Chocolate festivals are very popular and there seems to be one in every community.  Luckily for us here in Portland, we have several to look forward to each year:

The Portland Chocolate Festival, held at the World Forestry Center in  January, grows by leaps and bounds each year. Ashland’s Oregon Chocolate Festival, held each March,  is in it’s 7th year.  Then the 3rd annual Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon is coming up on Sunday, July 11th.

Traditionally held on Bastille Day weekend, this event is hosted by Taste TV, the same organization that puts on similar events in San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The venue is the Bell Harbor Conference Center, beautifully located on Pier 66 along the waterfront.

Tickets are $20 with advanced purchase (until July 9th), and $25 at the door. This fee includes all chocolate & confection tastings, classes, and demonstrations.  There will be samples to savor from over 24 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries, and other culinary artisans.  You can get more information and see footage from the 2009 salon here.

I attended the first annual back in 2008 and felt it was worth the trip. However, at an event like this here are a few suggestions to help insure a delicious and memorable experience:

*  It can get very crowded, so it is a good idea to get their early.
*  Pace yourself-there is no way a person can eat a sample from each of the vendors and not go into glycemic over-load. Bring a bottle of water, some crackers and a protein source like almonds to eat between treats.
*  Some folks, unfortunately, attend with the goal of getting their admission fee worth of chocolate. (It is the one feature of an event like this that can leave, well, a bad taste in your mouth). As a result, containers are not allowed in fear of this potential hording behavior. So I’d recommend bringing a discreet and sturdy baggie. That way you can nibble on a sample and save the remainder for later and to compare notes.
*  Since we’re ‘on the topic of containers, it is also good to have something to put any accumulated  literature or items you purchase.
*  Take breaks- especially if it is a nice day out. Just outside are amazing views of the Olympic Peninsula.
*  If you rather spend all your money on chocolate, you might consider bringing a lunch to enjoy either on the premises or outside along the waterfront.
*  Above all, I’d also encourage participants to ask the vendors questions. It will make your visit and their time more enjoyable.

There will be chocolate companies from the Puget Sound area, and some Portland companies have been represented in the past such as Alma Chocolates and Missionary Chocolates. Others may be from quite a distance away, such as Amano from Orem, Utah. Another chocolatier to keep your eye out for is William Dean Chocolates from Largo, Florida,  who has won awards at previous salons.

If you decide to make a day or weekend out of it, check out this blog post with other “chocolating” ideas in the Emerald City.

Please let us know your impressions if you do head up for this or any other chocolate event.

Recently received this inquiry. Thought others might find it useful:

Savina, I’ll be in Seattle for a conference in a few weeks. Would not mind checking out at a chocolate place or two.  Any recommendations? JH

Here are a few suggestions:

Dilettante
538 Broadway Ave East
(206) 329-6463
www.dilettante.com
 
Dilettante was the first non-SF Bay Area company to send me samples back in the early ’80’s, so they will always have a special spot in my heart. The founders first came to Portland in the early 1910’s  and established the Davenport Chocolate Company and then went to Seattle, so we are kind of connected : )  They have cafe’s now, too, with a number of locations.
 
Theo Chocolate
3400 Phinney Ave. N
(206) 632.5100
www.theochocolate.com

If you’ve ever wanted to take a factory tour of a chocolate manufacturer (bean to bar), this is the place on the West Coast. Please note: Reservations are highly encouraged and you are more likely to see their machinery actually running during the weekdays). Been told that there is good public transportation from downtown to the Ballard neighborhood if you didn’t want to take your car.
 
Caffe Umbria
320 Occidental Avenue South
(206) 624-5847
 
Staff in Portland tells me that this cafe is gorgeous. So if you love their location in the Pearl, you’ll definitely enjoy this one adjacent to Pioneer Square. Think Italian chocolate creations, gelato, and Nutella : )

Chocolopolis
1527 Queen Anne Ave. N.
(206) 282-0776
www.chocolopolis.com

Located in the Upper Queen Anne neighborhood of the Emerald City, Chocolopolis can be thought of as Seattle’s version of Cacao- although no one can completely duplicate Jesse and Aubrey’s PDX West End and Downtown creations!

Fran’s Chocolate
1325 1st Ave.
(206) 682-0168
www.franschocolates.com

Visit one of their locations to pay homage to Fran’s gray and smoked salted caramels. Others have been trying to duplicate these small treasures, yet she put them on the map years and years ago!
 
Simply Seattle Chocolate Box
(206) 443-3900
108 Pine Street
www.sschocolatebox.com

They are located up the block from Pike’s Market and offer a chocolate bus tour, Friday thru Sunday, that goes to Theo’s. Good alternative expecially if you have limited time in Seattle and Theo’s factory tours are booked.
 
Have a great time in Seattle and may Mt. Rainier be visible when you are there!