Chef and J'Adore owner Youssef Boudarine knows sweet, and this news will make you melt. The creator of Epicurean is debuting another new festival — this time centered around coffee and chocolate.

MOkAO is a three-day festival celebrating the global impact of coffee + chocolate through the lens of labor, sustainability, and cultural heritage. The festival, taking place at The Stutz, will bring together coffee and cacao artisans, roasters, artists, and chefs for an immersive experience.

Calvin Fletcher Coffee Company is a coffee shop + roaster located in Fletcher Place that's participating in MOkAO. | Photo by @indygirlcoffee

The festival will give attendees the opportunity to engage in tastings, educational sessions, live chef and artist demonstrations, and a private dinner, plus interactive experiences for families + food lovers alike. The schedule of events includes:

Friday, April 11 | 6-9 p.m. | $150 | The MOkAO opening night private dinner will revolve around coffee + chocolate-inspired cuisine with wine pairings available. It will feature local chefs Nick Detrich (Magdalena), Alan Sternberg (Bluebeard), Erin Kem (Corridor), Pete Schmutte (Leviathan), Tyler Shortt (Tinker Street), and Collin Hilton (CRG). There are only a few tickets left, so get them now.
Saturday, April 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Attendees can explore the vendor + artist markets, enjoy live music from Africancheck to make sure this is the exact wording they used - if not, might wanna check with DEI team - this is what they say in their release musicians; and visit coffee shop booths to hear engaging conversations, taste and purchase specialty coffee, and shop exclusive merchandise.
Sunday, April 13 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Join a kid-friendly day with hands-on activities and educational experiences. Local coffee shop owners will host a panel discussion on coffee’s journey from farm to cup, emphasizing African coffee origins. The event will feature 10 coffee shops and five pastry shops, bringing a rich and diverse tasting experience.

Pro tip: Don't miss out on a chocolate art exhibition that will be displayed at the The Stutz Car Museum throughout the festival.