Mmm, Chocolate

Five hundred years ago, the Aztecs used the cacao seed as currency. So claims Chocolate, the Exhibition, the plainly titled show on chocolate at Union Station (30 West Pershing, 816-460-2020). Plenty of commerce still centers on all that confectioners derive from cacao, though only the exceptionally pliant and the young accept it in lieu of cash. If, in this season when the sweet stuff often comes unbidden, you prefer to seek it out, Chocolate is open from noon to 5:30 p.m. today. The exhibit, organized by Chicago’s Field Museum, runs through January 3. Adult tickets cost $9.50; kids 12 and younger get in for $7. See chocolate.unionstation.org for daily hours and ticket information.

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sundays, 12-5:30 p.m. Starts: Dec. 1. Continues through Jan. 3, 2009