Answers
1. What are my choices of chocolate for the chocolate fountain?
Answer: The fountain requires couverture chocolate. Couverture chocolate is available in milk, semi-sweet, and white chocolate. 20 pounds of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate is included in the price of the rental. For the ultimate experience, we strongly recommend that you upgrade to the imported Belgian Callebaut chocolate that we offer.
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: Our pricing includes 20 pounds of domestic semi-sweet chocolate for the medium fountain, the minimum required to run the fountain effectively. This will easily serve between 200-250 guests. Additional chocolate may be purchased in 10 pound increments to accommodate larger events. The small fountain includes enough chocolate to accommodate up to 150 people. We have also rented for parties of 4!
4. How many people will the chocolate fountain serve?
Answer: Because more chocolate can be added during the event, the chocolate fountain will serve an unlimited number of guests. We have also rented for parties of 4! For very large events (400 or more guests), we recommend renting two fountains to keep the lines for this popular attraction shorter.
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 fountain is 29" in height 16" in diameter and weighs approximately 85 pounds before adding chocolate. The small fountain is 25" in height, 12" in diameter and weighs approximately 40 pounds.. You can also request your caterer place the fountain 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 a self service option. 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 dipping items can be used with the fountain?
Answer: Use your imagination...because nearly anything can be dipped into the fountain! 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, apple slices, caramels, pretzels, marshmallows, cookies, cream puffs, biscotti, rice crispy treats, graham crackers, melon, bananas, and brownies. Additional uses include ladling the chocolate over belgian waffles, ice cream, or cake. We will email you a suggested dipping items menu that you can select from. We also have a special Holidays Menu. Try a Chocola-tini !!
10. Who provides the dipping items?
Answer: 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 the chocolate fountain is the only food for your event, and you need a provider of dipping goodies, we'd be more than happy to provide this service for you at an additional cost.
11. Do you provide the decorations for around the chocolate fountain?
Answer: The chocolate fountain itself is the ultimate decoration for any table. We do, in addition, provide beautifully decorated displays around our fountains. We work with your event planner to match our decor with the entire event theme. The cascading chocolate, the colorful array of fruit and other appetizers and our decorations makes the table an appealing part of your special event. Of course, you are also welcome to provide any additional decorations if you so desire.
12. Can the chocolate fountain be used outdoors?
Answer: The chocolate fountain is best operated in enclosed areas. We have operated the fountain in tents and even on boats. However, this is only recommended when we can place the fountain in a corner with side coverage to block any wind exposure.
13. What areas does The Chocolate Chick service?
Answer: Our pricing includes delivery and set up at any facility located within a resonable distance from our location in Howard County. We do serve most areas from Baltimore all the way NW to Gettysburg, PA. We try to serve all possible customers and limit any additional travel fees.
14. 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.
15. How much does it cost to rent the chocolate fountain?
Answer: You might be surprised at how affordable it is to include The Chocolate Swan at your next event. To view pricing & what's included click HERE..
16. Do you accept credit cards?
Answer: Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express online.. For more information on payment, refer to the pricing page.
17. Do you sell chocolate fountains?
Answer: Yes, we can help you buy a chocolate fountain! If you would like information on how to purchase a chocolate fountain, we would be glad to help! Please click HERE to request more information.
18. What territory do you cover?
The Chocolate Chick
Alexandria
Annapolis*
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
Fairfax County
Ft. Belvoir
Ft. Myers
Gainesville
Leesburg
Loudoun County
Manassas
Northern Virginia
PG County*
Prince William County
Rockville
Silver Spring
Springfield
Washington DC
Woodbridge
* May include an additional travel fee
