Experience a new approach to corporate teambuilding and meeting programs with the introduction of group cooking classes and Urban Chef competitions at Bar Cocoa’s Cocoa Lab kitchen. Participants will prepare chocolate, pastry and desserts in a residential-style kitchen alongside The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte's chefs, or take things up a notch and enjoy a flavorful spirit of team competition in our signature Urban Chef contest.

Urban Chef chocolate competition begins with the presentation of hors d’oeuvres and beverages to whet guests’ palates prior to a few hours of food and fun. Participants then slip on chef’s hats and aprons and are divided into teams to prepare a non-alcoholic and alcoholic chocolate cocktail, a warm chocolate cake, chocolate soufflé and chocolate mousse, all created from scratch. A recipe and ingredients list is provided for each dessert, but teams are invited to incorporate other ingredients as well. Each team is then judged by the hotel’s general manager and executive chef, based on plate presentation, flavor/taste, and originality. Participants all leave with a copy of the Classic Desserts Redefined recipe book, which includes the most popular and comforting classic desserts of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company.

Urban Chef competition allows for a minimum of eight and a maximum of 12 participants, with the event lasting three hours and priced at $95 per person excluding tax and service. Based on availability, Urban Chef competitions may be reserved for afternoon or evening hours. For groups seeking a non-competitive format, Cocoa Lab also offers chocolate cooking classes, with groups able to book customized chocolate curricula for their events.

Cocoa Lab group activities, classes and competitions can be reserved now by contacting the hotel’s chocolate events team at 704.972.4452 or 704.549.4326.

FAQs

How many people can be in a Cocoa Lab group class or Urban Chef activity?
Class size can be a minimum of 8 or a maximum of 12 participants.

How long are the sessions?
All classes and teambuilding events last three hours.

What is the price, and how do we reserve a Cocoa Lab experience?
The price is $95 per person excluding service charge and tax. Please call 704.972.4452 or 704.549.4326 to reserve.

Can we have alcohol or additional food at the event?
Yes, this can be coordinated through your catering sales representative.

When is this available?
Based on availability, Cocoa Lab events and Urban Chef competitions can be scheduled for afternoon or evenings, six days a week.