The 3rd Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon

I love chocolates! But who doesn’t? And if you’re a chocoholic like me, you would enjoy a convention on chocolates. The city becomes host to boutique Chocolatiers, wine makers/producers and chocolate connoisseurs from all over the world on this annual event held at Herbst Pavilion in Fort Mason . Chocolate and wine pairings are displayed, generous samples provided, sold and educated about the products. I can’t believe that I’ve missed this event for the last two years.

Friends and I arrived early in the morning on empty stomachs. And sure enough, by mid-morning, we all experienced an out-of-body euphoria due to the chocolate and wine overload…we we’re bouncing of the walls. I don’t remember my mind being in such frenzy over what delectable morsel to wrap around my taste buds on first. It was like the proverbial saying, (unleashing) a kid in a candy store, better yet…being dropped off right in the middle of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory (minus the alcoholic beverage)! This event was such a sweet surprise.

Though it was hard to pick out the stand-out chocolate products/items, I’ve narrowed it down to a few: (they are also available for purchase online)

Schoggi Swiss Chocolates, Union Square , San Francisco – the best hot chocolate mix by far

Coco Délice Fine Chocolates, Alameda/Berkeley/Oakland – Cognac Truffles

Marti Chocolatt, Los Angeles – Kalamansi Chocolate

Hatcher Winery, Sierra Foothills - Viognier ice wine