After the volume of hot dogs and beer likely consumed over Labor Day weekend, it may be a challenge to get excited about more food and drink events. But given the chocolatey goodness of this week's lineup, we encourage you to try.
Friday, September 9
Dallas Chocolate Festival at Addison Conference Center
At this weekend-long celebration of all things chocolate, now in its seventh year, attendees can meet the artisans; watch live demonstrations of the chocolate-making process; and sample and shop from more than 40 participants, including Amano Artisan Chocolate, Bisous Bisous Patîsserie, CocoAndré Chocolatier, Dallas Caramel Company, and more. New this year is the Chocolate Festival Movie Night, with a screening of the documentary Bean to Bar: A Film About Artisan Chocolate, at 7 pm on Friday night. Tickets for the various events start at $35, and gates open on Saturday at 9 am. There are chocolate workshops on Sunday, 10 am-5 pm, at Perfect Temper Kitchen in Plano.
Saturday, September 10
Chocolate and Ice Cream Licks Tour
This chocolate and ice cream adventure starts at Krispy Kreme on Greenville Avenue at 2 pm and includes stops at places such as Kate Weiser Chocolate and Steel City Pops. Tickets are $43, and that includes transportation via bus, samples, beverages, and a tour guide. Additional venues are announced post purchase via email.
Dallas' Best BBQ and Brewery Food Tour
Dig into sublime 'cue at some of the best joints in Dallas, including Lockhart Smokehouse in Oak Cliff, where the tour starts at 10:45 am; there's also a stop at a local brewery. Tickets cost $59, and that includes bus transportation, water, soft drinks and other beverages on the bus, beer at the brewery, tour guide, samples, and much more. Additional venues are announced post purchase via email.
Dallas Blonde 5K Run
Deep Ellum Brewing's first 5K celebrates the famous beer. The $30 registration fee (register four or more and save $5 per person) includes a run through the neighborhood, a Dallas Blonde T-shirt, finish-line photos, two cans of Dallas Blonde beer, and live music. The race starts at 8 am, and you can pick up packets September 9, 11 am-7 pm, or the morning of the race.
Snowbaby Pop-Up at The Lot
Snowbaby creamy shaved ice will be available in the back cabana area, close to the Sandlot, from noon-3 pm. Flavors include tangy strawberry, vanilla bean, and chocolate with a side of fresh strawberries and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk.
Winery and Jazz Tour
Get ready for an evening of wine tasting, cheese pairings, and pizza, followed by some fun dessert stops all over town. Along the way, guests can enjoy some live jazz at an amazing club. Tickets are $63, and that includes transportation via private motor coach, beverages at a winery and on the motor coach, an expert tour guide, and many samples. Meet at 5:30 pm at Two Corks and a Bottle. Additional venues are announced post purchase via email.
Sunday, September 11
Bishop Arts Walking and Historical Food Tour
This tour starts at Veracruz Cafe and stops at other great eateries like Parker & Barrow. Attendees also learn about the unique Bishop Arts neighborhood where Bonnie met Clyde, streetcars and mobsters once ruled, and Dallas' most prolific inventors launched their brilliant ideas. Tickets are $45, and that include samples and nonalcoholic beverages. Tour starts at 1 pm. Additional venues are announced post purchase via email.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Dallas Chocolate Festival at the Addison Conference Center on September 9-10.
Photo courtesy of Seegars Deli.