Two Events, Two Days Supporting the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Initiative
Caputo’s annual Chocolate Festival is back, and this year’s event will be an immersive experience, taking guests on a journey along the famed spice route of the Middle East for the 13th year. Inspired by the “Darya Express,” a homage to the famed Orient Express, the festival will transport attendees through regions where cacao and spices grow together, creating a unique and sensory-driven adventure.
Usually, the event takes place in November, but it is shifting to Thursday, October 10th this year.
This year’s star is Mirzam Chocolate Makers, a Dubai-based craft chocolate maker known for its “bean-to-bar” process and commitment to telling the story of the spice route through its chocolate. Kathy Johnston, Merzam’s Chief Chocolate Officer, will present a multi-sensory experience highlighting the regions along the spice route.
Guests will explore five key chocolate growing regions with flavors from along the spice route. While local chefs and bartenders will elevate the experience by designing dishes and beverages inspired by the unique cacao and spice combinations.
Here’s a sneak peek into what guests can expect at each station:
- Urban Hill: Chef Nick will be working with Indian dark chocolate and coconut, bringing together the flavors of India in a fusion of cacao and spice.
- Handle: Featuring the Damascus rose, they will craft a dish using 62% rose dark chocolate, incorporating the delicate floral notes of the region.
- Caputo’s: Their in-house pastry chef will work with halva chocolate, a unique 62% cacao creation from Dubai, enhanced with the sweetness of dates.
- Mar Muntanya: Highlighting Yemeni cacao, Chef Tyson will incorporate coffee and cardamom into his dish. This station has the added twist of using 62% dark chocolate infused with coffee and cardamom, offering Chef Tyson a creative playground.
- Stein Erickson: They will use Tanzanian dark chocolate (72%) and Zanzibar vanilla to showcase the region’s rich flavors.
In addition to the culinary experiences, three bartenders from Copper Common, Water Witch, and Urban Hill will be crafting beverages to complement the chocolate flavors, further immersing guests in the chocolate journey.
This is one of my favorite events each year – I look forward to it as a celebration of chocolate and food but also as a fundraiser for the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Initiative, which is dedicated to preserving rare cacao throughout the world and giving farmers a way to bring their unique beans to market.
In conjunction with Chocolate Fest, Caputo’s will host a special book signing event with James Beard award-winning author Rowan Jacobson on Friday, October 11th. Jacobson’s latest book delves into the story of wild chocolate, specifically focusing on cacao preservation projects in Brazil and Bolivia. His visual presentation will take attendees through these regions, with insights from Matt Caputo and Anna Davies of Ritual Chocolate. Following the presentation, guests can participate in a panel discussion and have their books signed by the author.
Caputo’s Chocolate Festival is more than just an event; it celebrates the stories, regions, and people behind the chocolate. Its unique blend of culinary artistry, cultural exploration, and sensory engagement makes it a not-to-be-missed experience for chocolate lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Tickets for the festival and book signing are still available. Both events take place at the Downtown Caputo’s location at 314 W 300 S. Visit caputos.com to find out more.
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