Answers
1. What are my choices of chocolate for the chocolate fountain?
Answer: The fountain requires couverture chocolate. Our chocolates of choice are Ghirardelli and Guittard which have won many times over in our taste tests! Couverture chocolate is available in dark, milk, white or semi-sweet. 10-30 pounds of chocolate (depending on the size of the fountain) of dark, milk or semi sweet chocolate is included in the price of the rental. We also offer any color or flavor of our white chocolate- just ask!
2. What is couverture chocolate?
Answer: Coverture chocolate is a high quality chocolate that contains extra cocoa butter (32-39%). The higher percentage of cocoa butter, combined with the processing, gives the chocolate a creamy mellow flavor and allows the chocolate to flow through the fountain more elegantly.
3. How much chocolate do I need for my event?
Answer: It depends on the size of your guest list. Our standard pricing includes 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 pounds of Ghirardelli or Guittard chocolate for the mini, small, medium or large fountains respectively. The Pricing page explains the specifics. Additional chocolate may always be purchased to accommodate larger events.
4. How many people will the chocolate fountain serve?
Answer: Our various size fountains are suitable for small events of 2 guests as well as accommodate parties of 400. Multiple fountains can accommodate multiple flavors and large crowds. Many of our corporate events utilize 3 or more fountains for crowds in excess of 3000!
We recommend the following:
2 - 40 guests mini fountain
40 - 150 guests small fountain
150 - 250 guests medium fountain
250 + guests large or multiple fountains
5. What are the dimensions of the chocolate fountain?
Answer: The chocolate fountains are a sturdy, commercial-grade piece of equipment. Constructed of stainless steel, the medium fountains range from is 29" - 34 " in height and 16" in diameter and weigh approximately 50 pounds before adding chocolate. The small fountain is 25" in height, 12" in diameter and weighs approximately 40 pounds. The large fountain is 44 inches high. You can also request the small fountain be placed on risers.
6. Do I have to set up, tear down & clean up the chocolate fountain?
Answer: Gosh no! Fortunately, a member of our team does all the work for you. We will arrive at your special event 30-60 minutes prior to the designated starting time. The fountain will then be carefully set up and the chocolate will be melted and flowing elegantly so your guests will smell the sweet aroma of chocolate when they begin to arrive. We then will clean up and dismantle the chocolate fountain at the contracted ending time. You will only have to enjoy your party! There is also a self service option for the mini or small fountains. See Pricing page for details.
7. How long can I have the chocolate fountain at my event?
Answer: Our package includes use of the chocolate fountain for up to 3 hours. Obviously, this does not include set up and tear down, which are done on our time. If you need the fountain for more than 3 hours, we will gladly accommodate your request for an additional cost of $50 per hour.
8. What are the table & electrical requirements?
Answer: Since the chocolate fountain weighs approximately 100 pounds when full, a level, sturdy table is a must. If it is not level, the chocolate will not flow properly. Your banquet facility should provide two table linens that will coordinate with your color scheme. The chocolate fountain requires a regular 120 volt grounded electrical outlet within 10 feet of the set-up location.
9. What accompaniments can be used with the fountain?
Answer: Use your imagination...because nearly anything can be dipped into the chocolate! The only types of food you should avoid are items which crumble easily such as pound cake and angel food cake, which will interfere with the smooth flow of the chocolate. However, using portion cups or a small ladle fixes this problem and allows you to enjoy the chocolate on anything. Most often, our clients use strawberries, pineapple, pretzels, marshmallows, cookies (Oreos are a favorite), cream puffs, biscotti, rice crispy treats, graham crackers, bananas, and brownies. Additional uses include ladling the chocolate over belgian waffles, ice cream, or cake.
10. Who provides the accompaniments?
Answer: There are several options. We can, you can, your caterer can or the hotel/facility can.
Generally, you are already working with a caterer, hotel or banquet facility to provide the majority of the food for your event. We do not wish to interfere with this relationship, and view our service as a complement to their services. Please discuss with your facility and/or caterer that you desire to contract for a chocolate fountain through The Chocolate Chick, and work with them so they can ensure that appropriate dipping items are incorporated into your menu. If your caterer has any questions or concerns regarding our service, we'd be more than happy to speak with them on your behalf.
If you are interested in The Chocolate Chick providing the dipping goodies, we'd be more than happy to provide this service for you at an additional cost. If we provide the dipping items, the plates, napkins, skewers and stylish serving plates/bowls are provided by us. Ask about the color scheme.
11. Do you provide the decorations for around the chocolate fountain?
Answer: The chocolate fountain itself is the ultimate decoration for any table. The cascading chocolate along with the colorful array of fruit and other appetizers is plenty of decorations to make the table appealing. We do have a black velvet skirt for the fountains and a few colorful choices for themed events which can be utilized at no additional cost. We also offer customized skirts that match your decor or linens for an additional cost. Please call us to discuss details.
For traditional holiday events (Valentine's day, Holiday Parties, St. Patrick's Day etc.) we do have table decorations and colorful dishes we can use. Please call to discuss details
12. Can the chocolate fountain be used outdoors?
Answer: The chocolate fountain is best operated in enclosed areas. Because of the chocolate's sweet aroma, little flying creatures are very likely to be attracted to the fountain. Beyond that, maintaining the temperature of chocolate is critical for continued smooth operation. This would be difficult to accomplish in an outside setting. We have operated the fountain in tents previously, but the ideal setting for the fountain is indoors. We also have a wind screen that can be brought for outdoor events at no extra charge or we can work with you to provide a netted tent (like a mosquito tent) for an additional charge. We have had clients who have used the fountain in an outdoor setting - which is fine as long as you realize the downside.
13. Do you require reservations & a deposit?
Answer: Yes, we require a reservation, a signed contract and a $200.00 deposit at the time of booking. Reservations are limited and are on a first come-first served basis. The balance of your payment is due at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of your event.
14. How much does it cost to rent the chocolate fountain?
Answer: You might be surprised at how affordable it is to include The Chocolate Chick at your next event. To view pricing & what's included see the PRICING PAGE
15. Do you accept credit cards?
Answer: Yes. We accept Visa, Discover, Mastercard and American Express online.. For more information on payment, refer to the PRICING PAGE.
16. What area does The Chocolate Chick service?
Answer: Our pricing includes delivery and set up at any facility located within Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland which includes Baltimore, Frederick, Gaithersburg and surrounding areas.
We service the below locations as well as surrounding areas.
VIRGINIA
Alexandria
Annapolis
Annandale
Falls Chruch
Fairfax County
Fredericksburg
Ft. Belvoir
Ft. Myers
Gainesville
Great Falls
Herndon
Lansdowne
Leesburg
Loudoun County
Manassas
Northern Virginia
Prince William County
Reston
Springfield
Washington DC
Woodbridge
WASHINGTON DC
We will travel to events outside of our normal delivery area for an additional charge.
