The annual OREGON CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL is back in Ashland, OR the weekend of March 1-3, 2013.
For the 9th time Oregon chocolatiers come to Ashland to showcase their diverse creations. The festival is completely dedicated to Oregon chocolatiers.
Expect the unexpected! From traditional hand rolled truffles, enrobed in the finest chocolates, to chocolate-filled soft pretzels, chocolate cupcakes, toffee, and hot chocolate. For those looking for some exciting flavors check out Smoked Thai Iced Tea Crumble from Silly Rabbit Chocolates or spicy southern accents found in the ‘Hot Mama’ toffee by Melting Pot Candy, or mouth watering truffles infused with such bold flavors as espresso, lime, or lavender. There is something for everyone! Get your taste buds teased with delicious baked goods dipped in or stuffed with chocolate, raw chocolate, and even chocolate inspired products, including white chocolate body butter. And don’t forget about beer and wine. Southern Oregon wine makers showcase their pinot, merlot, and zinfandels, that pair so well with chocolate. This year’s brew comes from Standing Stone Brewing Co and Eugene-based Oakshire Brewing Co. Learn more about beer and chocolate from the Women Enjoying Beer booth, or talk to the representatives of the Bear Creek Boutique Wineries.
There is over 50 vendors expected at this year’s show. The festival attracts each March over 1200 visitors. Mark your calendar and start planning your weekend in Ashland. Join us in celebrating all things chocolate!
The annual OREGON CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL – a weekend-long event will take place at the Ashland Springs Hotel and many other locations throughout downtown Ashland. Festival tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Ashland Springs Hotel. Call toll free 888-795-4545.
Festival attractions include:
Meet, sample & buy! – Over 50 Oregon chocolatiers and other specialty food vendors present their products and tease your palate with decadent and exciting flavors! (Saturday & Sunday 11am – 3pm at the hotel).
Chocolate – themed First Friday Art Walk organized by the Ashland Gallery Association (Friday, 5 – 8pm). Enjoy diverse forms of art, local wines and chocolates. Stop by Ashland Springs Hotel and view Chocolate Sculpture built by Chocolatier/Pastry Chef Darrell Folck and OCCI Students, and visit with other artists and vendors showcased in the hotel lobby.
Chocolate Makers Dinner (Friday, 6:30 – 9pm) Larks Executive Chef, Damon Jones created a delightful four-course dinner featuring chocolate in each dish. Dinner is accompanied by presentation from a chocolatier. (Price $62)
Chef Demos: (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday) – stop by Ashland Springs Hotel lobby to experience great culinary event, Chef demonstrations by chefs from Ichigo Cakes, MIX Sweet Shop, Larks Restaurant, Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, LOFT Brasserie and more.
Baking Class at Deux Chats Bakery – learn how to make Chocolate dough croissants with pear, cinnamon & Belgian chocolate fill – a 3-hour class. Sunday, March 3, 10am-1pm $65 per person – SOLD OUT
Chocolate Facial & Martini Spa Party – Saturday, 4pm at Lithia Springs Resort – Join us for an evening of delicious cocktails and pampering. Spend time with Waterstone Spa technicians and learn about the powerful benefits of chocolate that can be applied to your skin care regiment. Call Spa for reservations (541) 488-0325. $30/person includes one chocolate martini. Great chocolate festival night out with friends!
Workshops:
Beer & Chocolate Pairings – with Ginger Johnson from Women Enjoying Beer (offered Saturday & Sunday)
Best tasting chocolates in the world – guided, sensory tasting. – with Charlie Douglass from Harry & David (Sat & Sun)
“From Bean to Bar” – making the best chocolate bars in the world. – with Art Pollard from Amano Chocolate (Sun)
Candy-making workshop for kids at the ScienceWorks Hands on Museum – Hands-on workshop for children – learn to make chocolate truffles, dip candy, pretzels and fruits in chocolate. It’s an interactive, multi-sensory experience for those future chocolatiers and bakers! Museum fees apply. Saturday, March 2 at 11:30 and 12:30pm www.scienceworksmuseum.org
Wine & Chocolate pairing at the Enoteca – a wine bar located in downtown Ashland, Friday, March 1st
Chocolate treatments at Waterstone Spa & Salon – enjoy blissful massage, body scrub and other treatments designed to utilize beneficial antioxidants found in chocolate!
Other festival events: Chocolate Product Competition
Chocolate discount at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Oregon Cabaret Theatre – Chocolate & theatre! Call OSF or OCT box office, mention ‘chocolate’ and receive 20% discount for the shows on March 1-3, 2013 www.OSFAshland.org
Harry and David would like to continue the chocolate festivities at the Country Village location!
Chocolate Tasting Party – Come sample chocolate wines and beers, chocolate cheeses, get a strawberry hand-dipped in our chocolate fountain, and try our most popular chocolate goodies. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Chocolate Festival Overnight package at the Ashland Springs Hotel – starting at $199 – includes two tickets to the festival, overnight stay with breakfast, box of chocolate truffles, commemorative chocolate festival mug, 12oz.drinking chocolate from Dagoba Organic Chocolate, plus hotel parking, wireless Internet access, and discounts to hotel’s restaurant LARKS, and hotel’s Waterstone Spa. Ultimate weekend getaway!
More information:
http://www.
Festival Twitter account: @OregonChocolate
Festival Facebook account: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
