The 16th Annual Los Angeles Chocolate Salon, hailed as the premier major chocolate show in the Los Angeles area this millennium, is set to take place on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Pasadena Center, 300 East Green Street The event, running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. promises a delectable experience for chocolate enthusiasts.
Attendees can choose from various ticket options. Adult advance tickets are available for $24.62, including fees, with door tickets priced at $25 if available. Children aged 6-12 can enter for $14.12, including fees. Both ticket types are on sale until Oct. 6, 2024.
The salon also offers additional experiences. A cake decorating contest entry is available for $3.62, with registration closing on Oct. 4. Photography enthusiasts can enter the food photo competition for $4.14, with entries accepted until Oct. 1. Film fans can purchase an Associate Membership to the Academy of Media Tastemakers for $27.24, allowing them to screen and vote on 10-30 food, fashion, travel, or music films.
Visitors will have the opportunity to taste and savor a curated selection of artisan, gourmet, and premium chocolates from master chocolatiers and confectioners. The salon features a diverse array of participants, including Amano Artisan Chocolate, Codinha Chocolate, Venecacao Chocolateria, Letterpress Chocolate, 3D Candies, Truffles N Toffee, Mignon Chocolate, and many others.
The event organizers have assembled a lineup of speakers and panelists, showcasing culinary expertise and industry insights. Chef Albert Daniel, featured on Hulu’s “Baker’s Dozen,” will bring his expertise to the salon. Daniel studied at California State University Long Beach and attended chocolate master classes from Melissa Coppel’s School of Chocolate and Pastries.
Phillip Ashley, a James Beard Award-nominated chocolatier from Memphis, is set to participate. Ashley has gained recognition through appearances on Food Network’s “Chopped Sweets” and inclusion in Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list.
Art Pollard, master artisan chocolate maker from Amano Artisan Chocolates in Utah, will share his expertise. Located high in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain range, Amano, meaning “by hand” and “they love” in Italian, has garnered multiple awards in chocolate competitions across the United States and London.
Peter Lee, founder and CEO of Rubia Coffee Company (COBA), will contribute his knowledge of premium coffee and tea. Lee started with a handbuilt roaster in his backyard and has now created the first food company backed by REI, combining third-wave coffee culture with artisanal chocolate craftsmanship.
Lee Scott Theisen, Ph.D., a chocolate historian, consultant, and author, is scheduled to attend. Theisen teaches the history, science, and economics of chocolate at University of California, Los Angeles and serves as a chocolate festival judge. He can be followed on social media @chocolate_guru.
The Los Angeles Chocolate Salon offers more than just tastings. Visitors can expect demonstrations, chef talks, and ongoing interviews conducted by TasteTV’s Chocolate Television program, all included in the salon entry fee.
