Food | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper: The Benedum Center's Chocolate Bar is taking place inside Pittsburghers' homes this year. The popular event is set for Sat., Nov. 14, and there will be special deliveries, a virtual happy hour, and digital culinary master classes all focused on one of the world's favorite treats, chocolate.
18 comments:
CHOCOLATE!!!! Did someone say chocolate??? This sounds very fun. If I am being honest, I am not actually the biggest chocolate fan. Like, I enjoy a good Twix or some dark chocolate with raspberries every once in a while, but just overall it would not be my first choice for a candy. This workshop, however, does sound pretty interesting. If I had more money (or interest in chocolate, honestly) I might give it a try. If the chocolate cocktails were something like amaretto hot chocolate, THAT is something I could get on board with and would very much like to learn how to make. But I think I would get more out of observing this workshop than I would participating in it. It kinda feels like a youtube video that I would watch for the entertainment factor but never actually try to do myself. But I do think this is a unique and engaging thing for the Cultural Trust to do, and hopefully it will bring some smiles to people’s faces.
This is a genius idea! The use of chocolate is a great way to bring people together and get them involved in a virtual event. The classes sound actually interesting and the event itself sounds like a really fun time. This is the kind of event that proves the creativity of the theatre industry and its supporters. Coming up with a way to do this event virtually is fantastic. It is also a really good way for the Cultural Trust to keep hosting events and stay in business, while also staying in touch with their members and the community. This event is such a positive thing to be doing right now in a world where light hearted events and discussions are few and far between.
Yes, yes, yes! This is so smart. After reading this, I’m now interested in seeing if I can get a box of chocolate delivered to me and attend the master classes. This is such a smart way to go about everything that is going on right now. I’m not familiar with the event, so I don’t know if they usually have master classes going on, but if not, this is such a good idea. Now, more than ever, many people are starting new hobbies, whether that be to ease the stress or to keep them entertained. I’m sure many people will enjoy attending these master classes and learning things that they may not have learned otherwise. Also the idea of having special chocolate delivered to your home is such a draw in.
I read the title of the article and was immediately extremely confused but very, very interested. Chocolate- need I say more? What confused me was the idea of a virtual chocolate bar given that you would need… you know.. chocolate to be with you for this to make any sense. However, as I have now learned, they ship people all of the lovely things they need for the event next weekend. And honestly, it sounds like a blast- the perfect saturday activity for quarantine & COVID regulation times. I agree with what others have touched on, this is a wonderful and delicious way to bring people together virtually, and have something joyful to look forward to. I mean, most people I know would love to have a box of chocolates and other goodies shipped to them & spend a day watching master classes about chocolate!
Yes! What a great event, I mean who doesn't love chocolate. It might not be a night out of the house but it is certainly a special event. I think the idea of having something delivered to your house and unlocking special cocktail recipes would make for a really special evening. The master classes would also be so interesting to watch, with people being home now and trying new things I think there are worst ways to spend your time then trying to make truffles. The logistics would be a little messy but nothing unmanageable and I think with Covid things being a bit more difficult is the new normal.
Literally say less. I saw the title had “chocolate” and “virtual” in it so I was convinced right off the bat. First of all, in my opinion chocolate is great but universally kind of has the same flavor, American chocolate at least, so when I hear that chocolate is so good that it is mentioned in an article, I definitely want to learn more about it. But other than that, I think that this is a great way of adapting to COVID and using your resources to create something unique and interesting! I love cooking and baking and have always wanted to take some cooking classes because they seem so fun, so this workshop definitely seems like something I would want to try and it also seems really fun as well. I think it’s creative and a great way to get people on their feet (somewhat), and is a fun quarantine activity.
This seems to be a good example of an event that can be easily transformed into something suitable for online content. Although I know that it is very disheartening to not be able to do such a valued event, I think that they have made a suitable alternative for the pandemic. I like the idea of creating masterclasses for everyone that chooses to buy a ticket because it will allow them to be able to experience some of the chocolates they would have been able to get if the event were in person. And if they mess up the chocolate, they can just have the chocolate that was shipped to them. Overall, I think this would work well and could be used outside of pandemic times. I know that if I had the money I would personally attend some of the sessions because I have always wondered how to make good chocolate.
Oh well darn, looks like I missed the deadline for a ticket. Oh well. This sounds pretty awesome though! What a fun event to help bring money in to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. I wonder what the planning end of all this looks like. What I mean is that I wonder what the Cultural Trust is doing to make sure that things ship out at the right time and what they can do to make sure it arrives at the right time too. I wonder if there’s a certain shipping speed they can pay for? I also assume they will probably go FedEx or something similar to get these chocolates shipped at the exact same time. I wonder too if people outside of Pittsburgh will participate and if that will have any effect on shipping times?
I am also a huge fan of the idea of master classes being offered! What a fun time, indeed. We definitely need some levity (and chocolate) in our lives!
This article definitely peaked my interests as an avid chocolate lover myself. I think this entire program is genius and the idea of learning how to make your own chocolate seems even better. I think this is a perfect example of finding a fun activity to do during this pandemic that can be safe yet bring tons and tons of joy. The fact that they are doing this as a fundraiser did not even occur to me as this seems like a great event a company can plan solely to make a profit, however they decided to raise money for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. I think it may be a little ambitious for them to ship candy bars to all the participants as I have personally have had some trouble with receiving packages on time, however hopefully all of the shipping complications were planned within this event. The chocolate based workshops seem like a great way to expose people to all the various ways chocolate can be used and consumed, not just our current few selection. It can also spark some new hobbies for people which is always a plus during this time as most of us are trying to stay home as much as possible. Keeping this event online seems to be the right choice and this event shows the potential to spread tons of joy.
I am fairly confident that almost everyone would have decided to read this article because they saw the word “chocolate” in its title, just like me. I thought I have seen enough kinds of foods in which chocolates could be applied to, but it was my first time ever to see the chocolate-inspired cocktail, so it was interesting. I feel bad for not being able to be at Pittsburgh to be a part of this wonderful event and to possibly attend the master classes, but it also makes me excited for the next events that they are going to held. I am glad to see people organizing such intriguing event during COVID era with a content that almost everyone would love: chocolate. I wish them to explore more ways to incorporate this into online form so that more people from further distance could also participate, but I know it would be extra difficult because it is about chocolate, something you want to actually taste and smell, other than the other contents that you can simply see or hear.
I love that a ticket to this event is not just a ticket to the event, but also includes a box of chocolates and recipes that the attendees can use. I know that we have mostly seen conferences go digital, but I would love to see more "fun" events like this happen. I know that recently people have gotten together to host discord anime conventions, as cons for the foreseeable future have been shut down. Some of these cons have created digital goodie bags that include printable badges and other such con things. I think that the digital master classes are interesting and wonder if the class is a one time viewing or if attendees are able to watch it more than once. Events like this are such good things to have right now, especially as we begin to enter the winter season and people are going to be spending more time at home if they haven't already been at home, when normally they would be bundling up and going to malls and holiday events.
This sounds so nice! It was fun to read about something non-depressing for a change. Reading the title I was wondering how an event like this where physical presence seems very necessary could possibly go virtual, but seeing that they’re shipping chocolate and supplies to people is such a great idea. It seems like watching one of those cooking videos, but the person has actually sent you the ingredients you need to follow along. (On a side note, I think it’s interesting that the concept of the cooking show has flourished on youtube and other social media platforms, to the point where I keep forgetting that that sort of thing used to be on TV). It’s very nice that the event organizers were able to figure out a way to make this event happen even now, and provide some levity and fun to people who probably need it. And now I want to go eat some chocolate.
This looks like a fun event! I would do this (if it did not cost $55). I like that there is an interactive component. I honestly can not imagine what the original event may have looked like, since it seems like a really good fit for the webinar format. I think that we can celebrate these kinds of discoveries: live events actually that work well when attended from home. When a company pulls off an event like this successfully, they can keep it remote for as long as they please, even (assuming we someday get there) post-COVID. I wonder how the costs compare to the costs of doing the event in person. From what I have heard, the expenses of digital production are not trivial, and if they are shipping chocolate to audience members, they will have to either ship expensive pre-packed stuff straight from vendors, or package it themselves. There is a reasonable chance that they could access a larger audience, though.
This article immediately caught my eye. First of all, how did I not know there was a big chocolate event in Pittsburgh? I’m so glad they aren’t canceling it and instead they are bringing the experience to people’s homes. While I’m sure it won’t be like the actual in person event, I think people can find a way to really make the most of it. Maybe set up the classes and q and a on the TV and still get all dressed up. Personally, I would love to be in the class about truffle making. It seems like a fun activity, plus homemade truffles would make such a great gift for the holiday season. Since this is their first time doing this event from home, I’m curious to hear how everything goes. Will shipping be okay? What happens if people experience technical difficulties? Will there also be a recording?
This is really interesting. I had not heard or even thought about art spaces like the Benedum Center doing at home classes like this during the pandemic. I really love this idea though the combination of delivery box as well as masterclass is an intriguing idea. I’d heard of some chefs from local restaurants doing things like at home cooking classes and companies sending out treat boxes but I find funny that a performing arts institution is the one that bought the two together. I mean people are constantly looking for something new and fun to do at home during these times and I know a lot of people have tried to learn new skills and the like but chocolate I feel is something that almost everyone can get behind. I just wonder now what other things people can do what other sort of masterclasses combined with gifts can be.
I was drawn to this article right away due to the amazing image of delicious looking chocolate. With all the chaos, loss, hardship, and pain we have had to endure during the past four years and especially 2020, we need some more chocolate in our lives. I am really grateful that the Benedum Center has decided to start at home classes to keep their audiences engaged with them. The article talks about a combination of delivery boxes and masterclasses to teach their audience some chocolate making from he comfort and safety of their own homes. The cultural trust is making the right decision by engaging with their audiences in a rough time and these programs will also help their organization survive the pandemic. This also should provide an example for other organizations trying to survive.
It is wonderful that the Benedum is still attempting to put on their popular events despite the distance. Getting chocolates delivered to your door is just so sweet (pun intended). Having said that, the design and production class of 2024 has had at least three debates this week about the best types of chocolate. This article was not the spark but can definitely be fuel to the fire in our arguments. The main sides are anti-white chocolate against pro-white chocolate. This also ties into the debate about dark chocolate too being whether or not it is too bitter or actually good. I have a strong feeling that if any of us were to sign up for this event, it would be disastrous for all parties involved. Also in general, I cannot tell if $55 dollars is a good deal or not because I am financially irresponsible but I am sure it would be worth it.
I saw the word “chocolate” in the title and I had to read it. Though I don’t have it that often, I love chocolate. Reading “Chocolate Bar at the Benedum Center goes virtual” confused me at first, since I really wasn’t sure how they could make chocolate virtual; but it made more sense after seeing that they mail it to the homes of people with tickets. I think this is a fun way to try and keep the event going in these conditions. A cooking masterclass with chocolate would be so cool, and making homemade things is always so rewarding. Since it’s no longer in person, are they going to let people outside of Pittsburgh participate in it? I wonder if there are any other events like this that are going online and send things home to people participating. Especially other classes that mail you the materials / ingredients to be able to participate. Maybe if I ever have time in my life again I’ll try participating in something like this.
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