Patricia A. Buttaro, JD
The Chocolate Girl and Drinking Chocolate in the 18th Century
Meet The Chocolate Girl as she steps out of Liotard’s mid 18th Century painting and into the classroom to discuss the painting, what makes it so unique for that time period, and the enduring fascination with The Chocolate Girl through the centuries. Learn about the history of drinking chocolate in the 18th century, who drank it, and how it differs from chocolate beverages of today. Also learn about cacao tea, another chocolate tasting beverage popular in the 18th century, and a favorite of Martha Washington. The audience can then sample an 18th century style drinking chocolate and cacao tea to see for themselves why they were so popular.
Patricia A. Buttaro, JD, is currently semi-retired from the practice of law and is an 18th century living historian, member of the Southeastern Civilian Living Historians, and a tea educator. She hand sews clothing in the period-correct manner and dresses in period clothing for all talks. Buttaro has been studying tea and 18th century beverages for over 25 years, has a Level 1 Certification from the Specialty Tea Institute, and has completed numerous tea courses and workshops—including training from James Norwood Pratt, John Harney, Bruce Richardson, and Jane Pettigrew.
