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.
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...
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
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