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   Chocolate: A European Sweet | 1600—1750 Using Chocolate— Only the EUROPEAN ELITE could afford to drink chocolate  In France, chocolate was a state monopoly.According to legend, the French court’s love of chocolate was sealed when its new, self-confessed chocoholic queen, Anne of Austria (daughter of King Philip III of Spain), married Louis XIII in 1615. Chocolate became an instant status symbol, and by decree, no one but members of the French aristocracy were allowed to drink it.  In England, anyone with money could drink chocolate.The first chocolate house opened in London in 1657. Like coffee shops, which became popular much later, chocolate houses were places to enjoy a hot drink, discuss politics, socialize, and gamble. Many chocolate houses admitted only men. Others were open to anyone who could afford the entrance fee. Wealthy Europeans used special dishes for drinking chocolate. Europeans preferred to drink their chocolate from ornate dishes made out of precious materials and crafted by artisans. Like the elaborate ceramic vessels of ancient Maya and Aztec rulers, these dishes were more than serving pieces. They were also symbols of wealth. Continue to Chocolate: A Contemporary Confection |
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