Established in 2009, the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest is one of the world’s largest festivals dedicated to chocolate, coffee, and gourmet foods.
There are over 120 vendors inside and out with live music, food trucks, and a block party.
Vendors of all kinds come out such as coffee roasters, bakers, candy makers, as well as breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Samples of a variety of chocolates, pastries, breads, brittles, dips, jams, jerky and more can be had at the event.
Theobroma Chocolatier Manager Jenelle said she was having so much fun and they were so busy the new owner of the business Heather Clark had to go get and make more product, as to not run out for the second day. Theobrama has heart decorated raspberry truffles for sample, and sweets like easter eggs and bunnies, choco popcorn balls, and chocolate dipped s’more cookies. Jenelle said it was a tough year in the business with a supply and demand shortage of supplies such as 72% cacao or white chocolate.
Mike’s Artisan Jerky is 2 for $12 or four for $20 in a large range to choose from such as special pineapple, teriyaki, and the usual spicy red and green chile.
The event will go until Sunday, April 3 at Expo New Mexico. The lines are extensive getting in and to park, and costs $7, as well as the wait to get in the venue. There are also extensive lines at each booth, so be prepared to wait a bit, and try to be patient.
General admission is $15 and $3 for the kiddos, ages 3 and under are free.
