Cioccoshow 2013 - A short guide

Photo of pralines from Cioccoshow 2013
Since 2005 November in Bologna means Cioccoshow, the chocolate exposition that takes place in Piazza Maggiore and Via degli Orefici for five days. This is the 9th edition of the fair and will last until Sunday 17 November so if you're in town this post will give you a little help to choose the best from those stands.
Photo of Sorbetteria Castiglione Stand at Cioccoshow 2013
Sorbetteria Castiglione Stand at Cioccoshow 2013
I still remember the first edition of Cioccoshow: the stands occupied only the Crescentone in Piazza Maggiore and that November we had already checked out scarves and gloves of the closet. I was a college student just engaged with my girlfriend, and the prices of chocolate frightened me a lot, so the choices had to be very careful. A couple of ginger pralines and a bit of warm with an hot chocolate from Rizzati to share. So many tastings and a lot of curiosity.

Nine years later a lot of things have changed. I still wander through the stands, alone this time (she moved to Milan) in a rainy evening. Curiosity is not the same, but now I better know the few products that deserve the efforts: reflex camera, screws and bolts, shoes, cds all made by chocolate do not surprise me anymore and are better for the sight than the taste.
Photo of chocolate tools from Cioccoshow 2013
Chocolate tools from Cioccoshow 2013
Photo of Tortapistocchi from Ciocchoshow 2013
TortaPistocchi at Cioccoshow 2013
But I still stop between the excellences of the fair. The amazing Torta Pistocchi, from Florence, is a cake made with prime choice ingredients like natural vanilla, Italian hazelnut, no artificial aromas or preservatives. Or the hot chocolate from Sorbetteria Castiglione, just out of our top five ice cream in Bologna but still a very good one.
I’ll also give a chance to carrube Modica chocolate from Karrua even if my favourite Modica chocolate will always be the one from Antica Dolceria Bonajuto.

It’s a pity that some of the best chocolate producers of Bologna, like Roccati and Majani, missed this fair but you can still visit their amazing shops: the first one, in via Clavature 17, seems like a Paris jewelry. Majani shop, in Via De Carbonesi 5, is a really old and traditional shop with wood made furniture.

So my suggestion is to walk around, take some photos of the funny chocolate creations but don't be fooled by appearance. But above all, to enjoy the spirit of the fair, share it with the one you love.
Photo of Cremino Majani
Cremino Majani, photo by Shunsuke Kobayashi

Related post

  • Bologna with kids - Carpigiani Gelato Museum

    Scoops of History: Exploring Carpigiani Gelato Museum

    What's life without gelato? Not much if you ask me. So when I found out that just outside Bologna there's a full museum dedicated to gelato, I set there my heaven on earth. Why a Gelato Museum? Served with a few drops of Balsamic vinegar of Modena or in our typical cialda in one of my favorite gelato shops in Bologna, gelato is a popoular food with a hidden story. Bologna Gelato Museum opened

  • Torta Barozzi Gollini Vignola

    Torta Barozzi: the secret black cake from Modena

    In Modena there's a secret recipe of a chocolate cake inspired by an architect and with an old story to tell. Ever heard about Torta Barozzi?

  • Bologna desserts - Certosino

    Bologna's Sweetest Delights: Uncovering the Best Desserts in the City

    What's the first food you think about when you think of Bologna? Tortellini sure, maybe tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella of course. Enter old bakeries and open grandma's cookbooks to learn all about desserts in Bologna.

Home page icons22

Tasty newsletter

Stay in touch with monthly news and get my PDF guide with the best restaurants in Bologna, Modena and Parma


Subscribe

Comments

  • Emily

    Hi!

    I just wanted to say, I love your blog! I'm American, but I'll be studying abroad in Bologna for a year starting in August. Your blog has been a great place to discover different restaurants and things to do. And I can't wait for this coming Cioccoshow =]

  • Taste Bologna

    Hi Emily,

    I'm glad that you've chosen my city for your studies! I hope you can follow my suggestions and of course if you need any tips about everything...well, just ask!

    Andrea

  • Emily

    Andrea,

    Thanks for getting back to me =]. Not sure if you have posted about this, but I would love if you could make a guide, or give me suggestions, to some awesome vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Bologna!

  • Taste Bologna

    Sure, sounds like a new post to write!

    One place that i reccomend for veggie (but not only for them) is Zenzero Bistrot. Read my review here: http://www.tastebologna.net/1/...

  • Emily

    Thank you! That looks like a delicious restaurant =].