INSPIRATION FROM NATURE: A CHALLENGING THEME THAT DEMANDS THE UTMOST FROM EACH CONTESTANT
With the 6th theme of this World Chocolate Mastsers, we would like to invite chocolate creators around the world to explain us how natural products are shaped and transformed into a delightful story with cocoa and chocolate at the heart. Indeed, nature proves to be a strong source of sensorial inspiration. Whether it is the colours and flavors, the sounds of the ocean, the change of seasons, nature is all around us and affecting our moods. At the same time, we want more pure, authentic and high-quality ingredients. For us, food is more than just food. So this year, creating a dish will be more challenging than ever. The contestants will have to play with colours, shapes, scents, textures. It will take a long journey of trial and error to bring taste, contrast and looks in perfect balance – a balance that in rare cases turns out to become a timeless masterpiece.
IT HAS TO BE IN THE DETAILS – IT HAS TO BE IN EVERYTHING
During the intense three days of competition, the 19 finalists will have to integrate the theme in everything they do. E-ve-ry-thing! From the choice of ingredients for each pastry, dessert and chocolate to the looks they create for each item.
HEAR FROM THE 2013 WINNER
How they interpret the theme is completely up to the wild imagination of the finalists. But with a hyper critical jury that counts many of the world’s most renowned chefs and food specialists, it’s not a given. During the presentation of many items, the finalists will have to give a brief explanation on how their creation relates to the 'Inspiration from Nature' theme. Indeed, we are curious to experience that moment! If we’re lucky, it will be one of those moments when true talent both charms and shocks the world with a completely unexpected interpretation. Remember how Davide Comaschi amased us with his showpiece that enhanced the complexity and beauty of Architecture… Unforgettable! It was exactly this approach – and, of course, his heavenly pastry and desserts – that led him to be crowned 2013 World Chocolate Master.
WHAT THE JURY IS LOOKING FOR
Quite frankly: we don’t know. But what we do know is that they will not easily be charmed by evident choices. Some of the jury members we spoke to told us that “…this competition theme wasn't chosen by accident. We are looking for thoroughbred innovation. With this theme, we truly expect the finalists to defy all rules and conventions; and show us what the role of chocolate in the future will be.”
Wow! That's quite somehting. We know that this announcement has made many contestants – most of them will prepare for the final for 10 to 12 months – quite nervous at first. But on the other hand, it has inspired them to go further, deeper and wider than ever before.
We are curious to witness the outcome of this great taste experiment. The world’s greatest talent will shape chocolate into a new dimension, which in turn will inspire future generations to take it even further. Bear with us! We’ll keep you posted on all exciting, tasty news…
