Tempered chocolate will certainly work, but for the form you will need to put the tempered chocolate on the inside not the outside. This is because temepered chocolate shrinks as it sets.
I have a set of wood carving tools which I use for carving chocolate and also for designs in the icing of cakes. Also a variety of rubber stamps which can be dipped in food coloring (mixed with water) for designs on just about anything.
I used to work in a restaurant that smoked our own salmon. What we would do was place a cooling rack on a sheet pan. Cover that rack with cheesecloth (clean cotton rags will wok too), place the salmon on top and then completely cover...
I always try to make it to the show, but it really depends on what else is going on at the same time ... some years I make it and some I don't. I'll look for you if I do manage to make it this year.
Chafing dishes are for holding hot food at temperature NOT for rewarming, I think you will have difficulties getting food up to temp in a chafing dish. Is it possible to transport it hot rather than reheating when you get there?
The only way I know of to charge this is to calculate how many hours you anticipate spending on this project, figure out what you want to charge per hour and multiply the two. Then figure out how much you want to charge for the rights...
My suggestion is to contact your culinary school's job placement center. Often they will assist you in getting a job and/or internship. They may be able to give you a list of local restaurants who have alumni from that school in top...
Not knowing your recipe, I can't say for certain that it will work to mix ahead of time, but I don't see why not. I would recommend that any batter not being baked immediately be stored in the cooler until you are ready to use it and...
I don't know whether they would agree or not, but it can't hurt to ask. I would request from the producers a list of potential themes (like they do with the "mystery ingredient" on Iron Chef) That way you could have in mind...
Similar idea - I used to use thick woven placemats which you can usually buy at Walmart or Target, etc. for pretty cheap - or use the old ones you are ready to replace.
