The One & Only Boston Chocolate Tour

By BostonWelcomesYou.com
01/10/2009

The One & Only Boston Chocolate Tour has returned to satisfy New England's collective sweet tooth every Saturday through April 25.

The fully-narrated, three-hour journey of decadent desserts and fun facts features tempting visits to Top of the Hub Restaurant, the historic Omni Parker House Hotel and The Langham, Boston. Presented by Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston, The One & Only Boston Chocolate Tour has been featured on "Phantom Gourmet," "Chronicle" and "TV Diner."

Adding a delicious touch to Boston's winter months, The One & Only Boston Chocolate Tour departs from the Trolley Stop Store at the corner of Boylston & South Charles Streets every Saturday at 11:00 A.M. and 12:15 P.M. Tickets are $80 per person. Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 617-269-7010.

Each tour features a special "Character Chef" who theatrically imparts sweet wisdom while guiding guests on their flavor-filled journey. New for 2009, guests will also receive surprises from Beacon Hill Chocolates, located on historic Charles Street, as well as an on-board "old fashioned" chocolate making lesson complete with samples and surprises presented in partnership with Taza Chocolates, the only maker of 100% stone ground chocolate in the United States.

Matthew Murphy, General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours, commented, "Our Chocolate Tour continues to grow in popularity each season. Guests receive a really interesting and carefully-researched narrative about the history of chocolate, not only in Boston, but around the world - plus they're personally escorted to three of Boston's best dining locations, where, in turn, they enjoy incredible desserts created by some of the best pastry chefs in town."

The tour's first stop is 52 floors above Boston at award-winning Top Of The Hub where guests will enjoy a gourmet Chocolate Surprise served against a panoramic view of the city. The Chocolate Surprise will be different each week, created by Executive Pastry Chef Tommy Choi.

An authentic taste of Boston follows at the historic Omni Parker House Hotel with a unique presentation of Boston Creme Pie from Executive Pastry Chef Gerry Tice. As the timeless dessert was invented in the kitchen of the renowned Omni Parker House, no one prepares this singular sensation quite the way they do.

The grand finish of the tour is provided by The Langham, Boston's exceptional Chocolate Bar buffet, where Pastry Chef Trena Costello showcases more than 125 enticing, all-you-can-eat, desserts representing Chocolate Past, Present and Future. Delicacies range from Classic French Opera Cake to Chocolate Caramel Floating Islands, Rocky Road Fudge, White Chocolate Raspberry Risotto, and Dark Chocolate Marmalade Cheesecake, among others. Plus, new this year at The Langham - Make Your Own Chocolate Bar!

As the trolley travels between restaurant locations, Tour Conductors and the on-board Character Chefs will share mouth-watering chocolate-related trivia, including tid-bits such as the following:

• Chocolate was originally a luxury of the wealthy.

• Boston apothecaries began to sell chocolate in the mid 1700’s based on a belief that it was beneficial to one's health.

• The country's first chocolate factory was located in Dorchester, MA.

• Tollhouse Cookies were invented by Ruth Wakefield at Whitman's Tollhouse Restaurant.

• The chocolate used in making Oreo's is manufactured in Mansfield, MA.

• Halloween generates the greatest sale of chocolate each year, followed by Easter, Christmas–Hanukkah–New Year's, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

• Hershey produces more than 33 million chocolate kisses every day.

• The process known as dutching darkens chocolate, which contrary to popular belief, gives the chocolate a milder flavor.

• The amount of caffeine in chocolate is often greatly exaggerated.