As you’ve probably figured out from this month’s cover, we love chocolate. And we love our local chocolatiers. From shoes of chocolate to hand-painted pieces, it’s all beautiful and delicious. Before diving into the world of chocolate, I gave a call to DallasChocolate.org founder Sander Wolf. I asked him about the state of chocolate in Dallas, and he told me that “it’s emerging. We’re not San Francisco or New York, but there’s a lot of people doing a lot of good stuff.” One great thing about chocolatiers in Dallas is that everybody has his/her own specialty. “When they get together, there’s virtually no overlap,” Wolf says. “Even if you gave them all the same ingredients, they would turn out completely different.”
To see the result of their work, check out these gorgeous photos by Manny Rodriguez.
And, if you’d like to find out where you can taste some of this chocolate, jump. I’ve included information from DallasChocolate.org about what our favorite chocolatiers are up to this month.
The following is from DallasChocolate.org’s newsletter:
Chocolate maker Alan McClure (founder of Patric Chocolate) and winemaker Stuart Henry (director of Winemaking at Ravenswood Winery) have worked with the Adolphus chefs to make sure their products pair well with the eclectic Valentineʼs Day menu. Each course of the meal is complemented with a wine paring including Ravenswood Icon (2008) and 2010 Ravenswood Vintner’s Blend Chardonnay. Chocolate from Patric Chocolate will be used in both savory (venison with a chocolate demi) and sweet (Cocoa Nib Chocolate Decadence) dishes. In addition, both Henry and McClure will be on hand to discuss their crafts and explain the efforts theyʼve taken to become so well-respected in their fields. Leading the discussions with the artisans will be the eveningʼs mistress of ceremonies, Dallas television journalist Jocelyn White. (Word has it that this event is sold out. But maybe you can get on a list. The price is $125 per person. Try calling 214-651-3637 to see if you can still get in.)
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Central Market’s Chocolate Fest is bringing a ton of great chocolate makers and chocolatiers to the area. The impressive line-up includes appearances from Alan McClure (Patric Chocolate), Katrina Markoff (Vosges Haut-Chocolat), Shawn Askinosie (Askinosie Chocolate), Bertil Akesson (Akesson’s Fine Chocolates), and Dave Owens (Bissinger’s). Plus local chocolatiers Dr. Sue and Andrea Pedraza (CocoAndré Chocolatier) will be doing several tastings. Check out the full schedule for details.
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Dr. Sue from Dr. Sue’s Chocoaltier will be at the following upcoming events:
Saturday, February 11 1-6 pm — An Afternoon of Chocolate and Wine at Red Caboose
Winery in Clifton, TX
Friday, February 10, Monday, February 13, and Tuesday, February 14 from 11-3 pm — Dallas Central Market (Chocolate Fest)
Tuesday, February 14 from 5-7 pm — EatZi’s Oaklawn
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Dude, Sweet Chocolate is participating in a beer and chocolate pairing at the Uptown location of the Gingerman on February 11 at 2:30 pm. Contact the Gingerman at (214) 754-8771 to reserve a space.
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Chocolate Secrets & Wine Garden’s “Fourth Annual Valentine’s Day Indulgent Experience” features four handcrafted desserts — Champagne French Macarons, Raspberry Mousse Chocolate Cups, Rose Profiteroles, and Mini Red Velvet Cakes — plus a Moët & Chandon chocolate heart for $98 per couple. Seatings are:
Friday, February 10 — 7:30pm – 11:00pm
Saturday, February 11 — 7:30pm – 11:00pm
Sunday, February 12 — 1:00pm – 4:00pm (Royal Tea)
Tuesday, February 14 — 7:30pm – 11:00pm
For reservations, contact Chocolate Secrets at [email protected] or 214-252-9801.
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Lavendou and the Cultured Cup present “For the Love of Chocolate” — a three course luncheon for $40 per person on February 4th and 11th at noon. At the luncheon Kyle Stewart and Phil Krampetz of the Cultured Cup will give a presentation on their travels to Belgium in search of great chocolate. They will also pair teas with Chef Pascal Cayet’s menu of chocolate and French cuisine. Contact Lavendou at 972-248-1911 or [email protected] to make reservations.
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Komali’s new chef, Anastacia Quinones, plans a 3-course (Surf & Turf) menu topped off by chocolate brownies from Oh* Brownie for $50 per person (alcohol not included) on Valentine’s Day. Wine pairings available for an additional $25 per person. Call 214-252-0200 for reservations.
