Once Upon A Time, “The Story of Chocolate” began!
Dallas Chocolate Festival
DALLAS, TEXAS – June 27, 2019 – Dallas Chocolate Festival, presented by DallasChocolate.org, is telling “The Story of Chocolate” for its tenth annual edition, September 6-8, 2019, at the Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.). In addition to bringing in over 60 chocolate makers and chocolatiers from around the world and locally, over 3,000 attendees will learn about, taste, shop, and experience the artistry and craftsmanship of quality chocolate. For the first time ever, the Festival will be holding the expo over two days, and a special 10th Anniversary multi-course chocolate dinner will be held on August 17 at the Fairmont Dallas. DallasChocolate.org donates a portion of proceeds from the Festival to scholarship funds that support local culinary programs. To learn more about the Dallas Chocolate Festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.dallaschocolate.org.
Once upon a time (in 2009 to be exact), Dallas Chocolate Festival founder Sander Wolf tasted magical chocolate, created from bean to bar by skilled artisans, that had the power to inspire. That bar inspired him to learn all about the complex processes and hand-crafted skills that result in a refined chocolate experience and to share his knowledge with others. His first event was a dinner that featured two bean-to-bar chocolate makers. Each year, his event grew and changed to encompass more people, chocolate makers, and experiences. Partnering with Emily Mantooth in 2014, the festival has continued to grow and innovate, ensuring the best experience possible for exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and everyone in between. Today, the Dallas Chocolate Festival is globally renowned and attended by thousands of chocolate lovers over the course of several days.
Chocolate education is fundamental to DallasChocolate.org’s mission, and a portion of proceeds are donated as scholarship funds to local culinary programs for students focused on pastry arts with an emphasis on chocolate. DallasChocolate.org has donated over $25,000 in scholarships to the culinary programs at El Centro Community College and Collin College.
“It is incredible to think that we started this Festival 10 years ago with a young chocolate scene and that it has evolved to become a staple event in Dallas. We have enjoyed every second working with the talented chocolate makers and chocolatiers that travel from near and far to bring their delicious creations to our event,” Wolf said.
10th Anniversary Dinner
Saturday, Aug. 17, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venetian Ballroom at The Fairmont Hotel – 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201
Tickets are $150 per person (21+ only). Gratuity included. (Tickets will go on sale July 15.)
In commemoration of DallasChocolate.org’s premiere event 10 years ago – a dinner featuring two craft chocolate makers – the Dallas Chocolate Festival and the Fairmont Dallas present a special 10th Anniversary Dinner to be held in the newly renovated Venetian Ballroom at The Fairmont. Fairmont Executive Chef Jared Harms and Pastry Chef Cristal Gonzalez will create a five-course dinner with each dish incorporating fine chocolate and paired with wine or a cocktail. Legends of the American chocolate movement – Art Pollard of Amano Artisan Chocolate, Greg D’Alesandre of Dandelion Chocolate, Jael Rattigan of French Broad Chocolate, and Shannon Neffendorf and Jessica Young of Five Mile Chocolate – will be on hand to tell their stories of chocolate.
Dallas Chocolate Festival VIP Party
Friday, Sept. 6, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) – 1807 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201
Tickets are $75 for 21+ only. Valet parking included. (Tickets will go on sale Aug. 1.)
Friday night’s VIP Party will be a fairy tale come true! VIP Party guests will have the first opportunity to explore, sample, and shop over 60 exhibitors, from chocolates and treats to cocktails and sweets. Light bites and adult beverages provided, and a spectacular chocolate fountain will flow. Guests will also receive a memorable gift bag. Tickets are limited.
Dallas Chocolate Festival Main Event
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 7-8, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) – 1807 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201
Tickets are $35 for adults, $7 children 4 to 11, free for children 3 and under. (Tickets go on sale Aug. 1st.)
Valet is available for $10. Ross Tower Garage Parking Lot is available for $5.
The ultimate chocolate wonderland weekend awaits! Adults and children alike will be immersed in a chocolate paradise filled with spellbinding aromas, visual artistry, and mouthwatering flavors of the finest chocolates, leaving happily ever after. In addition to everyone’s favorite part of the Festival – the tastings from over 60 exhibitors! – guests can learn every element of chocolate-making. The weekend includes demonstrations and discussions from chefs and chocolate makers, lectures from industry experts, a kids’ area, food trucks, and more. Hands-on workshops, including guided tastings and chocolate-making classes, will also be available for an additional fee. To manage engagement through the festival exhibitor hall, tickets are assigned an entry time at three points throughout the day: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. For further details and to purchase tickets, visit www.dallaschocolate.org and follow @DallasChocolate on Facebook and Instagram.