March 2nd to 4th marks the 8th annual Oregon Chocolate Festival, completely dedicated to over 50 Oregon chocolatiers showcasing their latest creations. This weekend long, delicious event takes place at the Ashland Springs Hotel as well as other locations throughout downtown Ashland.
Read and salivate...
"Expect the unexpected! From traditional hand rolled truffles, enrobed in the finest chocolates, to sauces, toffee, and hot chocolate. For those looking for some exciting flavors check out chocolate covered smoked bacon, spicy southern accents found in the 'Hot Mama' toffee by Melting Pot Candy, or mouth watering truffles infused with such bold flavors as espresso, lime, or lavender.""There is something for everyone! Get your taste buds teased with delicious baked goods dipped in or stuffed with chocolate, raw chocolate, chocolate-cheese spreads, and even chocolate inspired products, including white chocolate body butter. And don't forget about wine. Southern Oregon wine makers showcase their pinot, merlot, and zinfandels, that pair so well with chocolate."
Something for everyone is right- check out the line up of activities and you'll be sure to find an event to attend...
Festival attractions will include...
Meet, sample & buy! - Over 50 Oregon chocolatiers and other specialty food vendors present their products and tease your palate with decadent and exciting flavors! (Saturday & Sunday 11am - 3pm at the hotel).
Chocolate - themed First Friday Art Walk organized by the Ashland Gallery Association (Friday, 5 - 8pm). Enjoy diverse forms of art, local wines and chocolates. Stop by Ashland Springs Hotel and view Kevin Shaw from Coastal Mist build his 10 tier chocolate cake, and visit with other artists and vendors showcased in the hotel lobby.
Chocolate Makers Dinner (Friday, 6:30 - 9pm) Two executive chefs, Kate Cyr and David Georgeson partnered in creating this delightful four-course dinner featuring chocolate in each dish. Dinner is accompanied by presentation from a chocolatier. (Price $59 per person inclusive.)
Baking Chocolate Brioche Class at Deux Chats Bakery - Saturday, March 3, 1pm to 4pm (max. 10 students)
"Chocolate Confessions" - Saturday, 3:30 at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Price $5 per person. Limited sitting.
Far Flung Chocolates: 10 Flavor Adventures - Have you ever wanted to taste some of the best dark chocolate in the world? In this guided tasting we will taste 8 to 10 of the top ten rated chocolates.
Chocolate Martini Facial Party - Saturday at 4pm - Join us in the Palm Room of the Ashland Springs Hotel.
The Science of Chocolate: From the Farm to You - two workshops at the ScienceWorks Museum, Sunday, March 4th at 1:30 & 2:30 by Melissa Schweisguth www.scienceworksmuseum.org
Harry and David would like to continue the chocolate festivities at our Country Village location! Saturday and Sunday, March 3rd & 4th, we'll be having a Chocolate Tasting Party. Come sample chocolate wines and beers, chocolate cheeses, get a strawberry hand-dipped in our chocolate fountain, and try our most popular chocolate goodies. We'll see you there!
Screening of the original "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" - at the ScienceWorks Museum (Saturday at 4pm)
Chocolate treatments at Waterstone Spa & Salon - enjoy blissful massage, mani & pedi, body scrub and other treatments designed to utilize beneficial antioxidants found in chocolate!
Other festival events: Chocolate Product Competition, Seminars & Talks
Chocolate discount at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre - Call Cabaret box office, mention 'chocolate' and receive $5 off "Let's Misbehave" - showings till March 18, 2012. www.oregoncabaret.com 541-488-2902
Chocolate discount at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival - Chocolate & theater! Call OSF box office, mention 'chocolate' and receive a 40% discount for the shows on March 2-4, 2012 www.OSFAshland.org
Chocolate Festival Overnight package at the Ashland Springs Hotel - starting at $189 - includes two tickets to the festival, overnight stay with breakfast, hotel parking, wireless Internet access, and discounts to hotel's restaurant LARKS, and hotel's Waterstone Spa. Ultimate weekend getaway!
Festival tickets can be purchased at the Ashland Springs Hotel. Call toll free 888-795-4545.
Hope to see you there!
Until next time,
Lauren of team Yala
