The Return of Culinary Magic: Chocolate & Vanilla

Join Nuance Chocolate for an immersive afternoon of chocolate, vanilla, and culinary storytelling with Top Chef alum and acclaimed chef-author Marisa Churchill.

Best known for her appearances on Top Chef, Marisa brings a chef-first perspective shaped by years in professional kitchens, national food television, and culinary competition. Her work centers on technique, ingredients, and the idea that flavor is built, not invented.

That chef-first perspective is what makes this event, and her novel Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate, so unique.

Unlike many food-centered novels written by non-chefs, Marisa’s storytelling is grounded in real culinary technique. Even the magical cooking competition at the heart of this story was inspired by her experiences on Top Chef and Food Network. Like all good culinary competitions, the Golden Whisk has unexpected twists, a few surprising turns, and plenty of chocolate! Chocolate is often misunderstood or oversimplified in fiction. That misrepresentation was one of the sparks that led her to write this book. In her story, ingredients aren’t just background details; they’re central to how the “magic” works. The book also includes four tasty recipes.

This event brings that idea to life.

Through guided tastings of several single-origin vanilla extracts presented by Rodelle, paired with two contrasting Nuance chocolates (high-acid and low-acid), guests will experience firsthand how origin, terroir, and sourcing influence flavor dramatically. The same principles that inform Marisa’s cooking and her writing.

Choose Your Session: To ensure everyone has a great experience, this event is now divided into two scheduled sessions. Please select the ticket for your preferred time:

• Session 1: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Session 2: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Each session offers the full guided tasting experience, conversation, and author interaction. Please arrive during your selected time slot to get the most out of the experience.

• Guided single-origin vanilla tasting
• Take-home bottles of single-origin vanilla (retail value ~$20)
• Guided tasting of two Nuance chocolates (high-acid & low-acid)
• One Nuance chocolate bar to take home (retail value $9.50)
• Signed copy of Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate (retail value $18.99)
• Meet and talk with the author
  

Total value of over $45, all included in your ($20 + fees).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nuance Chocolate, 214 Pine Street, Fort Collins, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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