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Feast on a favorite

The annual Death by Chocolate fundraiser will feature wine f or the first time.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published December 8, 2006

LARGO - Tonight is the 11th annual chocolate connoisseurs' favorite - Death by Chocolate.

All we have to say is - what a way to go.

At this all-you-can-melt-in-your-mouth extravaganza, the Largo Cultural Center will become a virtual chocolate factory filled with fondue fountains, chocolate dream cakes, candies, cookies, brownies and s'mores.

Outdoors, chocolate lovers can stroll through the holiday display in Largo Central Park filled with 250,000 lights.

For the first time, the festival includes wine, which some say is a natural and tasty complement to the pleasurable confection.

Four wine merchants will accompany 24 restaurants, chocolatiers and caterers - all donating their time and products for the event.

"A bolder red wine does great with dark chocolate," said Jerry Minton, owner of WineStyles, a participating wine and gift shop. "Different chocolates match different wines. White chocolate is wonderful with champagne."

The event is a fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club of Largo, which has raised more than $200,000 during the past 10 years. Proceeds benefit children with goodies such as playground equipment, summer camp programs, scholarships and children's theatre.

A silent auction will include golf packages, a Key West trip, gourmet food and wine baskets, a ladies watch, artwork and private wine tasting parties.

Previously the oh-so-sweet event has been held in conjunction with the city's Holiday Stroll at the park. But to alleviate traffic and parking problems, the event has been moved back a week, said Darla Evans, event chairwoman.

Not that it was a source of aggravation for chocolate lovers, who, because of chocolate's mood-boosting effects, are normally filled with holiday glee.

"Everyone is always in a happy mood at this event and this year, I'm sure the wine will take it one step further," she said.

[Last modified December 7, 2006, 22:05:47]