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 

Yala's Holiday Dinner at the Ashland Springs Hotel

Yala's holiday party is something everyone looks forward to all year long! Founder Nancy always picks a beautiful venue with delicious food and amazing wine. This year we were fortunate to gather in the Crystal Room at the Ashland Springs Hotel. The chef at the hotel won the local Food and Wine competition that took place in November, and the food was AMAZING!

Erica, Chelsea, Amanda and Rachel

Bran, Nancy and Naomi

 Michael

Rachel and Tif

 

 Grant and Erin

The holiday party is a good excuse for us to get all dressed up and bring that special person in our lives to meet and mingle with each other. Everyone is close both in and out of work, and the holiday party is a welcome occasion to relax and enjoy ourselves!

Wolfgang and Kristen

Linda and Glen 

 Caitlin and Jeff

Justin and Lauren

Nancy gives a heartfelt toast thanking all of Yala's employees for another amazing year full of exciting changes and hard work. 2011 marked the beginning of transitioning our brand from DreamSacks to Yala.

I'm sure you are dying to see what was on the menu...

Oven Roasted Filet of Salmon with Smoked Tomato Beurre Blanc 

and Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

 Panko Breaded Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Cream Sauce 

Stuffed with House made Tasso Ham and Gruyere with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes 

 

Acorn Squash stuffed with Fresh Herb Vinagrette and Jasmine Rice

It is also tradition at our annual holiday dinner to present Nancy, Larry and Chelsea with a little something from the Yala staff to show OUR appreciation for them. This year we all contributed in donating to Habitat for Humanity in their name. A special thanks to our founders for another wonderful holiday party and cheers to what's ahead in 2012!

Yala Founders Larry and Nancy

 

 Ben and Yala Founder Chelsea

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala