Gourmet Guide: Chocolate Ball Choices

     For the uninitiated, the Gourmet Club is Neopia’s premiere eating establishment that celebrates the consumption of delicacies from all across Neopia — yes, even the deep seas of Maraqua and the tippy-top of Terror Mountain! Eating even a single selection from the list (AKA foods with rarities between 90 and 100) is enough to consider yourself eligible to join the club’s prospective membership list. However, to gain full membership (which comes with a shiny trophy for your lookup and bragging rights for all eternity), you’ll need to stuff yourself quite full. The current number to reach even an honorary membership badge is 1,260 unique meals; not for the faint of heart or the small-stomached!

     The list below covers but a few of the tastiest and most interesting treats that the Chocolate Ball has on offer this year. I’ve rated each one on a 1-5 scale based on sweetness level, novelty, rarity, and of course, how delicious it is! So what are we waiting for? Let the chocolate tasting commence!

     Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★

     Rarity: ★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★★

     Notes: This treat is a true Chocolate Ball classic, served front-and-center at each year’s event! The chocolate is decadent, the cake is soft and moist, and the cherries on top are nothing short of perfection. Though it may not be as daring or original as some of the other treats on display, you can’t go wrong with a tried-and-true favorite!

     Chocolate Grarrl Petit Fours

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★★

     Rarity: ★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★

     Notes: As a Chocolate Grarrl, it should come as no surprise that these are a particular favorite of mine! These tiny cakes pack quite a punch for their size, gracing the taste buds with sweet delight in every bite-size piece. Though the serving size is four, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself gobbling up dozens of these tiny treats throughout the night!

     Creamy Choccywhip

     Sweetness Level: ★★★

     Novelty: ★★★

     Rarity: ★★★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★★

     Notes: The Assortments table is one of the most popular spots for frequent Chocolate Ball attendees, as the chocolates to taste vary from year to year. I have it on good authority that this particular selection, new this year, will likely be one of the first to disappear! It’s a delightful mix of bitter dark chocolate and creamy milk chocolate that positively melts in your mouth. Be sure to grab a bite before it’s gone!

     Shebberries

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★★★★★

     Rarity: ★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★

     Notes: At first glance, this selection might look out of place amongst the chocolate delights at the buffet. Don’t let their fruity appearance deceive you though — these unique berries taste just like dried strawberries covered in chocolate! The chief delight in these lies in their novelty and how easy they are to pop into your mouth for a quick chocolatey treat. That said, I personally find them just a bit less tasty than traditional chocolate-covered strawberries. To each their own, though!

     Chocolate Orange Volcano

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★★

     Novelty: ★★★

     Rarity: ★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★★

     Notes: A Chocolate Ball specialty and annual favorite! This delicious and fun-to-eat treat is an explosion of sweet and tangy flavors that pleases crowds year after year. The great size of it means it’s perfect for sharing, or for devouring whole for those of you with big sweet tooths and healthy appetites like me. If you try nothing else at this year’s event, you absolutely MUST make this one of your selections!

     White Chocolate Asparagus Souffle

     Sweetness Level: ★

     Novelty: ★★★★★

     Rarity: ★★

     Deliciousness: ★★

     Notes: For the adventurous Gourmet seekers and those who (gasp!) prefer veggies to pure sweets, you won’t want to miss this interesting combination. It’s certainly unique, but in my opinion, a very odd mix of flavors. The tooth-aching sweetness of the white chocolate is muted somewhat by the almost acrid taste of the asparagus; those who adore Borovan will likely enjoy this offering the most. Though not one of my favorites, I will say that it tastes much better hot, so be sure to make this one of your first treats of the night if you’re interested in trying it out!

     Chocolate Easter Neggs

     Sweetness Level: ★★★

     Novelty: ★

     Rarity: ★★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★

     Notes: These classic treats are only available around Easter and at the Chocolate Ball each year, so if you’ve got a hankering, don’t skip out on them! There are lots of different Chocolate Negg types to choose from, including Mint, Orange, and a Luxury chocolate that’s sure to get your mouth watering. These are especially popular to grab as you’re heading out for the night, to keep the Chocolate Ball spirit alive even after the event ends. So don’t be shy — join the crowd and stuff your bag with them before you leave!

     Chocolate Fish

     Sweetness Level: ★

     Novelty: ★★★★★

     Rarity: ★

     Deliciousness: ★

     Notes: One thing I can say about this novel combination is that it’s filling… but even the sweet, decadent taste of fine chocolate can’t mask the undeniably fishy flavor. While this “treat” (if you can even call it that…) may be bearable at the beginning of the night for those who like unique combinations, please take heed and avoid at all costs by the time the Ball is coming to an end. Believe me when I say that the fish does NOT hold up after hours of sitting out!

     Chocolate Blossom

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★★

     Novelty: ★★★★

     Rarity: ★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★

     Notes: Grown from a single chocolate seed, this gorgeous chocolate flower is almost too beautiful to eat! The chocolate itself is melty and smooth, with a subtle yet delightful floral aftertaste. While you’ll likely see more people admiring this work of art than eating it, don’t let that dissuade you from taking a taste. It’s truly one of the finest treats on offer at the Ball!

     Baked Apple with Snowberries

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★★★

     Rarity: ★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★

     Notes: While I’m doubtful that there are health nuts attending the Chocolate Ball, I would be remiss to skip reviewing this slightly healthier treat! The chocolate drizzle accents the natural sweetness of the apple, and the snowberries provide an altogether satisfying crunch. You don’t often see whole fruit featured at the Chocolate Ball, for obvious reasons, but I have a feeling this will end up being an unexpected surprise hit of this year’s event!

     Peanut and Chocolate Slushie

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★

     Rarity: ★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★★

     Notes: After all that tasting, you’re likely feeling quite parched. Never fear, you can keep up the sweets with this quenching slushie! A classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter, this drink is perfect for pairing with any of the selections above. It’s refreshing, filling, and delicious all at once!

     There you have it, friends: a guide to all the tastiest and most interesting picks at this year’s Chocolate Ball! Of course, I greatly encourage you to take a bite out of every chocolate treat you find at the buffet tables, but if your stomach is only ambitious enough for a few, these are a good place to start. This is Squire Sprinkle Spoon of the Court of Confection, signing off. I hope to see you at this year’s event!