New reality show has bite

London Community News

Are You Sweet Enough? sees chocolatiers compete spoon to spoon

By Chet Greason/For London Community News When Marc Forrat, chocolatier and owner of Forrat’s Chocolates, went looking for an apprentice, he did it with style. Not happy with the typical resume/interview process, Forrat instead created a series of challenging events for four willing participants and crafted a reality TV show around it. Are You Sweet Enough? will air on Rogers TV, channel 13, beginning mid-December. The program had its inaugural kick-off party and preliminary recording on Friday (Oct. 12) at Saffron’s Restaurant in Fanshawe College. The four competing chefs vying for Forrat’s apprenticeship will run a gauntlet of culinary, marketing, and business-related competitions, all for the chance to train under Forrat and potentially run their own store. That night, the competitors were tasked with creating a gourmet cookie out of a select number of ingredients within a 45-minute time limit. One hundred and twenty people purchased tickets to attend the kick-off party and sample the treats, while another four guests paid an extra $125 to act as official judges. All proceeds raised by the event went to the United Way. “I can’t believe this is happening,” said an ecstatic Forrat of the event’s attendance. “We thought we’d take advantage of the reality show idea to find an apprentice, but now we’re really giving back to the community with all the money we’ve raised.” Forrat said the show, which takes place entirely in London, is very community-driven. “The goal of the show will be to showcase the participants’ talents; to show what they can do. Hopefully, whoever doesn’t win will still be able to show off to a boss out there who’s hiring.” He added the show will feature numerous twists throughout its nine-episode run and wouldn’t be possible without numerous local sponsors. “Toyota is providing us with transportation, Fanshawe has taken on all of the infrastructure ... there’s just too many sponsors for me to thank.” Marie Borja and Deanna Waters were two of the guests anxiously awaiting the contestants’ culinary creations. “We’re here for the food, the wine, and the wonderful service,” Borja said. “And the chocolate!” Waters added. Guests were also entered into a draw for a night out courtesy of Forrat’s, which included dinner, wine, and a chocolate fondue. A 50/50 draw also raised additional funds. But the big winner of the night was the judges’ favourite cookie, the maker of which would come that much closer to cornering the competition and winning the program’s major prize. However, readers will have to tune into Are You Sweet Enough? in December to find out who takes the cake.