Predictable fare at choco fair

CHENNAI: The three-day Chocolate Fair at the Chennai Trade Centre received a thumping response from families and choco-enthusiasts, owing to the inviting poster display around the city and a nominal Rs10 entry fee. However, once inside, it was evident that innovative displays and varieties of cocoa-based treats were a far cry from the agenda. With Italian softie cones and coloured gola sticks to start with, to homemade assorted chocolates - perhaps the most exciting prospect of the exhibition was an array of dark chocolate nuggets, dusted with edible gold. Sadly, as the owner of the stall relayed, these were only 'on display'.Also, worthy of a mention was a miniature white chocolate replica of the Taj Mahal.Ironically, off the 40 odd stalls at the venue, only close to half were reserved for chocolate- while the others covered everything from jute bags to water purifyers and shoe racks.