When Northern Virginians think of local chocolate, one of the first faces that comes to mind is likely that of chef Santosh Tiptur. The man behind both The Conche in Leesburg and La Prensa in Sterling has been planning an expansion for his bakery and chocolate business since 2019. COVID postponed those plans for a couple of years, but June 1, he and his team (including executive pastry chef Kathleen Faliskie, currently competing on Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship) will debut The Conche Cake & Chocolate Studio in Sterling.
The 3,500-square-foot space will house a multi-pronged attack on the wallets of the region’s chocolate lovers. First, there is the retail component. Cakes, pastries, and chocolates will await in the case up front. Cakes, including versions of The Conche’s Manjari and Jivara desserts, but also delicacies crafted to customers’ specifications, will be available for order as well. Once Tiptur and Co.’s footing is solid in the new space, they will begin to ship their indulgent sweets. Chocolate lovers who want to stay a while will be able to grab a seat and enjoy coffee with their desserts, including complex parfaits.
Or, for those who want to get in on the act themselves, classes, currently offered at The Conche, will expand in both size and scope. Bakers and chocolatiers of all ages will be able to learn the ins and outs of making macarons, eclairs, and cakes. The larger space will also allow for a more robust wholesale program. Tiptur says that he already provides desserts to many wineries, including Breaux Vineyards, 50 West Vineyards, and Williams Gap Vineyard. He also makes sweets for events at Capital One Hall, among other clients. He will be able to sweeten even more lives with his new facility. “My main focus is to keep this trade alive. It’s a labor of love,” says Tiptur. And dessert fans are likely to love it right back.
22446 Davis Dr., Ste. 174, Sterling
Feature image by Rey Lopez
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