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 

What?! Yala (DreamSacks) Sample Sale in JUNE?!

The weather is warming and we're clearing our closets! The first ever springtime edition of our famous Sample Sale is coming June 18 - from 9am-1pm - a chance to pick up your favorite Yala® and BambooDreams® at discounts that will make your heart flutter! We'll laugh, share stories, and help you discover your next beloved treasures.

Enter to WIN on Yala's Facebook Page

If our Ashland, Oregon home is no easy commute, not to worry! You can join this event in spirit and enter to WIN Yala's Summer Essentials Gift Set through our facebook page!

Yala’s Summer Essential Gift Set Includes:

Tie Dyed PashBu, Whisper Bandeau, Mandala Tote and a BambooDreams Beach Towel!

For every 100 NEW fans, we'll GIVE away one Summer Essentials Gift Set!

PLUS every 25 new adventurous people that ‘Like’ Yala, we’ll give away a 

FREE BambooDreams Beach Towel

Entering to win is easy!
1. 'Like’ us on our Yala Facebook Page
2. RSVP ‘I’m Attending’ (Go to the event by clicking HERE)
3. Then ‘Invite More Friends’ to ‘Like’ Yala – we can’t wait to meet them!

If you ARE able to join us in Ashland, mention that you’re a Facebook fan! 

In gratitude, we’ll offer you our vibrant Pendant Necklace as a gift!

Share the Yala and spread the word!

Hope to see you there,
Team Yala