Visits to the ‘Little Factory’? “A wonderful experience that we recommend to everyone!”
Well yes, it happens to us, too, sometimes to receive sweet surprises. A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting a very special class for one of the now almost ‘traditional’ visits to the chocolate factory (for more information check out our events on our Facebook page). Why special? Well, because first of all, she was surprised and intrigued by the history of chocolate, its craftsmanship and tasting done properly: in short, she was won over by our history. But the class turned out to be even more unique because of what it left us with afterwards, namely a delightful summary of the emotions and experience felt at Romeo Viganotti’s craft workshop, which we quote below.
“The entrance to the factory is very strange: it made us very curious!”
The unusual entrance of the Chocolate and Allied Factory and the old laboratory, immediately impressed the students. Then again, it could not be otherwise, the laboratory being a hidden treasure chest full of little treasures to be discovered. Among old machinery and valuable vintage tools, the guided tour then developed toward chocolate production techniques, going on to explore the entire production process behind the artisanal production of the Viganotti praline factory.
The privilege of being “historical”
But beyond the charm that an old craft workshop evokes, it is good to remember that there are also some valuable processing methods and tools that are fundamental to traditional, quality craft production. These undoubtedly include making use of ancient machinery or marble countertops. “Being a historic store, to process chocolate [si] they can use marble tops, which are more useful because they do not absorb heat, while factories have to use steel tops.
The “grand finale,” or how to taste chocolate
And finally, the most anticipated part of the visit: the tasting. That’s right; in addition to the goodness of the chocolate you taste, during the guided tour you can find out what are the best methods for a true gourmet tasting. Not only taste and touch though, tasting in fact also goes through smell-how? Come and find out!
[thanks to the I.C. of Pegli for the pictures and insights provided!]
