Winter Chocolate Events and Escapes
January 30, 2015
Feeling the winter blahs? You could hibernate with a cup of homemade hot cocoa. But, winter may also be a great time to enjoy one of a growing number of chocolate-related events out West. Below are some ideas.
For film buffs, there is Sundance Film Festival (Park City, UT, Jan. 22 - Feb. 1, 2015). You’ll find Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Harry and David outposts in Park City. But, for bean-to-bar, single origin bars, Amano Artisan Chocolate is located down the road in Orem, UT. (Call ahead to see if tours are available.)
Head further west for a host of smaller, regional film and chocolate fests, such as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (Jan. 27 - Feb. 7, 2015). Attend the festival, take walk by the Pacific Ocean, and explore local chocolates (e.g. twenty-four blackbirds chocolate or Chocolate Maya), and leave the winter blahs behind as you visit California’s south central coast.
West Coast Chocolate Events
Some events and festivals are open to any and all chocolate fans; and a few are closed to all but professionals. Events can offer a chance to learn from the pros (workshops, demos) and enjoy creations from creative chocolatiers, retailers and chefs.
The Northwest Chocolate Festival (Seattle, WA) kicked off the Fall/Winter season in October. And the Fall Chocolate Salon took place at Fort Mason in San Francisco on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. Both offer admission to the public (for a fee).
The annual Good Food Awards recognize great craft and artisanal foods in several categories, including chocolate and confections. Winners are announced in January, and generally there is a one-day opportunity for the public to taste the judges favorites. Check the website for details.
Last but not least, one of the oldest and largest specialty food shows (that also includes confections and chocolate) is the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show, held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Winter Fancy Food Show
The annual Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco (Jan. 11-13, 2015) is the West Coast’s largest specialty food and beverage trade show.
This show is not open to the general public; however, if you have a connection with the specialty food or chocolate industry, you may be able to attend. (Register ahead of time to be sure.) Below is a glimpse into this year’s show.
With 1,300 exhibitors from over 35 countries, it was impossible to see every vendor in one day, but I did have fun trying.
Trends included more gluten-free and organic items, and Asian 
flavors (ginger, matcha green tea, and Indian snacks, chutneys and spices - that I plan to blend with chocolate shortly). There was a line of single origin chocolate ice creams. And, even after eating 3,000 different chocolates over the past 8+ years, there were still new vendors to meet and chocolates to try.
Visit the new vendor/product pavilion to see new confections and chocolates. Chocolatiers are to be found in a few different areas -- some were in country-specific sections or aisles (e.g. Japan or Italy). Creamy hazelnut-perfumed gianduja from Italy is wonderful.
A few years ago, I spoke to the head of Pacari Chocolate (large bean-to-bar maker from Ecuador) in an aisle where other South American vendors and distributors were located.
I also recommend connecting with other attendees to learn even more.
I enjoyed speaking to Elana Turchon, proprietor of SweetE Organic (Mill Valley, CA), who specializes in organic and/or local chocolates and treats for everyone, including those who may have food allergies. 
The Winter Fancy Food Show gives specialty retailers like Elana insight into new trends and vendor offerings tailored to her customers’ needs.
Last year, I enjoyed speaking with Mike Katz (Green Gecko Coffee, Kona, HI) who in the past has done research on possible chocolate + coffee combinations. Speaking of Hawaii and chocolate, there is an annual Hawaii Chocolate Festival (February, in Honolulu).
Show Tips
- As with any large show, plan in advance. Early registration and admission prices are less expensive.
- Spend time with an exhibit floor map to prioritize stops. Chocolate and cheeses were high on my list.
- Get a good night’s rest before the show; get there early; drink lots of water; take a break and walk outside; and pace yourself when tasting food and chocolate samples.
- Explore the city of San Francisco. Walk along the San Francisco Bay Trail for a scenic break (where you’ll pass Ghirardelli Square); take a chocolate walking tour.
- Visit shops, or the Farmers Market, at the S.F. Ferry Plaza (by the Bay at the end of Market Street) to look for more great food and chocolate items. Good news: in winter, chocolate items are easier to take home (less likely to melt).
- Winter Chocolate Events and Escapes - January 30, 2015
- The Versatility of Chocolate - October 3, 2014
- Exploring Cacao in Southern Belize - September 5, 2014
You’re right Doreen. Both winter chocolate festivals in Honolulu were moved this year, likely due to rain last year. The Kailua Farmers Market fest moved also — and I was hoping to include new date, but they haven’t finalized yet.
Other West Coast Festivals in January include the Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival at UCSC, and the ChocolateFest in Portland, OR (late January, at the Oregon Convention Center).
Actually, Corinne, the Hawaii Chocolate Fest for 2015 has been moved to Oct, in honour of Hawaii’s celebration of Cocoa and Chocolate Month. I’ll be there to help celebrate!