Every Chocolate Lover's Dream: Chocolate Makers Dinner Review

There are some things in life one simply cannot resist. Chocolate is one of those things for my boyfriend, Justin. If a chocolate bar is opened he will finish the whole thing, and still want more. Not a milk chocolate generic brand, but organic 70% dark chocolate - the spendy kind. So when the Ashland Chocolate Festival approached this year I knew it was the perfect opportunity for a surprise treat. 

 

Ashland Springs Hotel

 

I carefully looked over the list of festival events being held that weekend, and my eye kept coming back to the Chocolate Makers Dinner held at the Ashland Springs Hotel. It looked absolutely amazing, each course containing a hint of chocolate: white chocolate, coco nib, chocolate chipotle, dark chocolate, oh my! Being that Justin is also an excellent cook, I decided this was the event for us. Now I just needed an outfit...

Lauren in Yala's Athena Tunic, Whisper Lace Bandeau, Full Length Leggings and Cashmere Scarf 

Athena Tunic

 Whisper Lace Bandeau, Full Length Leggings and Cashmere Scarf 

Lucky for me, when you are in need of outfit inspiration, Yala always comes to the rescue. I picked out Yala's Athena Tunic in black, added a Whisper Lace Bandeau also in black for a little extra coverage and paired with Full Length Leggings, again in black. With all that black, I needed a little color. Yala's Cashmere Scarf in Sorbet added the perfect touch for the evening.

 

Justin was appropriately surprised and excited as we entered the Ashland Springs Hotel and headed up to the ballroom. The tables were set beautifully, and the room was packed with people and chocolate martinis!

 

Needless to say the meal topped my lists of bests, there was only a hint of chocolate in each dish, never overpowering the rich tastes of the food. Justin was of course in heaven... Now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the menu!

First Course

Oregon Waldorf Salad with White Chocolate, Apples, Pears, Walnuts, 

Orange Supremes, and Red Huckleberries

Second Course

 Coco Nib-Vanilla Marinated Cold Smoked Diver Scallop 

with Crisp Prosciutto and Micro Greens

Main Course

Chocolate Chipotle Braised Novy Ranch Grass-Fed Boneless Beef Short Rib, with Smoked Onion-Sharp Cheddar Mashed Potatoes and Creole Roasted Rutabagas

Dessert

Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart with Three Pepper-Hazelnut 

Cookie Crust and Candied Orange Coulis

Justin and Lauren

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala 

Ashland's 8th Annual Chocolate Festival!

I can't think of anything better than a festival dedicated to chocolate, especially in our hometown!

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