This time, last year, I discovered one of my absolute favorite events in Chicago- For the Love of Chocolate. This gala is an annual fundraiser to provide scholarships to students seeking training at the French Pastry School of Chicago, one of our city's true culinary art gems.

February 25, 2012 - this Saturday - is the night that you don't want to miss.

What I loved about For the Love of Chocolate, was that it encompassed everything that you would not expect from a typical, black-tie event. I wrote about all of the fine details here....

Credit: Paul Scrabbing Photography

Credit: Patrice Perkins of My Lifestyle Zen

This year, The Food Channel will produce a four-part series on this one-of-a-kind extravaganza. For the Love of Chocolate will feature:

cocoa cuisine

In Cocoa Cuisine, experience sweet and savory bites from Chicago’s best chefs. As you walk through what feels like miles of tempting displays and aromas prepared by over 50 top chefs from around the country, be sure to pace yourself so you can try a bit of everything.

cocoa venetian carnival

Transport yourself to a raucous night in Venice during Carnival, where elegance and mischief meet. Join the fun by donning a mask, playing with Redmoon Theatre, and admiring Carnival-inspired chocolate designs as they come down the runway.

sweet as sin

Prepare to pick your poison as you cross the chocolaty River Styx into the sweetest Hades you’ll ever see. The gatekeepers will have you choose your favorite chocolate sin so you can have the chance to indulge in sweet and savory morsels, dance, and lose yourself in a full chocolate bar. If this is bad, you won’t want to be good.

cocoa candyland

Get your evening’s sugar fix in this colorful passage, spanning the entire length of The Merchandise Mart. You’ll encounter Princess Lollipop, a traveling band, and live demonstrations of sugar showpieces as you satisfy your sweet tooth.

confectionary

PolyScience and SubZero/Wolf present the Confectiatory, where mad scientists will manipulate chocolate and sugar to do things you never thought possible. Taste how new technology like the Reverse Griddle can change familiar confections into space age concoctions.

chocolate spa

Everyone knows high heels and stuffy shirts can make for a long night. Recharge in the chocolate spa where you can receive chocolate massages, touch-ups on hair and make-up, and even a pair of flip-flops to relieve your aching feet. Once you’re refreshed, you’ll be ready to party through the night!

cocoa sutra

In a big event like this, you may need a moment to take it all in. Take a break from the dancing in the Cocoa Lounge, the best place in the Gala to relax, listen to some calming tunes, catch a belly dancing performance, and get ready to return to the festivities.

This is the best way imaginable to spend $200 (yes, it's tax-deductible) for a night on the town, giving back to a great cause, enjoying chocolate-inspired cuisine, delectables and cocktails and having a night, that you will not forget.

Purchase your tickets here...See you there!