Art of Chocolate brings the sweets

“The Art of Chocolate” will make its annual appearance at 5 p.m. Sunday at the IU Art Museum. With delicious treats from eight different restaurants, the evening promises to be a delight for sweet-toothed attendees.\nChef Jeff Finch of Trulli Flatbread said he hasn’t decided what he’s making yet, but promises a “gourmet chocolate dessert.” Don’t expect chocolate chip cookies from these dessert masters – they’ll be bringing the high-end treats. Tarts, mousses and souffles are all potential dishes. One definite is cocoa ribs, made by FARMbloomington’s Daniel Orr. This spicy concoction includes, among other ingredients, habanero pepper. \nIf these delectable edibles aren’t enough to draw a crowd, there is also the live chocolate art. Developed and launched by BLU Boy Chef David Fletcher last year, the program involves covering two volunteer models – one male, one female – in about 200 pounds of chocolate, turning them into living chocolate statues. The models, both IU students, will be covered from head to toe in several layers throughout the night. Last year, Fletcher turned his male model into a chocolate Atlas (complete with non-chocolate globe).\nChefs and organizers alike are looking forward to what should be a fun night for all. \n“It’s a great way to bring people together in the middle of winter and eat chocolate ... I can’t wait to just sit back and watch it,” committee member Candace Finch said.\nThere will also be a performance by Duo Españas, composed of guitarists Atanas Tzvetkov and Espen Jensen. They will be playing Spanish and Latin American music. Both are earning advanced degrees from the Jacobs School of Music.\nThough associated with the Week of Chocolate, “The Art of Chocolate” is an independent occasion. However, like Week of Chocolate events, “The Art of Chocolate” is a fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit Options for Better Living, Inc., an organization that assists people with developmental disabilities. They aid about 300 people in south-central Indiana.\nUpcoming Week of Chocolate events include “Sundaes on Saturday” and “Wonka’s Chocolate Carnival” Saturday, “Chocolate Jeopardy” Monday, “The Great Girl Scout Cookie Caper” Tuesday, “A Chocolate Travelogue” Wednesday, “Death by Chocolate” Thursday and “Flapjack’s Cocoa Café” and “Chocolate Prom” Feb. 1. The grand finale will be the 11th annual Chocolate Fest at the Bloomington Convention Center Feb. 2. To get involved, buy tickets or learn more about any of the events, go to www.weekofchocolate.com.