Delectable treats: Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest features variety of vendors

Chocolate and coffee — what a delectable combination.

The genius behind the pairing is that of Dean Strober, who decided to put on a festival that highlights both.

The Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest kicks off its 1 4th annual event from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, at Expo New Mexico.

Delectable treats: Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest features variety of vendors

Strober’s Blue River Productions is again at the helm of the festival, which has grown from last year.

“There are more vendors and more stages,” Strober says. “We’ve grown in every possible way. There are vendors from Nicaragua and Brazil. They are both fine chocolatiers and they are growing their own cacao and harvesting it. They are creating world-class chocolate. It’s an honor to have that caliber of vendors at the festival.”

Strober says the fest offers an unparalleled array of exquisite flavors, aromas and experiences.

It will feature over 40 seminars, tastings and demonstrations by world renowned culinary professionals, along with over 210 gourmet food and beverage vendors from around the world. “We expect 23,000 foodies to attend,” Strober says. “We continue to raise the bar. What we do is very different. We create an event that is accessible and affordable. We try to provide a valuable experience.”

This year, Strober says, guests will be able to meet the farmers and people who are making the cacao.

“Attendees can explore and experience the raw, freshly harvested cacao pods,” he says. “They can see the freshly harvested pod. We are trying to inform each guest where the chocolate comes from. The people behind it are the ones who create magic.”

Strober says journalist Clay Gordon will also be at the festival where he is making a deep dive into how chocolate is made.

Strober and his crew have put together free programming as well for visitors.

There is a coffee master class with roaster Mark Michaelson, as well as a home brewing technique class with Albuquerque-based Juan Certain.

There will also be a world coffee tasting from South America at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

At 3 p.m. both days, There will also be a class called “Elevating Your Home Espresso” with Alex Espinosa.

Strober says chocophile Lauren Adler will lead a presentation on understanding chocolate labels at noon both days.

Brian Clark will lead “Master Tea Tasting” at 1 p.m. both days.

“These are a few examples of the caliber of talent we have at the festival,” Strober says. “It’s not only a chance to celebrate the greatness of chocolate and coffee. It’s a chance to better understand the process behind it all.”

While many vendors come from out of state, Strober says there are plenty of local vendors showcasing New Mexico-made products.

“We have 23 local coffee roasters,” he says. “That’s not even all of them. There are close to 40 great roasters in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area.”

This year, the fest is adding a second live music stage and will host over 13 live bands from blues to country rock to Latin infused funk.