Rochester art has a delicious new canvas: chocolate truffles. Local company Hedonist Artisan Chocolates is collaborating with local artist Christina Nitche to create a unique Valentine’s Day confection that tastes as artful as it looks. You can order the 1OVE Collection on our website.

The 1OVE (One Love) collection features a dark chocolate raspberry truffle imprinted with a series of five heart motifs which represent the distinct cultures of North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Hedonist Chocolatier Jennifer Posey crafted the truffle with fresh raspberries, raspberry liqueur and bittersweet chocolate. Artist Christina added a twist on the conventional symbol of love; each heart design uses traditional ornamentation depicted with a modern flare. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. The multi-cultural hearts remind us that love is a basic need that we share with people across the world. So, at the moment you bite into a sweet piece of chocolate or inhale the scent of a dozen roses, someone on the other side of the globe may also be enjoying gifts from the ones they cherish.

You can taste the chocolate, meet the artist and chocolatier on Saturday, February 6 from 5-7pm at Hedonist Artisan Chocolate’s retail location (in Hedonist Alley at 674 South Avenue, Rochester). This free tasting event is open to the public. Attendees will enjoy Christina’s graphic art collection and the ambiance of the city’s South Wedge neighborhood. For an up-to-date list of Hedonist chocolate tastings and events, visit www.hedonistchocolates.com/catalog/events.php

This is the third chocolate and art collaboration project planned by Hedonist Artisan Chocolates. Their first, Raspberry Love, featured local artist Joe Guy Allard (www.joe-guy.com) for Valentine’s Day 2008. Their second, Chocolate Armored Hedonist, featured the trademark skull of Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), a local clothing company (www.apcgear.com) for Halloween 2008 and 2009. Hedonist’s owners see these collaborations as a way to take their chocolate to another level, as well as bring attention to their favorite local artists. “Working with artists outside the food industry is always a rewarding experience; it provides a continuous source of inspiration and gives us the opportunity to see chocolate in a new light,” says Zahra Langford, Hedonist co-owner.

Additional Information
Hedonist chocolate truffles are available for purchase at their kitchen and retail location at 674 South Avenue or online at www.hedonistchocolates.com. They can also be purchased at Parkliegh on Park Avenue, Mise en Place Market and Coffee Connection on South Avenue, Max Market on Monroe Avenue and Ravines Wine Cellars in Hammondsport. At the Hedonist kitchen and Parkliegh, chocophiles can create their own custom assortment at the chocolate counter. Prices range from $12-$34 per box. Hedonist also does business gifts, event favors, party platters, gift boxes and private chocolate tastings.

Hedonist Artisan Chocolates hand crafts truffles and chocolate treats with French chocolate and fresh, natural ingredients. Each piece of Hedonist chocolate has a character all its own because it is rolled, cut, dipped and decorated by human hands in small batches. A hedonist is someone whose life is devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasures. Owners Jennifer Posey and Zahra Langford find their bliss in chocolate and hope to help you do the same.

For more information about Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, visit www.hedonistchocolates.com or contact Jennifer Posey at (585) 461-2815.

Christina Nitche is a graphic designer and artist based in Victor, NY. In 2007 she founded Find Your Nitche, a print design studio offering creative solutions for individuals and small businesses seeking a distinct identity and strong visual presence. For more information about Christina, visit her portfolio site www.coroflot.com/FindYourNitche. She can be contacted at FindYourNitche@gmail.com or (585) 615-0042.