For many decades, chocolate has been known as a confectionary treat for children around the world. However, this started to change a few years ago following the introduction of tree-to-bar premium Ecuadorian chocolate.
Back in 2002, Pacari Chocolates, a family-owned company, began producing an organic and biodynamic version of the already well-known Ecuadorian cacao nacional. Ten years later, Pacari Chocolates were catapulted into the global spotlight after winning the prize for "Best Chocolate in the World" at the International Chocolate Awards in London.
Since then, chocolate is no longer known as a confectionary treat, but as a healthy and nutritious food thanks to its high content of fine aroma cacao. It should come as no surprise, then, that many awarded chefs have started to use cacao and its derivatives as ingredients for their creations. Nowadays, cooking with cacao has become a trend, and more high-end restaurants are delighting their guests with these exotic flavors.
Shanghai had the opportunity to witness this first hand last month with an invitation from the Consulate General of Ecuador to a Gala Dinner at Wanda Reign on the Bund, where Ecuadorian Chefs Mauricio Acuña and Daniel Ampuero, alongside a professional team form Wanda Reign on the Bund, delighted guests with an exquisite menu that was full of surprises and excellent cuisine featuring new and exotic flavors.
The journey began with a cured tuna served with cacao powder, green papaya and pak choi salad, followed by Ecuadorian shrimp and Chinese mushrooms seasoned with peanut and lemongrass cream.
For the main dish, diners were delighted with a hamachi fish served alongside avocado with cacao butter cream and a one-of-a-kind combination of World Gold winner 70 percent Pacari chocolate with pork cheeks and grilled eggplant on coriander marinade.
For dessert, they were spoiled with a mango and lemon sorbet and creamy passionfruit chocolate brownie which was drizzled with a 100 percent Pacari chocolate sauce.
Ecuador has been an exporter of the best cacao in the world for decades. These days, they're gaining worldwide recognition for their premium chocolate brands.
Among the most recognized are Republica del Cacao (specializing in chocolate covertures for restaurants), TOAK (the most expensive chocolate in the world) and Pacari Chocolates (the most awarded). Expect to see more of these brands on the shelves of Shanghai's markets soon and prepare to be delighted by the pure flavor of Ecuadorian fine aroma cacao.
See listing for Wanda Reign on the Bund
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