Dallas Chocolate Conference and Festival

by Sander Wolf       photos by Susan Migdol

You’d have to visit a chocolate factory the week before Valentine’s Day to see more chocolate than what you’ll be able to see (and taste) at this year’s DallasChocolate.org Chocolate Conference & Festival. With over two dozen chocolatiers and chocolate makers sampling their gourmet chocolate creations, there’s bound to be enough to satisfy every craving.  

The mouth-watering line-up for the Chocolate Festival includes: Barry Callebaut USA; Valrhona; Taza Chocolate; Chocolates El Rey; Sublime Chocolate; Chocolate Secrets; Dude, Sweet Chocolate; Wiseman House Chocolate; CocoAndré Chocolatier; Dr. Sue’s Chocolate; Nib Chocolates; Toffee Treats; Elegantly Chocolate; Bark Chocolate; Oh Brownie; Pure Chocolate Desserts by Zach; The Dark Chocolate Bakery; Collin College; Cacao & Cardamom; Offenbacher Fudge; 1stClass Kids, and Queen Bean Cocoa. Featured chocolate makers include: Scott Moore, Jr. of Tejas Chocolate (Houston), Art Pollard of Amano ArtisanChocolate (Utah), Colin Gasko of Rogue Chocolatier (Massachusetts), and Ben Rasmussen of Potomac Chocolate(Virginia). Every ticket purchase also allows an attendee access to the Chocolate Conference — an entire day of chocolate classes and demonstrations.

Classes include quick lessons on creating chocolate bark at home, a thorough discussion on the finer points of chocolate conching, and a master class in molding chocolate from a chocolatier who’s been doing it for over twenty years. And, of course, the classes will offer unique chocolate samples. Kicking off the day is a roundtable discussion with all the Dallas chocolatiers led by Adrienne Newman (Madame Cocoa). Just remember, that while all classes are included with aticket purchase, space is limited — though almost doubled for this year — and is on a first come, first seated basis. Admission is $18 in advance ($5 for kids) and $20 at the door ($6 for kids) including all sales taxes and ticket fees.

Admission includes ten tickets (three for kids) redeemable for chocolate samples at the Festival and access to all classes at the Conference (space permitting). Entrance to the Festival is divided into four equal and identical sessions. Tickets can be purchased for whichever session time is most convenient. Funds raised are used to award scholarships to local culinary students and to support chocolate-related charities.

Tickets can be purchased online at the events website or  or at Eventbright. More details about the Chocolate Conference & Festival 2012 including participating chocolatiers and chocolate makers and complete Conference schedule are available at DallasChocolate.org.