Unexpected Pairings: Beer & Chocolate

21+ event. Includes Museum admission

Indulge in the flavors of Harlem with an unlikely combination of savory and sweet – beer and chocolate – made by neighborhood entrepreneurs.  

Harlem bursts with flavors influenced by its diverse culinary traditions, from classic Southern soul food, Caribbean cooking, and African fare to recent innovations by chefs and makers with both global and local roots. Inspired by this vibrant local food scene, meet two entrepreneurs who recently launched their own businesses in the neighborhood, lawyer-turned-brewer Julian Riley, founder of Harlem Blue, and graphic designer-turned-chocolatier Jessica Spaulding, owner of Harlem Chocolate Factory. Together, the two will talk about how they reinvented themselves – and two American staples, beer and chocolate – right here in Harlem with Kysha Harris, food editor at New York Amsterdam News.

This conversation takes place outside on the Museum’s Terrace and includes a tasting of a flight of Harlem Blue beer paired with treats from Harlem Chocolate Factory.  

Part of our new series Unexpected Pairings, in which New York’s most adventurous brewers and distillers share their craft and pair their drinks with distinctive local bites. To view all of the programs in the series, click here.

About the Speakers:
Julian Riley founded Harlem Blue, a craft brewery, in 2014 after working as a contracts lawyer in New York City. Harlem Blue’s 1658 Ale and Hectic IPA, inspired by local history, are both currently available at bars all over the neighborhood.

Jessica Spaulding is the owner and founder of Harlem Chocolate Factory, an artisan chocolate company. Before launching her own business, she worked in graphic design and marketing. Now, she seeks to convey the cultural experience of Harlem through chocolate.

Kysha Harris (moderator) is a food writer, culinary producer, consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service offering weekly and in-home entertaining packages.