Chocolate News

Dallas' annual chocolate festival celebrates world's most prized sweet

This festival is going to be sweet.

Photo by Kathy Tran

One of the largest chocolate festivals in the Southwest returns with a futuristic new theme and some new chocolate makers in the works.

The 2018 annual Dallas Chocolate Festival, presented by DallasChocolate.org, will celebrate the Future of Chocolate, with a challenge to pastry artists to create a reflective chocolate work of art — along with appearances by dozens of chocolatiers and chocolate makers, demonstrations, and workshops.

DallasChocolate.org was started in 2009 with the goal of promoting artisan chocolate in Dallas. Founder Sander Wolf wanted to educate budding foodies about the complex processes and hand-crafted skill that result in a refined chocolate experience.

"A lot of our talks this year will center on what's happening with chocolate in the future," Wolf says. "We're also excited about some of the new chocolate makers we're bringing in, including Charm School, a Baltimore chocolate company that specializes in vegan chocolate. I've been wanting to get them to come for a long time."

The festival plays out over a three-day weekend, from September 7-9, anchored by a family-friendly expo on September 8 that offers samples, shopping opportunities, demonstrations, and classes.

The day features demonstrations, lectures, round table discussions, and a kids' area. Activities include a macaron-making demonstration by Isabel Mota, founder of My French Recipe; and a lecture by Lauren Adler, founder of Seattle-based Chocolopolis, a Seattle-based online store selling artisanal chocolate goods from around the world.

Sunday's events include hands-on workshops including a chocolate-tasting class and a chocolate-making workshop, held at Whole Foods Market in Preston Forest Shopping Center.

More than 2,400 attendees will learn, taste, and experience the artistry and craftsmanship of quality chocolate. A portion of proceeds will be donated as scholarship funds to local culinary programs for students focused on pastry arts with an emphasis on chocolate.

Wolf likens it to craft beer. "Similar to the recent craft beer revolution, the artisan chocolate industry is in the midst of a renaissance," he says. "There is so much good work being done, from farms around the world to mom-and-pop businesses within the United States. We look forward to sharing it with the chocolate lovers of Dallas at our festival."

A VIP party on September 7 will provide the opportunity to explore over 60 exhibitors, from chocolates and treats to cocktails and sweets.

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Museum News

Dallas Museum of Art delays weekend opening due to undisclosed threat

Photo courtesy of Dallas Museum of Art

The DMA gets a late start on Sunday.

The Dallas Museum of Art is opening later than usual on Sunday, following an undisclosed threat that was made against the facility.

The Museum, which usually opens at 11 am on Sundays, will open at 2 pm instead.

At 9:44 am, the Museum announced that the building and the garage would be closed until further notice, and advised patrons to avoid the area, with a tweet that said IMPORTANT MESSAGE.

"Please do not visit the DMA at this time, and check back here for updates," it said. "We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you soon."

No details were given at that time, other than the fact that the Museum had received a threat "against the building and the garage."

By 12:27 pm, the Museum followed with an update that the Dallas Police Department had checked out the situation and given the all clear.

"Thank you for your understanding and patience," their post said. "Earlier this morning, we received notification of a threat against our facilities. We notified the Dallas Police Department and shut down operations until DPD could ensure the safety of our patrons, staff, and community. We are happy to report DPD has since issued an all-clear and we will be reopening to the public at 2 pm."

"As always, the safety of our guests and staff is our top priority," they continued. "While we hate to see threats like this occur, we are thankful for the brave men and women of DPD and DMA staff who stepped into action on behalf of our community. Our staff is now onsite and looks forward to welcoming you soon!"

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