Downtown Chocolate: Christopher Norman Events in Manhattan

As summer temperatures drop--along with the possibility of chocolate melting in your hand, not in your mouth--interest in chocolate is on the rise in New York. (My own interest in chocolate in New York seems to be on the rise lately too.)

Christopher Norman Chocolates, the chocolatier that's revered the world-over for hand-painted bon-bons that resemble mosaic tiles, holds regular chocolate tastings that are open to the public and free of charge. The shop in Manhattan's financial district suspended these open-house events for the summer, but their first fall-season tasting will be held on August 29. The theme of the evening will be "ganache," and guests can taste the new and innovative fillings for Christopher Norman's latest line of chocolates.

On September 14, the New York Chocolate Meet-Up will temporarily move its headquarters to Christopher Norman Chocolates as well. This tasting is also open to the public, but for a $20 fee. John Down, the Chief Chocolate Officer at Christopher Norman, will make a custom edible chocolate painting for the meet-up group, and one participant will be granted the honor of taking it home (and devouring it).