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JOIN US in 2025
Twelve Nights is an extraordinary celebration of culinary talent, all while supporting a worthwhile cause with the SF-Marin Food Bank. To date, we have provided over 300,000 meals thanks to the ongoing support from our local community.
Many events sell out nearly instantaneously. To be notified of future events, please sign up for our newsletter and look for an announcement in our September or October newsletter. We look forward to celebrating a warm holiday season with you.
Sign up to learn about future Twelve Nights.
12 NIGHTS of CHOCOLATE
to benefit the SF-Marin Food Bank
- Each year, we transform our factory into a dining destination to celebrate the vibrant Bay Area restaurant community through our 12 Nights of Chocolate dinners and event series. Our 2024 chef lineup is more exciting than ever, and we are looking forward to these exquisite dinners, where the only criteria is that they use our chocolate in some form for each dish. This year, we've also welcomed top bartenders and sommeliers to pair wine and low/no-alcohol cocktails with each delectable menu.
As always, our partner in 12 Nights is the SF-Marin Food Bank. All net proceeds will benefit those in our community in need. Together over the years, we've provided over 300,000 meals during the holiday season and beyond.
Event Calendar
November 21st
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Dinner and a movie featuring Michelle Minori of La Cocina, Shelley Lindgren of A16, and Stephen Durfee of Dandelion
Big Night at Dandelion
It’s no secret that we love movies at Dandelion, and what’s better than dinner and a movie? Join us for a delicious evening that celebrates food on film like no other: 1996’s star-studded Big Night. We are looking forward to welcoming you with bubbles and bites, and we’ll be pouring Italian wine and beer (included in your ticket) throughout the evening. Not only is Top Chef alum Michelle Minori on the evening’s lineup, but her team at La Cocina will also be joining in on the fun, along with Shelley Lindgren and the pizzaiolos of A16, who’ll share their incredible pizza hot out of the oven. Our own Chef Stephen Durfee is in charge of dessert, and we’ll be serving up a secret hot chocolate flavor you’ll only be able to get at this event.
Note: This seated dining event will be served family-style, and as a result we will be unable to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies for this evening.
November 22nd
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
An Evening of Pairings
We’ve asked friends and neighbors to join us for an evening pairing their artistry with our chocolate. From Ohm Coffee Roasters to Heidrun Meadery, Point Reyes Cheese to small bites from Breadbelly, we don’t think there’s anything chocolate doesn’t pair with. We will also have pairings and bites from Michelin Guide Donaji and FEED Sonoma (a collective of over 50 north bay farms), along with wine pairings from Acquire, as well as an add-on sound-bath by Sound Healing Project to keep your senses active. All through the evening our chocolate experts will be on hand as visitors sample Dandelion chocolate and explore our entire factory and chocolate-making process.
Please note: This evening is designed as a standing, sips-and-sweets event; there will be no seated dinner. (Limited social seating is available.)
November 23rd
3 p.m. matinee
7 p.m. evening SCREENING
Willy Wonka at the Chocolate Factory
An annual tradition returns! We’ll be turning our 16th Street chocolate factory into a treat-filled movie theater for a screening of our favorite movie, 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder. As always, we’ll have lots of hot chocolate and special snacks for everyone, both kids and adults, to enjoy while watching the film. We will be collecting pantry donations for the SF-Marin Food Bank.
Please note: There is no seated dinner at this event.
November 24th
Class Times Vary
Maker Day: Hands-On Crafts at Dandelion Chocolate
We are thrilled to partner with ClassBento for a day of unique and exciting hands-on crafting workshops, just in time for the holidays. Sessions are led by local artisans and experts, who will supply everything you need, and guide you step-by-step to your completed project. You'll get to take home your unique creation, and perhaps a new creative passion. All of the workshops are suitable for beginners, with enough of a challenge for experienced crafters wanting to try something new.
Children ten years and older are welcome at the collage, sgrafitto, concrete lamp, kokedama and Turkish mosaic lamp workshops and require their own ticket.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
If you prefer to observe while your child crafts, we'll have seating available, and our café will be open for you to enjoy a hot chocolate, coffee, or sweet treat.
WORKSHOPS OFFERED:
- Collage Holiday Cards With Denise Fiedler of Paste Studio (10 a.m.–12 p.m.; $125 per person)
- Sgrafitto Party Platter (11 a.m.–1 p.m.; $125 per person), Participants will need to return in 10 days to pickup their platter after firing
- Kokedama: Japanese Moss Ball Plant Display (1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.; $125 per person)
- Concrete Lamp (3 p.m.–5 p.m.; $125 per person)
- Kintsugi & Wabi Sabi (4 p.m.–7 p.m.; $175 per person)
- Turkish Mosaic Lamp (7 p.m.–9 p.m.; $125 per person)
ClassBento believes in the power of creativity and community to enhance social and mental wellbeing. The platform is dedicated to making creative workshops easily accessible, and to fostering connections within local communities.
December 8th
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Complimentary General Admission
EARLY ENTRY $25
Dandelion Chocolate Holiday Market
For the third year, we’re transforming our factory into a festive holiday shopping destination. We’ve invited friends, collaborators, and creators to set up shop for an afternoon of shopping, socializing, and connection. Guests will discover twenty-plus vendors (keep an eye on our Instagram for updates and sneak peeks!), including some of our favorite chocolatiers, ceramicists, food producers, foragers, and printmakers. We’ll provide chocolate samples to keep shoppers going as they select ceramics and consider gorgeous accessories for best-friend gifts. It’s a perfect holiday day out. And don’t worry, our café and retail space will be open for guests to enjoy a hot chocolate or caffé latte while picking up a couple of bars to go, or a Hot Chocolate Trio for a neighbor.
We will be collecting pantry items and donations for the SF-Marin Food Bank.
November 13th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
Ryan Pollnow, Thomas McNaughton, Eric Ehler, Max Blachman-Gentile, Laura Meyer, and Azikiwee Anderson
12 Nights opens this year with a very special evening. Our neighbors Ryan Pollnow and Thomas McNaughton at Flour + Water have planned a festive dinner featuring friends who make the best pizza in the Bay every day — except tonight. Ryan and Thomas are joined by Eric Ehler (Outta Sight Pizza; formerly Mister Jiu’s), Max Blachman-Gentile (Jules; formerly The Standard, Mission Chinese NYC, Tartine), and star pizzaiola Laura Meyer (Pizzeria da Laura) for the occasion.
Each chef draws from their technical expertise, as well as their experiences working at some of the country’s best restaurants, to compose an Italian-inspired menu that showcases local, seasonal ingredients. The dinner will be complemented by bread from Azikiwee Anderson of Rize Up Bakery; and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour for the evening’s service.
November 14th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
Hans Lund, Ashwin Oon, Tiff Thomasz, Lisa Chan, and Sam Schwartz
An Atomic Workshop takeover: The three-restaurant group claims multiple Michelin stars, and a well-deserved reputation for creativity and excellence. This evening sees Hans Lund applying his talents from The Progress along with his teammates Ashwin Oon (State Bird Provisions), Tiff Thomasz (Anchovy Bar), and Lisa Chan (Atomic Workshop). It’s a formidable lineup, offering an opportunity to experience food from all three stellar restaurants. Additionally, Sam Schwartz of Portside Bakery joins the team with a bread program to match; and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour for the evening’s service.
November 15th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
Seth Stowaway, David Barzelay, Tu David Phu, Harry Flager, and Matt Kosoy
This remarkable evening sees David Barzelay of two-Michelin star Lazy Bear partnered up with Seth Stowaway of Osito (with its own star) for a night that is sure to delight. Joining the party is Harry Flager (Birdsong, Room4Dessert, Smyth & The Loyalist; now of Auberge Resorts Stanly Ranch); and Top Chef alum Tu David Phu, now of GiGi’s and whose book The Memory of Taste was just published in September. Additionally, Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery leads the bread program; and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour for the evening’s service.
November 16th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
Laura Ozyilmaz, Rogelio Garcia, Dana Younkin, Juan Contreras, Brittany Dunn Holden
Frequently, as we’re putting the details of 12 Nights together, a natural pairing materializes — as for this evening. Laura Ozyilmaz of Dalida is once again joining Rogelio Garcia of Michelin-starred Auro (he recently published his buzzy first book, Convivir: Modern Mexican Cuisine in California’s Napa Valley). Also perfectly matched for this evening is Dana Younkin of Boulevard, and three-starred Atelier Crenn’s Juan Contreras, who returns to 12 Nights insisting on two courses of dessert, Brittany Dunn Holden of Saltwater Bakehouse has created a stellar bread program; and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour for the evening’s service.
November 17th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
Suzette Gresham, Mike Lanham, Elizabeth Falkner, Spencer Horovitz, and Amanda Michael
This evening is full of S.F. legends and legends-to-be. Suzette Gresham of storied Acquerello brings the refined luxury for which the two-Michelin star restaurant is known. Joining her for the evening is the ever-talented culinary legend Elizabeth Falkner of T’maro Spirits; and Mike Lanham, who is making his mark on The City with his eleven-course tasting menu that is a “wild ride of textures and flavors.” Rounding out the team is Spencer Horovitz, who created “The Best Pop-Up of 2023” (Eater) after time spent at The Progress, The Restaurant at Meadowood, and Oakland’s Slug Wine Bar. Amanda Michael of Jane the Bakery is partnered with the chefs to create breads specifically for the evening; and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour, adding that extra something to the evening.
November 18th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
Francis Ang, Chris Yang, Gaby Maeda, Yulanda Santos, and Melissa Yanc
If there was ever an evening that could be described as Friends & Family, this is it. Local legend Francis Ang of Abacá, where traditional Filipino dishes are celebrated through a Northern California lens, is joined by three chefs who are rooted in their history, and tell new stories with flavor as the protagonist. Chris Yang joins the evening from Piglet & Co., which focuses on modern Asian comfort food, along with Gaby Maeda of Oakland’s Friends and Family Bar, where the food she creates makes this 50 Best location as much of a destination as the drinks. Yulanda Santos from two Michelin star Aubergine will be on hand, creating what we’re sure will be a stunning dessert. Rounding out the evening is Melissa Yanc of Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor, joining us for the second year with a unique bread program; and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour for the evening’s service.
November 19th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
David Fisher, Bradley Kilgore, Mark Lieuw, Serena Chow Fisher, and Amanda Michael
Acclaimed chef and recent Bay Area transplant Bradley Kilgore, whose roots at Alinea and L2o have been burnished with his outstanding Miami restaurants — we cannot wait to see what he brings to life in San Francisco! — will be joining chefs David Fisher and Serena Chow Fisher of the wildly popular and recently Michelin-starred 7 Adams; and 12 Nights alum Mark Lieuw of The Wild will bring his pastry talents to the savory side this evening. The chefs are partnered with Amanda Michael of Jane the Bakery, who will be providing bread service unique to the night — and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour for the evening’s service.
November 20th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
a seated dinner featuring ...
Matt Accarrino, Nico Pena, Darryl Bell, Josh Gaulin, and Matt Kosoy
Chefs Nico Pena of San Francisco favorite Octavia and Josh Gaulin of the Alexander Valley’s vaunted Cyrus are old friends looking forward to cooking alongside the legendary Matt Accarrino (SPQR, Mattina). They’ll be joined by first-time 12 Nights participant Darryl Bell, who recently opened his acclaimed brick-and-mortar Stateline Road Smokehouse in Napa this year. We cannot wait to see what this partnership creates! Additionally, Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery joins in with a bread program specifically for the night; and Haley Moore, from Acquire, has created a unique beverage menu for the night, and tapped some of the top sommeliers in the Bay Area to pour for the evening’s service.
Private Dining at Bloom
11/13–11/20
We’re offering a special experience for our 12 Nights of Chocolate seated dinners — private dining for your small group in our beautiful chocolate salon, Bloom. With a maximum party size of eight, you’ll have exclusive use of one of our favorite spaces. Your party will enjoy a dedicated server, and the same award-winning dishes, with wine pairings, as our guests in the main dining room.
Along with the extra focus from our sommelier team, you may also choose to upgrade your wine experience with distinctive bottles for the table, selected by our 12 Nights sommeliers. A private evening in Bloom is a perfect way to begin your holiday celebrations, or mark a special occasion with your friends, family, or colleagues.
MAXIMUM PARTY SIZE
8
Total Price (up to 8 guests)
wine and beverage pairings included
$2,500
experience upgrade
wine upgrade of distinctive bottles for the table
$500
About SF-Marin
Food Bank
Since 1987, the SF Marin Food Bank has pioneered many successful models aimed at ending hunger in San Francisco and Marin.
Before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. Now, we know the need is even greater. The Food Bank addresses hunger head-on – from their food pantry network and home-delivered groceries to CalFresh (food stamp) enrollment. Nearly 60% of what they distribute is fresh fruit and vegetables.
To meet the dramatic increase in the need for food, the Food Bank has opened 27 emergency pop-up pantries across San Francisco and Marin. Every week, their pantry network is distributing food to about 55,000 families weekly – almost double their pre-COVID numbers. The pop-ups will stay open as long as necessary, and with community support, they’ll be able to open even more pantries in more neighborhoods that need help.
The Food Bank continues to be here as a steadfast beacon of community, compassion, and care as we provide food for the hungry. Together, with supporters like you, we’ll continue to help neighbors in what promises to be a marathon.
Learn more or get involved here.