“Good living
is an act of intelligence,
by which we choose things
which have an agreeable taste
rather than those which do not.”
-
Brillat-Savarin
Imagine yourself inhabitants of an ancient Mayan civilization hundreds of years ago. Imagine now you are part of a farming troop and returning with the premium fruit of your fall harvest: cocoa beans. These are not just any cocoa beans but a rare crop that contains the most rich cocoa liquor in the world. You are eager to return home to your families since they are busy cooking, sewing costumes, and getting the children ready for the celebration. A large kettle with piping hot liquids and chilies boils as it awaits the main ingredient: chocolate. The light from the fire is reflected in the children’s eyes. You walk faster through the lush vegetation holding tight onto your crop. Finally you arrive and your families run up to you with anticipation and smiles. Soon thereafter, the festivities ensue and you find yourself sipping the most decadent chocolate elixir. The Latin American Chocolate Escape can be your ticket back to the ancient civilizations south of the hemisphere.
Chocolate, which literally means “the Food of the Gods” has made a comeback in America from the basic candy bars many of us were exposed to as children. The last decade has created a following of consumers aware of cocoa percentages, trading practices, and various international players. Similar to superb wine and premium olive oils, fine chocolates carry their own signature flavor. Their distinctive tastes reflect the environments in which they were cultivated from which their cocoa liquor comes from. And just like sommeliers are trained in wines, chocolate connoisseurs can differentiate chocolates by region and types of cocoa trees.
Seneca Klassen is no exception. The part owner of the Bittersweet Chocolate Cafés, he has channeled a passion for chocolate into a successful business. He has also been one of the many players to bridge the chasm between traditional American chocolates and those of the newer generation. His knowledge of the subject matter runs deep as he combines his background of history, economics, and biology. He is a rare gem in the Bay Area and his perspective on chocolate is unique since he does not feel confined to pairing chocolate and spirits by traditional norms.
You are cordially invited to a night of storytelling by Seneca while sampling white chocolate, dark chocolate, treats infused with spices, coconut concoctions, genaches, and more from Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil, and various other regions. Take some time from your busy week and come join us in a night devoted to learning and tasting chocolates from Latin America at the Bittersweet Chocolate Café on College Avenue. Sit back and let the aromas fill your senses as Seneca discusses his beloved pastime. Whether you are new to the chocolate world or seeking to expand your existing knowledge, the Latin American Chocolate Escape is the perfect opportunity.
Treats: Port wine, coconut concoctions, milk chocolates, dark chocolates, and a specially made surprise created by head baker just for the event.
Price: $35 Members, $40 non-members
Directions from SF:
Take Bay Bridge to Highway 24 East
Exit at Claremont Blvd. and turn left
Turn right at College Avenue
Bittersweet Rockridge is on the right two blocks past the BART station
Directions from Walnut Creek:
Take Highway 24 West
Exit at Broadway, heading towards downtown Oakland
Turn right on Kales
Bittersweet Rockridge is just to your left as you hit College Avenue at the end of Kales
Directions from BART:
Bittersweet Rockridge is very convenient to BART!
Take the Pittsburg/Bay Point line to the Rockridge BART station
From the station walk south (towards downtown Oakland) two blocks
Bittersweet is on the right
