The 12 Nights of Chocolate

We’re very excited to announce a new holiday tradition that we are starting at our chocolate factory on Valencia Street: the 12 Nights of Chocolate!

Starting next Tuesday the 10th for 12 whole nights, we will be hosting a series of festive events celebrating our love of chocolate. The highlight of this series are the pastry chef nights where local pastry luminaries Emily Luchetti, Janet Dalton, Jessica Sullivan, Lincoln Carson, Angela Salvatore, and Terri Wu will host intimate dessert evenings made with our chocolate. The profits from these pastry chef nights will go to benefit the San Francisco and Marin Food Banks, which seeks to end hunger in San Francisco.

We’ll be posting more details as the month progresses, but here’s a quick overview of what we have planned:

#1 – Guatemala Sourcing Talk – Tuesday December, 10th

Greg, our resident Bean Sourcer-er, will give a talk about his recent sourcing trip to Guatemala at 7:30PM in the cafe. FREE
 

#2 – Book signing and demo – Wednesday December, 11th

Local Mission author Andrea Lawson Grey will be doing a book signing and demo for her new cookbook: CELEBRACIONES MEXICANAS – History, Traditions, and Recipes. Andrea will show us how to make Mexican Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Dipping Sauce for Churros starting at 7:00PM in the cafe. FREE
 

#3 – Food drive – Thursday December, 12th

We’re kicking off our food-drive, by giving a free, special treat to anyone who brings in a food item for the San Francisco and Marin Food Banks this day. The most needed items are: tuna, canned meat, peanut butter, soup, chili, beans, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, and granola bars. Food collection bins will be available through the 21st. PLEASE NOTE: Cafe will be closing at 7 for our staff holiday party.
 

#4 – Dolce Delfina – with Pastry Chef, Jessica Sullivan – Friday December, 13th

Hailing from our fellow neighborhood restaurant, Delfina, Pastry Chef Jessica Sullivan is taking over Dandelion for a night to showcase the decadent side of Delfina. She will present a wintery 3-course Italian dessert tasting including a Warm Panettone with Dandelion Chocolate Gelato. To complete the evening, a special selection of wines and spirits from Locanda will be available as pairing for the desserts. 8:30PM $50 – PLEASE NOTE: the cafe will be closing at 8PM this night. More info and tickets here.

All profits from this night are donated in support of the San Francisco and Marin Food Banks
 

#5 – Wine and Chocolate – Saturday December, 14th

An intimate evening with a wine and chocolate pairing in our upstairs mezzanine. Wines by Sonoma / San Francisco based Wattle Creek Winery. Limited to 14 people. More details and tickets here. 7PM. $75
 

#6 – Holiday Cookie Popup – Sunday December, 15th

All day Sunday our pastry chef, Lisa Vega, will be exclusively making holiday cookies in the cafe. Come try her creations or bring some home. ALL DAY
 

#7 – Movie Night – Monday December, 16th

We’re setting up the cafe as a small movie theater and screening Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory. There will be (chocolate-covered) popcorn and golden tickets of course. Popcorn and treats at 7:45, movie starts at 8:15 sharp. $15 Tickets here. PLEASE NOTE: the cafe will be closing at 7:30PM this night.
 

#8 – Crunchy Creamy All Chocolate Pop Up Party with Emily Luchetti and Janet Dalton – Tuesday December, 17th

Executive Chef, Author, and James Beard Board Member Emily Luchetti is teaming up with Janet Dalton, former pastry chef of Postrio to a host a night of desserts! Buy tickets in advance (some available at the door) and drop in between 7-9PM to try hot chocolate milk shakes, desserts, and other treats made by these amazing chefs. Lots and lots of treats.

The chefs wanted us to warn you to eat something savory before you come. Not responsible for overdosing on chocolate.

Drop in any time between 7-9PM. $35 – PLEASE NOTE: the cafe will be closing at 7PM this night. More info and tickets here (or at the door).

All profits from this night are donated in support of the San Francisco and Marin Food Banks
 

#9 – Wine and Chocolate II – Wednesday December, 18th

An intimate evening with a wine and chocolate pairing in our upstairs mezzanine. Wines by Sonoma / San Francisco based Wattle Creek Winery. Limited to 14 people. More details and tickets here. 7PM. $75
 

#10 – Lincoln Carson – Thursday December, 19th

Join Lincoln Carson, corporate pastry chef for the Michael Mina restaurants and Neyah White, brand ambassador for Suntory Whiskey in an evening of chocolate creations and whiskey which will include The Hibiki served ceremoniously Oyu-Wari style, as well as some unblended individual barrel samples to compare and contrast with each chocolate. 8:30PM $50 – PLEASE NOTE: the cafe will be closing at 8PM this night. More info and tickets here.

All profits from this night are donated in support of the San Francisco and Marin Food Banks
 

#11 – Angela Salvatore and Terri Wu – Friday December, 20th

Angela Salvatore of Waterbar and Terri Wu of Farallon will be hosting a sweet and savory prix fixe chocolate menu with spirit pairings by Craig Lane of Bar Agricole. 8:30PM $50 – PLEASE NOTE: the cafe will be closing at 8PM this night. More info and tickets here.

All profits from this night are donated in support of the San Francisco and Marin Food Banks
 

#12 – Fondue Night – Saturday December, 21th

We’re ending the 12 nights with Fondue! Starting at 6pm we will be offering fondue with a series of toppings in the cafe until close. 6PM until close (or until sold out).