A Taste of Durham at Hope’s Christmas Tree Farm

We recently had the chance to partner with Durham Tourism, Durham Farm Fresh, and local chef Alex Page for a special experience that truly celebrated what makes Durham so unique — local food, local people, and local land.

The setting couldn’t have been better: Hope’s Christmas Tree Farm. This family-owned farm is known for its rows of Christmas trees, wide-open fields, and deep roots in the local community.

Local Ingredients, Live Cooking

During the event, Chef Alex Page did a live cooking demo that highlighted the power of cooking with local ingredients. Surrounded by trees and fresh Durham air, Alex showcased how simple, thoughtfully sourced foods can turn into something bold and comforting.

On the menu: Black Bean Chocolate Chili.

Yes — chocolate. And yes — it works.

Alex walked everyone through the process, explaining how the richness of local black beans pairs perfectly with warming spices and a touch of chocolate for depth.

One More Cocoa

Chili in bowl

Chili in pot

Want to Make It Yourself?

If you missed the demo or just want to recreate the magic at home, Alex shared his Black Bean Chocolate Chili recipe, and you can find it here:

👉 Page's Platefuls: Black Bean Chocolate Chili Recipe - Durham Tourism

Trust us — it’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, especially when you want something comforting with a little Durham flair.