Neverending sweetness

By Tracey D'Astolfo
Vindicator Correspondent
hocolate fountains, those Willy Wonka-esque visions of flowing decadence, are now available to everyone.
The fountains are being offered by party caterers at reasonable rental rates to anyone who wants to sweeten up their soiree. They are beginning to show up at weddings, showers, bar mitzvahs and graduation parties.
The Party People, a Canfield company owned by Pat Butto and associates, will have a chocolate fountain on display for sampling next ThursdayMichael McGowan 1/19/06 (JAN.26) at the sixth annual For the Love of Chocolate festival hosted by the Mahoning chapter of the American Red Cross. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn Metroplex in Liberty and will include chocoolate samples from area chocolate makers, restaurants and bakeries..
Marianne Smith of The Party People said the company started renting out chocolate fountains about two years ago.
Special 'sauce'
The fountains use a special chocolate -- premium Belgian fondue -- which has all the oils and additives removed, Smith said. You can choose from a non-bitter dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate and also flavored chocolates such as coconut, orange and mint chocolate.
The large fountain serves about 225 people and a smaller "home" version availabe for rental serves about 40 to 50 people. The smaller fountain can also be used with caramel, barbecue sauce, cheese or ranch dressing.
Dipping items include skewered fruits such as strawberries, pineapples and bananas, which the attendant will slice upon request, and dried items like marshmallows, Rice Kripsy treats, Payday candy bars, pretzels, Oreos and brownie bites.
No double-dipping
An attendant is included with the rental of the large fountain. The attendant educates and assists the guests with the fountain and assures that sanitary methods are used -- in other words, that nobody double-dips or sticks their fingers in the chocolate, although it is extremely tempting.
"Many people have told me they would love to just stick their cup in the fountain and fill it with chocolate, or put some in their coffee, but they can't do that for obvious hygiene reasons," said Smith.
An auger through the center of the fountain pumps liquified chocolate from the melting bowl at the bottom to the top, where it cascades downward over the tiers.
Rental of the large fountain is $395, which includes set up of the fountain, the attendant and enough chocolate for 225 people. Additional chocolate can be purchased. The dipping items are additional and required, and are priced per person.
The smaller fountain, often used for in-home parties, is $100 plus a $50 deposit, and includes chocolate. Customers can provide their own dipping items for the small fountain.