Michelin-trained Athlone chocolatiers to showcase their work in RDS

A pair of classically trained Athlone chefs, who received masterclasses from world chocolate master Vincent Valeé, are set to feature at Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, at the RDS from November 30 to December 4.

Couple-turned-business partners Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan worked in some of Ireland's best restaurants, notably Michelin-starred Campagne in Kilkenny and the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Thyme, in Athlone.

They then turned their talent to creating Bon Chocolatiers.

In 2020, Daniel spent three months studying under renowned pastry chef Amaury Guichon in Las Vegas, but the couple returned to Athlone during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Within seven months, Bon Chocolatiers had transformed into a full-time business with its own production unit and it recently received the Food and Wine 2022 Emerging Producer Award.

The business partners pay close attention to every detail of their product, right down to hand-foraging many of the ingredients.

"Bon Chocolatiers is about everything surrounding the chocolate experience, even down to the brush strokes in our artwork," said Daniel.

"We want people to be excited about receiving our chocolates as a gift, even before they taste them."

The brand's artistry is a feast for the eyes and, although they play with texture and incorporate interesting ingredients, Daniel explained that their flavours remain familiar at their core.

"The favourites are favourites for a reason," he said.

Hosting over 100 artisan food producers, Gifted promises a selection of flavours that will tickle the tastebuds of every foodie this Christmas.

"At Gifted, we celebrate Christmas giving with the country's largest collection of thoughtful and sustainable gifts for your loved ones," said organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.

"The Fair is a unique opportunity to interact with the most creative people in Ireland and discover thousands of original products, available only at Gifted.

"The Fair is a huge boost to the independent creative sector, it is vital to the industry as a whole and it is estimated that it generates enough business to keep many exhibitors busy for at least four months of the year."

A 10% discount applies to everything at Gifted on the opening day, Wednesday, November 30. Further details and booking can be found at www.giftedfair.ie.

The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair will take place at Dublin's RDS from Wednesday, November 30 to Sunday, December 4.