Last weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of leading a chocolate-themed event at Arnold’s Hotel in the picturesque town of Dunfanaghy, along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal.
With my good friend and talented pastry chef, Phil Matthews, by my side, we set out to deliver a chocolate experience that would delight and surprise guests of all ages.
It was a weekend filled with stories, flavours, and hands-on fun – and it reminded me why I love sharing my passion for chocolate.
Friday Evening – A Journey Through Chocolate Origins
We kicked off the weekend with an exclusive sensory chocolate tasting, featuring chocolates from eight unique origins. As guests settled in, Phil and I shared stories and anecdotes about each chocolate – tales of its journey from cocoa bean to bar, the farmers behind it, and the distinct flavours shaped by the land and climate.
The group was so engaged, and seeing their faces light up as they discovered the subtle differences between origins was just fantastic.
Afterwards, we moved on to an intimate cocoa-infused dinner. Each course incorporated cocoa, and the hotel’s wine supplier thoughtfully paired each dish with wines that enhanced the flavours.
The meal was a real treat, showcasing how cocoa can be used in savoury dishes and desserts alike. Watching everyone savour the dishes, it was clear that the dinner added a whole new layer to their chocolate experience.
To wrap up the evening, I demonstrated a special cocktail: the Chocotini.
Made with my own Cocoa Safari Liqueur and gin, it was served in a martini glass garnished with a crown of tempered chocolate. The Chocotini offered a luxurious blend of flavours, with the cocoa and gin harmonising perfectly.
Guests were thrilled with the presentation, and it was a delicious way to end the night.
Saturday – Truffle Making and Chocolate History
Saturday was all about getting our hands chocolatey! I started things with chocolate history, sharing some surprising facts and tidbits, and then it was time to roll up our sleeves. We crafted truffles with whipped ganache and a decadent whisky caramel filling, which we dipped in silky Vietnamese chocolate before rolling in cocoa powder. Phil and I had a blast working side by side, and it was fantastic to see everyone get creative with their truffles. Best of all, they got to package their creations to take home – a sweet reminder of their chocolate-making skills.
Sunday – Fairtrade Fun and Chocolate Lollipops for the Kids
Sunday was dedicated to the younger crowd. I led two lively groups of children through a hands-on chocolate lollipop session, with a bit of Fairtrade education thrown in for good measure. We talked about where chocolate comes from and why Fairtrade matters, keeping things simple and fun.
Then, it was all about the decorating! The kids loved getting creative with sprinkles and toppings, and I have to admit, not many lollipops made it out the door uneaten!
Reflecting on a Delicious Weekend
This weekend at Arnold’s Hotel was a memorable experience, made even better with Phil’s support and the wonderful guests who came along for the ride. I loved sharing stories about each chocolate’s origins and watching people connect with these flavours on a deeper level. Donegal provided the perfect backdrop for this chocolate adventure, and I can’t wait to come back and do it all again. If you’re ever in Dunfanaghy and looking for a sweet escape, I can’t recommend Arnold’s Hotel enough. Here’s to many more weekends of chocolate, stories, and great company!