Pike Brewery gears up for 5th Annual Chocofest

When you order a stout beer, you’re getting a brew with chocolate and coffee overtones. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, the 5th annual Pike Chocofest will marry that chocolate flavor with drinks and desserts.

The event highlights the affinity between chocolate and beer, Pike’s Charles and Rose Ann Finkel tell KIRO Radio’s Let’s Eat Show.

“As the years have passed we’ve added a number of other things – foods and beverages alike,” says Rose Ann.

Charles says Seattle has the highest per capita consumption of craft beer. “We have more varieties, and more people drink them here than in any other place.”

The Finkels got into the beer business because they are food enthusiasts. “We love flavor and taste and character.”

When the Finkels determined that people can’t live by chocolate alone they started to involve some of Seattle’s best restaurants to purvey savory items along with with the sweet in their annual festival that raises money for the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.

That stout with notes of chocolate in it – that won’t be the only beverage offered. Pike Brewery will also proudly boast a selection of wine, meads and ciders too.

On Feb. 10, sixty-nine participating local wineries, distilleries, cider makers, brewers, and importers along with restaurants, brewers, bakers, creameries, and a coffee roaster will sample their wares alongside Pike Brewery. Owners and representatives will be there to share their stories.

Let’s Eat can be heard on KIRO Radio Saturday at 4 p.m., Sunday at noon. Available anytime ON DEMAND at MyNorthwest.com.