The Invasion of Pavullo: Second Annual Chocolate Extravaganza
Daniele Bondi - April 9, 2004
Via Giardini, the main road in town, filled with visitors from all of North Italy
PAVULLO, ITALY
 The Second Annual Chocolate Extravaganza closed the afternoon of April 5, 2004. The event, organized by the Frignano Gourmet Association, with the support of Pavullo Administration as well as Modena Province, was sold out all three theme nights of Thursday, April 1st, Friday, April 2nd and Saturday, April 3rd, as well as the closing day, Sunday, April 4th, when the action was moved outside, into the Piazza Battisti.
To tell the truth, both the piazza as well as the chocolate chef's surrounding booths, were at capacity from early morning on. Visitors were so numerous that tasting one of the many chocolate delicacies took patience and perseverance. People were backed up onto Via Giardini for at least a couple of kilometers (about 3.2 miles). "I don't remember seeing so many people in Pavullo ever", said Pavullo's Department of Culture councilwoman, Stefania Cargioli with satisfaction.
The booths the delicacies of chocolate chef Valter Tagliazucchi were outstanding; from the three pepper pralines, to the many chocolate creations in the form of either the names of Pavullo's frazioni (towns) or of the most colorful people who ever lived in the area.
A long line surged forward in front of the restaurant La Vecchia Quercia (The Old Oak Tree), where the crepes seasoned with Gran Marnier and hot chocolate were the main course. Beside the restaurant, the association Festa delle Campane di Castagneto (Castagneto's Bells festival) served borleghi (local crepe-like sheet) and crescentine (local bread) with chocolate. Nearby, the Enoteca (Wine Bar) "La Morra" poured samples of spirits and chocolate.
We all now await the 2005 Chocolate Extravaganza, when Raimondo Montecuccoli, famous strategist from the 8th century and the most famous among Pavullo's sons, will return home, immortalized in chocolate.
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