First Annual Northwest Chocolate Festival

Kudos to all of the organizers, planners, volunteers, chefs, chocolatiers and presenters for an incredible First Annual Northwest Chocolate Festival (www.nwchocolatefestival.com) in Portland, Oregon, this past weekend! I had the privilege of giving one talk (The Ecology and Ethnobotany of Theobroma cacao), sharing my chocolates during the evening Gala, and tasting numerous incredible chocolate creations from the area. I learned about vegan truffles, Aztec chocolate drinks, and many amazing local chocolatiers. Keep posted for similar festivals that may be held in Seattle and Vancouver this upcoming year!