Save the Wrapper! 
UC San Diego’s 50th Anniversary Chuao Chocolate Bar Contest

Kristin Luciani| Oct. 4, 2010

UCSD alumni and brothers Michael (left) and Richard
Antonorsi are helping UCSD celebrate its anniverary
with a contest.

Visionary chocolatiers and UC San Diego alumni Michael (’85) and Richard (’84) Antonorsi are celebrating the golden anniversary of their alma mater by hosting a “winning wrapper” contest.  From now until May 2011, special 50th Anniversary Chuao chocolate bars will be available at locations throughout campus and online at the UCSD Bookstore’s website .  

Twenty of these special-edition candy bars will be wrapped in a winning ticket, which will admit the finders and their guests into an exclusive tour of Chuao Chocoaltier, followed by a chocolate and wine pairing party.  

Based out of Carlsbad, Calif., Chuao Chocolatier founders Michael and Richard Antonorsi are pioneering the art of “fusion chocolate.”  Their unusual and unexpected flavor combinations, premium chocolate and fresh natural ingredients have created a recipe for success that awakens the senses to a uniquely delicious chocolate experience.   

Born and raised in Venezuela, Michael Antonorsi left the technology industry to pursue his dream of becoming a chef.  After training at École Supérieure de Cuisine Francaise Ferrandi in Paris and specializing in Pastry and Chocolaterie at the École LeNôtre, in 2002 he returned to San Diego and partnered with his brother Richard to open a small chocolate café. 

Named in honor of Chuao, the legendary Venezuelan cacao growing region, Chuao Chocolatier is the first Venezuelan chocolatier in the United States and has garnered praise from across the nation—including “The Today Show”, “Good Morning America”, “Dr. Phil” and the Food Network’s “Road Tasted with the Neelys.” 

Chuao's special-edition chocolate bars.

While celebrating the university’s landmark anniversary, this candy contest will also benefit undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships at UC San Diego.  A portion of proceeds from the sale of Chuao chocolate bars will go towards “Invent the Future,” UC San Diego’s $50 million student support campaign.

The 50th Anniversary Chuao chocolate bar contest will run from Sept. 15 through May 13, with two prize offering opportunities: January 2011 and May 2011.  To find out if you are a lucky winner, enter the code located on the wrapper online at www.alumni.ucsd.edu/goldenticket.