The Flair
of the Cioccolata Calda
A hot chocolate entirely in the style of the Carnevale
I. Invitation to the Baroque Séparée
II. A Truly Royal Elixir
III. Of Venus's Delight
and Venetian Memories
IV. The Glamorous Path into the Ball Night
I. Invitation to the Baroque Séparée
We are approaching the first true sensual pinnacle of our festive day! I invite you into the wonderfully Baroque ambiance of the séparée on the first floor of the Café im Paradeis. In this intimate, undisturbed setting, we shall serve you a draught that has already enraptured the mighty of past centuries: the legendary Cioccolata calda. This is the true and solely worthy prelude to a long, adventurous night at the ball.
II. A Truly Royal Elixir
Even in the Renaissance, the exotic magic of chocolate was highly esteemed. When it was first served in liquid form at the Spanish court in 1544, its importation from the distant colonies was so costly that only the wealthiest could afford this privilege. However, it only began its true triumphant ascent through the courts of Europe when it was sweetened with fine cane sugar. Thus perfected, hot chocolate rapidly became the absolute favorite beverage of Louis XIV. Soon, the entire aristocratic world of the Baroque and Rococo emulated the Sun King in surrendering to this luxurious delight.
III. Of Venus's Delight
and Venetian Memories
Interestingly, in the seventeenth century, cocoa first reached our German latitudes as a medicine. A contemporary apothecary's treatise praised it promisingly: "For cacao fortifies the stomach, quickens the vital spirits [...] aids in Venus's delight, and strengthens the head." Even if enlightened minds today may smile at the myth of a pure aphrodisiac – the pleasantly invigorating and euphoric power of this potion is a fact that perfectly fortifies us for the night.
Furthermore, our gathering presents one of the rare opportunities to taste this sinfully thick and creamy chocolate prepared according to an original Venetian recipe. In the maelstrom of modern tourism, it has almost vanished even at the Carnevale di Venezia; only those who wandered through Venice before the turn of the millennium still longingly recall the full-bodied cups at Café Florian. We are reviving this sweet memory for you.
IV. The Glamorous Path into the Ball Night
After we have awakened our senses in this manner, you naturally still have ample leisure remaining. You may retire to your chambers in all tranquility to refresh yourselves and don your most festive attire for your grand appearance.
Thereafter, the Prince-Bishop's Residence opens its doors for us. It offers the most glamorous setting conceivable to lose oneself entirely in a sparkling night of dancing, full of enticing games and historical amusements.