We are so excited to bring back our impressive coffee and chocolate education at the brand new Sip and Share Seminars space! This exciting addition will feature a diverse lineup of free educational classes, including in-depth sessions on chocolate and coffee, interactive cooking demonstrations, engaging kids' classes, and much more. Whether you're a connoisseur or just curious, our seminars are designed to inspire and educate, providing a unique opportunity to learn from experts and experience the rich world of chocolate and coffee. Join us at the festival to sip, share, and expand your knowledge in a fun and dynamic setting!
Saturday November 16, 2024
10:30am - The Mesmerizing Story of Turkish Coffee by Gizem Salcigil White & Hasan Kale, Turkish Coffee Lady
12:00pm - “How Chocolate is Made” for kids by Eli Soto, River-Sea Chocolates
1:30pm - Coffee and Community by Paul Olsen, Weird Brothers Coffee
3:00pm - Coffee Based Recipes for Your Enjoyment by Raul Medrano & Carolina Gomez, Cafe Medrano & FoodBizMentor
Sunday November 17, 2024
11:00am - “How Chocolate is Made” for kids by Eli Soto, River-Sea Chocolates
12:30pm - Regenerative Agroforestry and Chocolate by Mariano D’Aguiar, River-Sea Chocolates
The Mesmerizing Story of Turkish Coffee
Join us on Saturday, November 16th at 10:30AM for this amazing presentation by The Turkish Coffee Lady’s Gizem Salcigil White followed by an art demonstration with Hasan Kale!
Description of the Seminar:
We have come to rely on our daily coffee, but do we really know coffee’s history and its development in the western world? Did you know that Turkish coffee is the first and oldest coffee brewing method? Join us for an enriching seminar to learn about the Ottoman Empire’s role in introducing coffee to Europe 500 years ago and why the first Turkish coffee houses were called ''the school of the wise”. This seminar will include a presentation on Turkish coffee culture’s influence in world’s history, its unique brewing technique and how it has become a world cultural heritage. You will learn how to prepare authentic Turkish coffee and you'll also witness a coffee art demonstration by Hasan Kale, a world renowned artist.
Meet the Presenters:
Gizem Şalcıgil White, known as the Turkish Coffee Lady, is a Turkish American entrepreneur promoting Turkish coffee culture globally. She founded the Turkish Coffee Truck, a non-profit initiative that has traveled across several countries to foster cultural diplomacy. Recognized by major news outlets and honored by the U.S. Congress, she has received multiple awards for her cultural contributions. White also founded Turkish Coffee Lady, Inc., a gourmet coffee business, and the Turkish Coffee Lady Foundation to inspire women entrepreneurs. She holds degrees in Banking & Finance and Global Marketing Communication & Advertising and resides in Alexandria, VA with her family.
Hasan Kale, a renowned micro artist from Istanbul, began his career in miniature drawing. He paints on tiny objects like rice grains and butterfly wings, transforming everyday items into remarkable artworks. Known as "Microangelo," Kale promotes micro art globally through exhibitions, workshops, and TV programs. Influenced by traditional artists, he combines classic techniques with modern aesthetics, focusing on detailed and light-driven art. His work has been exhibited internationally, and he has received numerous awards, including for jewelry design and culinary arts.
“How Chocolate is Made” For Kids
Join us on Saturday, November 16 at 12:00 pm and Sunday, November 17 at 11:00 am for an exciting, hands-on learning seminar designed especially for kids.
Description of Seminar:
Embark on a mouthwatering adventure with your little ones! Dive into the magical world of chocolate-making through an immersive, educational experience. Get up close and personal with the cacao pod, discover the secrets of cacao beans, and learn about the mesmerizing machines that transform them into chocolatey delights. The best part? Each child will take home their very own delectable piece of chocolate, wrapped with love and creativity. It's a sweet souvenir to cherish!
Meet the Presenter:
Eli Soto is the Store Manager and Chocolate Tasting and Tour Guide at River-Sea Chocolates, with over four years of experience. A dedicated chocolate aficionado, Eli specializes in educating others about the intricate process of making and tasting chocolate. Eli's favorite type of chocolate is milky dark chocolate, with a particular fondness for River-Sea's Rum Caramel 60% Milky Dark Chocolate Bar. Outside of work, Eli enjoys playing video games, trying new foods, and walking his dog.
“Coffee and Community” Tapping Into Your Community to Promote Your Brand
Join us on Saturday, November 16 at 1:30 pm for an exciting seminar by Paul Olsen, co-founder of Weird Brothers Coffee
Description of Seminar:
Discover how this innovative coffee company has harnessed the power of community and outreach to fuel its growth and success.
In this session, we will delve into the various strategies and initiatives Weird Brothers Coffee has implemented to build strong community connections, support local causes, and create a loyal customer base. From local events and partnerships to social media engagement and community-driven projects, learn how these efforts have not only contributed to their business expansion but also enriched the lives of those around them.
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, a business owner, or simply interested in the power of community, this seminar offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experiences of Weird Brothers Coffee and discover practical ways to integrate community outreach into your own ventures.
Meet the Presenter:
Paul Olsen is one of the founders of the local favorite Weird Brothers Coffee, a disabled-veteran owned, community-based, and family-run, small batch coffee roaster. Weird Brothers Coffee is proud to be the first Coffee Roaster in Herndon, Virginia. They now own 3 unique locations and are focused on serving and supporting their community.
Coffee Based Recipes For Your Enjoyment
Join us on Saturday, November 16 at 3:00 pm for an engaging cooking class led by Raul Medrano, founder of Cafe Medrano, and Carolina Gomez, of FoodBizMentor.
Description of Seminar:
Get ready for a culinary adventure with Cafe Medrano and Chef Carolina Gomez as they present an exciting seminar on cooking with coffee! Discover innovative coffee-based creations, including decadent desserts, unique cocktail drinks, flavorful seasoned meat rubs, and luxurious chocolate truffles. Join us and learn how to infuse your favorite brew into a variety of delicious menu items that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your cooking game. Don't miss this chance to explore the versatile and rich flavors of coffee in a whole new way!
Meet the Presenters:
Raul Medrano is the founder of Cafe Medrano, organic and specialty coffee producers from Copan, Honduras, representing four generations of coffee producers and since 2018. They established a family coffee brand that is roasted in Baltimore, MD and operated out of Kensington, MD. Cafe Medrano Placed 1st in DMC Chocolate and Coffee Festival as Best Roast in 2023 and Placed in Top 5 in 2024! Follow their journey through Instagram @CafeMedrano
Chef Carolina Gomez, founder of FoodBizMentor, provides consulting services to food business operators of all varieties. Chef Carolina is also a small business instructor, technical assistance specialist and food policy expert in the DMV. She graduated from Culinary Institute of America (CIA). She brings that passion of Colombian cuisine to the kitchen and tasting experience. Follow her journey through Instagram @FoodBizMentor
Regenerative Agroforestry and Chocolate
Join us on Sunday, November 17 at 12:30 pm for an educational seminar led by Mariano D’Aguiar of River-Sea Chocolates
Description of Seminar:
Join us for an enlightening seminar on "Regenerative Agroforestry and Chocolate" where Mariano will delve into the fascinating role of cacao as an economic catalyst for transforming degraded lands into thriving, healthy ecosystems. Discover how cacao cultivation is being leveraged globally to drive both environmental restoration and economic development.
Meet the Presenter:
Mariano D’Aguiar is River-Sea Chocolates’ Founder and Master Cacao Roaster. Mariano grew up in the cacao growing region of Brazil. Through direct hands-on experience he is knowledgeable about every aspect of cacao farming, import/trade, and chocolate production. He also serves as an advisor to the US State Department’s Sustainable Cacao Supply Chain task force.