishing specializes in trade magazines for professionals in retail, food service and food preparation industries.
Baguette Sponsorship
AV Chicago
We're Chicago's premier audio/visual equipment and service provider.
From equipment rental to full production consulting and services, we're involved with more than 3,000 events each year, and we've built our second-to-none reputation by consistently matching the right equipment with the right expertise at the right price to meet every client's vision.
We know our stuff.
Albert Uster Imports
For over a celebrated forty years Albert Uster Imports has been setting the standards of culinary excellence. Our dedication to the highest quality products and services has made us the leader in pastry and chocolate products for the professional chef. On our team we've enlisted culinary masters, expert sales specialists, and highly trained service professionals. Together we can help your company rise above the ordinary into the extraordinary world of culinary perfection.
BBJ Linen
BBJ Linen is a premier specialty linen rental company with showrooms/representatives in 24 cities covering the entire United States. Boasting over 25 years of helping clients create spectacular events, BBJ Linen offers tablecloths, napkins, chair covers and ties, along with custom creations, with a staff that out shines all others.
European Imports • Karl Helfrich
European Imports Ltd. (EIL) is a family-owned importer and distributor founded in 1978 by Beverly and Seymour Binstein. The company began as a cheese importer supplying the Chicago market. In 1984, EIL started its foodservice division, supplying product to major hotel, white tablecloth restaurants, caterers and foodservice jobbers in the Chicago area. Nationally, the foodservice business is handled by each EIL warehouse (Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix & San Francisco) and through other distributors. EIL has emerged as a full-line specialty food distributor servicing retailers and foodservice accounts in the Midwest, Southeast, South, Southwest and Northern California regions.
www.eiltd.com • 773.227.0600
The National Confectioners Association
The National Confectioners Association is the major trade association representing the entire confectionery industry, offering education and leadership in manufacturing, technical research, regulatory assistance, public relations, communications, best retailing practices, government relations, and statistical analyses and marketing information. NCA produces the annual ALL CANDY EXPO - It's All About Sweets & Snacks in Chicago.
Nestlé Waters
Nestlé Waters is a human Company providing a response to individual human needs throughout the world with speciic concern for the well-being of both its consumers and its employees. This is relected in our attitude and our sense of responsibility towards people. We aim to increase sales and proits but, at the same time, to raise the standard of living everywhere we are active and the quality of life for everyone.
W.J. Deutsch & Sons
W.J. Deutsch & Sons was founded in 1981 by Chairman, Bill Deutsch, to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. The business that initially began with two employees importing a few family producers from France over two decades ago has grown to include a prestigious roster of internationally renowned, award-winning brands serviced by over 170 employees.
www.wjdeutsch.com • 914.251.9463
Andre Lurton |
Pierre Sparr |
Georges Duboeuf |
Vidal-Fleury |
Sauvion |
Éclair Sponsorship
American Chartered Bank
At American Chartered Bank, we understand that success results from hard work and big ideas. Like many of our customers, we are privately owned and operated and have experienced many of the same challenges. We have the financial strength to meet your banking needs and provide flexible, cost effective products designed to help growing businesses such as yours.
www.americanchartered.com • 630.515.3703
American Culinary Federation
The American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF), a professional, organization for chefs and cooks, was founded in 1929 in New York city by three chefs' organizations: the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, the Vatel Club and the Chefs de Cuisine Association of America. Since our inception, little has changed in our principal goals. We are an organization based on promoting the professional image of American chefs worldwide through education of culinarians at all levels.
C&E Specialties
C&E Specialties is a supplier and custom decorator of corporate apparel and premium incentives and Giclee printing located in Rockford, IL since 1981. Our in-house silk screen printing and direct embroidery departments enable us to offer prompt service for substantial as well as modest order requirements for all types of custom imprinted apparel. We have continually upgraded and expanded all aspects of custom decorating, drop-shipment, fulfillment services and especially our art department capabilities.
Chef Rubber
Chef Rubber specializes in 2 part RTV silicone rubbers for mold making. Chef Rubber silicones where developed for the artisan chef to make molds they can use for production, competition, one time special events and other creative applications. Chef Rubber also supplies the tools necessary to complete the mold making process, as well as unique tools the artisan chef can use to create their works of edible art.
www.chefrubber.com • 702.614.9350>
Dessert Professional
DESSERT PROFESSIONAL is a trade publication delivered bi-monthly to 32,000 dessert professionals consisting of pastry chefs, frozen dessert retailers, chocolatiers, bakers, caterers and other industry professionals. Our mission is to promote, display and enhance the culture of desserts and baking in North America by providing valuable information designed to enhance customer satisfaction and company profit.
Roberts McGivney Zagotta LLC
Roberts McGivney Zagotta LLC is a full-service firm that provides legal services in all areas of corporate transactions, as well as in litigation involving mergers and acquisitions, securities, technology law, licensing, intellectual property, commercial real estate, healthcare, commercial litigation, professional liability, product liability, transportation, rail and aviation law, insurance and reinsurance disputes.
www.rmczlaw.com • 312.251.9600
Dobla
Dobla is a leading producer of chocolate cups and decorations. We sell our products all over the world, from Holland to Hong Kong and from Moscow to Buenos Aires. We put quality and creativity first and endeavour to keep our products a continuous surprise. That is why we collaborate with renowned pastry-cooks and chefs – in order to give our branch that incitement over and over again!
Fran's Chocolates
For the lucky few who have met Fran Bigelow, you'll find that underneath her warm and engaging exterior lies both a great artist and a master chocolatier. Her love of chocolate is intense, and her pursuit of the extraordinary is evident. A feast for all your senses, her chocolates are sublime and the hand packaging of her confections is almost as delicious.
Hobart
Now there is one destination for your commercial kitchen and grocery store equipment. Complementing our full line of food equipment—from flight-type warewashers to countertop food processors—Hobart also brings you premier refrigeration systems from Traulsen and proven bakery equipment from Baxter. All backed by the only manufacturer's service organization in the industry—nearly 1,700 factory-trained technicians across the country. Never before has so much support been so easy to find.
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
Located in the center of downtown Chicago's exciting River North area and minutes from the Loop – the New Chicago – the contemporary Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza offers exceptional views of the Chicago River and the Chicago skyline. Our atrium lobby is uniquely situated 15 floors above the street level excitement, adjacent to the Merchandise Mart and the Shops at the Mart, and minutes from Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile shopping district, and the Loop, downtown Chicago's energetic business center. Our recent $20 million redesign is apparent in every aspect of the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, from our stunning atrium lobby to our 521 comfortable and contemporary guest rooms and suites, each with individual climate control, complimentary WiFi, and breathtaking skyline views.
Irinox USA
Irinox is the leading manufacturer of Blast Chillers and Shock Freezers. Present in more than 50 countries worldwide, Irinox is an innovator and a specialist that focuses on providing customer solutions and continuous technology advancement. Blast Chilling cooked food with Irinox triples the shelf life of cooked food while Shock Freezing allows products to be stored for months while preserving the original freshness, texture, flavor and aroma.
Labriola Baking Company
Founded in Alsip, Illinois in 1993, Labriola Baking Company was inspired by the chef's desire to recreate the sensuous experience of eating an artisanal, European loaf of bread. Driven by a passion for quality and authenticity, the Labriola team has grown because of the pride and happiness they derive from their creations. Working as a family, they continue to expand and refine their breads, eager to always be learning. It's their individuality, personality and common goals that makes Labriola Baking Company unique.
Mario Tricoci
For over 30 years, the name Mario Tricoci has been synonymous with the latest in hair trends and the most innovative and luxurious spa services and hair salon services. We are pleased to have this moment to introduce you to our vast array of sumptuous salon and spa services. Now, take a deep breath... it's time to relax and allow us to indulge and delight you.
Paasche®
Paasche® provides the largest selection of airbrush models, industrial sprayers and support equipment worldwide. Using only the highest quality materials in combination with the tightest quality control, Paasche products are unequalled by any other airbrush manufacturer in the world. Each unit is carefully assembled, individually inspected and finally tested in actual use by highly skilled craftsmen to meet Paasche's high standard of excellent performance.
Pfeil and Holing
Building beautiful cakes takes the right supplies, tools and equipment. Everything you need to complete your dream cake is available from Pfeil & Holing. Choose from over 7,500 items - from our exclusive Masterpiece Blooms gumpaste flower collection, to tier separators, bakeware, fondant, cookie faces and every tool and supply you'll need - shipped complete, on time and priced right. We'll impress you!
www.cakedeco.com • 800.247.7955
PolyScience – Innovative Culinary Technology
With a wide array of cutting edge products, Philip Preston, President of PolyScience is inventing culinary technology that helps chefs to find new ways of expressing their creativity. While PolyScience is a leading manufacturer of laboratory equipment for customers worldwide since 1963, its core competence is in designing and manufacturing extremely precise temperature control solutions.
The Spice House
Continuing the traditions of one of the oldest trades in the world, The Spice House imports the finest herbs and spices from their premiere countries of origin. All spices are hand ground and blended on our premises for optimal flavor and freshness. Since 1957 we have been a trusted source of quality seasonings for home cooks and professional chefs. Taste the difference the best spices can make in your cooking.
Strategic Hospitality Search
Strategic Hospitality Search is a Chicago-based executive and management search agency dedicated to serving the hospitality industry throughout the United States. Clients include many of the most successful corporate, independent and franchised businesses in the restaurant, lodging, foodservice, casino, club and catering fields. Because of Strategic Hospitality Search's vast depth of contacts, the agency also serves manufacturers and suppliers, delivering talented sales and R&D professionals.
Strategic Hospitality Search has demonstrated a unique ability to locate and attract talented and creative professionals, and match them perfectly with client cultures to optimize their creativity and productivity. Strategic Hospitality Search is committed to understanding every client's vision and every candidate's career objectives. The result: highly personalized, effective and efficient service as well as expert counsel to clients and candidates. Strategic Hospitality Search is an integral and dependable partner, exponentially increasing client efficiency by delivering talent otherwise unobtainable via conventional recruitment practices.
Nearing a decade of service, our company has earned a reputation for timely, targeted recruiting served up with honesty and trust. Our clients and candidates attest to our genuine, straight-shooting style. We hold ourselves to the standards of ethics established by both the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Personnel Services. In fact, we are the only hospitality-specific agency with BBB accreditation.
Sweet Flavor of Florida
Sweet Flavor of Florida was formed in 2004 with the purpose to import the finest syrups from France. We soon discovered our passion was to import the finest European disposable tableware and catering supplies. We believe that we have introduced the entire catering, hotel and restaurant industry to the concept of disposable Amuse Bouche which is very popular in Europe.
Since we started very small out of a 15 square foot warehouse, we understand how important our customer is. Even though we occupy more the 10000 square feet now we still take pride in customer service and answer every telephone call. We have made a commitment to win on customer service and believe we do an excellent job.
Our mission at Sweet Flavor of Florida is to offer the finest quality disposable culinary tableware and we do our best to achieve this.
Sunstarr® Apparel
Sunstarr® Apparel is your dependable source for uniforms and apparel for a wide range of work environments. We stock a basic line of restaurant and kitchen uniforms including chef coats, chef pants, shirts and aprons that work well in front of the house or back. Our standard work uniforms include lab coats, coveralls, work jackets, pants, butcher coats and frocks that provide great coverage in tough work environments.
Wildman Harrold
Every legal matter is unique in its context and its complexity. Each one demands flexibility and innovative thinking. Expect Wildman Harrold to identify those new ideas that will directly address your business issues and resolve your high-stakes legal matters.
Wildman Harrold is a national law firm headquartered in Chicago, representing both Fortune 500 companies and private businesses. The firm is recognized nationwide for a premier practice in litigation, a full-service IP boutique, and transactional attorneys providing business advice to a broad range of companies.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market is proud to partner with one of our favorite local products, Achatz Pies. Achatz Pies was started in Michigan, in 1993. Achatz pies are made with pure and natural ingredients. They never use chemicals, preservatives or hydrogenated oils. And much of the fruit, flours, sugar and dairy are purchased from local farms. These values result in a top quality product even grandma can be proud of.