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12 NIGHTS of CHOCOLATE
A benefit for the SF-Marin Food Bank
12 Nights of Chocolate is our favorite Dandelion tradition. Each November, our factory transforms into a dining destination to celebrate the vibrant Bay Area restaurant community. This year’s chef line-up is a wonderful mix of returning friends and exciting new talent — all creating dishes that showcase our chocolate. And for the first time, we’re adding two brunches into the mix. Guests will also enjoy an open-kitchen experience, watching chefs prepare and plate each course just steps away from the dining room.
As always, our partner is the SF-Marin Food Bank. All net proceeds support their vital work in our community. Over the years, together we’ve helped provide more than 300,000 meals during the holiday season and beyond.
Event Calendar
November 5th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
an evening with ...
Serena Chow Fisher, David Fisher, Felix Santos, Emma Lipp, and Anne Moser
Our opening night brings local legends and 12 Nights veterans Serena Chow Fisher and David Fisher to the kitchen. The duo behind 7 Adams, which The New York Times recently named one of the best 25 restaurants in San Francisco, will be joined by Felix Santos, who’s new to 12 Nights. Previously with Quince, Atelier Crenn, and Sorrel, Felix now helms the seafood-focused Maritime Boat Club in Union Square. Also joining us for the first time is Scribe alum Emma Lipp, chef and co-owner of Valley in Sonoma — a San Francisco Chronicle “Top 100” restaurant and a local favorite. Serena’s in charge of dessert (we can’t wait), and her good friend Anne Moser of San Mateo-based Backhaus will be providing bread service.
November 6th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
an evening with ...
Jack Irving, Sean and Melissa McGaughey, Katherine Campecino-Wong, and Matthew Kosoy
There’s something in the water at Octavia. Chef / owner Melissa Perello and Executive Chef Nico Pena have both done 12 Nights, and now Jack Irving, who ascended to Chef de Cuisine under their guidance, joins the party. He’ll be cooking alongside Sean and Melissa McGaughey, who together (with 35 combined years of industry experience) opened Quail & Condor in 2020 and Troubadour Bread & Bistro in 2022: both in Healdsburg; both beyond delicious. Melissa will be providing the night’s dessert. Not to get ahead of ourselves … Savory offerings will include something from Katherine Campecino-Wong of James Beard-nominated Breadbelly — the neighborhood hub (well, hubs, with their new Dogpatch location) synonymous with buttery Hainanese kaya toast. And making his second 12 Nights appearance, Matthew Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery leads the bread program.
November 7th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
an evening with ...
Seth Stowaway, Mark Liberman, Mike Lanham, Nicholas Bonamico, and Azikiwee Anderson
Night three gets off to a remarkable start, as Seth Stowaway, previously of Michelin-starred Osito a few blocks from our factory, joins us again. He’s working on a new diner in the Mission: Chicken Fried Palace. So many questions … “How soon?” is chief among them. And new to 12 Nights is Mark Liberman of Mägo in Oakland. Mark’s first solo restaurant comes after working for chefs Roland Passot, Daniel Boulud, and Joel Robuchon, to name a few. Mike Lanham of Anomaly returns to the kitchen once more. Will his Southern-inspired modernism follow? Buckle up and find out. Dinner will be complemented by bread from Rize Up Bakery’s Azikiwee Anderson, who returns too. For dessert, our own Nicholas Bonamico will no doubt delight guests. Prior to heading up our Confections team, he had a distinguished seventeen-year career with Bouchon Bakery.
November 8th
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
a seated brunch featuring ...
Itamar Abramovitch, Audie Golder, Madrid Jaramillo-Cattell, and Amy Chen
Our first-ever 12 Nights brunch is something special. Itamar Abramovitch, who cooked under Chef Roland Passot in San Francisco, began catering private in-home events on the side. That quickly developed into the reputable Napa-based Blossom Catering. Also on deck is Chef Audie Golder of Uccello Lounge in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Audie has worked in the S.F. restaurant industry for over 20 years. While Executive Chef at Jardinière, he worked closely with local farmers and artisans, many of whom are represented on Uccello's menu. Next up is Madrid Jaramillo-Cattell, Head Chef and General Manager of Butter&. Before joining Butter&, she spent time in the Michelin-starred kitchens of Mourad, Michael Mina, and Quince. Lastly is Amy Chen, Head Baker at Juniper, where the bakery uses our chocolate in their delectable pastries and drinks. Last year, Juniper won the Best Croissant in San Francisco competition and took home all three major awards. Now that’s something.
November 8th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
an evening with ...
Nicolas Delaroque, Nico Pena, Jacob Croom, and Shannon Swindle
Night four’s line-up is *chef’s kiss*. It includes Michelin-starred Nicolas Delaroque, Chef / owner of Maison Nico, widely considered one of the best bakeries and cafés in the Bay Area (if not the best). The Chronicle called it “a dreamy slice of Paris in San Francisco.” He’s joined by 12 Nights regular Nico Pena, whose food we adore. The former Executive Chef at Octavia is now a consultant, composing a seasonally driven menu that brings modern technique to rustic Italian sensibility. Chef Jacob Croom of My Friend Fernando — a Chicano pop-up and supper club in the Bay Area — joins the party too. As for dessert and bread service, Shannon Swindle is heading up from L.A. with freshly baked loaves. He’ll prepare dessert on site. A James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef, Shannon is the Pastry Chef at both Funke and Felix Trattoria. He may be known for market-driven fruit desserts, but he loves working with Dandelion chocolate. Lucky us.
November 9th
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
a seated brunch featuring ...
Francis Ang, Nichole Accettola, Mark Lieuw, and Lauren V. Haas
Old friend and 12 Nights alum Francis Ang opted for brunch this year, and we couldn’t be happier. He’s the Chef / owner of Abacá (named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America), and is known for his personal, innovative approach to Filipino cuisine. Joining him is Nichole Accettola of Kantine, a casual and modern Scandinavian restaurant that all began with baking Danish rye bread to sell at farmers’ markets. Her cookbook, Scandinavian from Scratch, is wonderful. Another veteran to 12 Nights, Mark Lieuw (Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Atelier Crenn, and others) is back, and he’s launched his own chocolate business. Stay Sweet SF crafts nostalgia-inducing confections that draw upon his fine-dining background and his Cantonese culture. Rounding out the brunch is pastry innovator and educator, Lauren V. Haas, who has spent time in pastry kitchens across the U.S., including The White House, the Inn at Little Washington, and the Hotel du Pont. She’s been named one of the “Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America” by Dessert Professional and is a Professor of Baking & Pastry at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena.
November 9th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
an evening with ...
Albert Ok, Michael and Meichih Kim, Chris Yang, Ellie Estrada-Londa, and Lorena Ramos
Owner of Oken and Ok’s Deli, Albert Ok’s first passion was painting. Training as a sushi chef changed that, as did cooking at Iyasare, Corso, Mägo, Namu, and Michelin-starred Maum. Speaking of Maum, husband-and-wife chef duo Michael and Meichih Kim are reimagining Korean and Taiwanese cuisine at their new restaurant, Yeobo, Darling, in Menlo Park. In addition to opening Maum, they’ve spent time working at SPQR (Michael), and at Per Se and Benu for Meichih. Returning once more is Piglet & Co Chef / partner Chris Yang, known for his elevated night market-influenced menus that bridge a variety of Asian cultures and flavors. The dessert course will be handled by Ellie Estrada-Londo, Executive Pastry Chef of Michelin-starred Nisei (and pastry pop-up Hello Stranger). She’s trained extensively under some of the Bay Area’s most influential chefs, including Michael Mina, Michael Tusk, and Dominique Crenn. Bread service will be provided by Lorena Ramos of Base Camp Bakery, a queer Korean-Chicana-owned artisanal bakery focused on naturally leavened bread made with California-grown organic whole grains.
November 10th
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
an evening with ...
Brian Limoges, Sophie Hau, Tim Eelman, Rupert Blease, Sarah Rich, and Luke Hanaike
Enclos’ Chef Brian Limoges, along with Pastry Chef Sophie Hau, will kick off the final 12 Nights dinner. Enclos earned two Michelin stars, a Michelin Green Star, and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. They’ll be joined by Tim Eelman, Executive Chef and co-founder of the lauded Solstice restaurant at The Village Big Sur. (In the hearth-centered kitchen there, every dish touches fire.) Chef Rupert Blease returns as well. He launched the Michelin-starred Lord Stanley with his wife, Carrie, and the pair are opening their new Dogpatch restaurant, Wolfsbane, in mid-October. 12 Nights regular Sarah Rich, co-owner and chef of the Michelin-starred Rich Table, owns dessert tonight, so you know it’ll be good. She and her husband, Evan Rich, will be unveiling their latest business, RT Bistro, opening this fall. Lastly, Outerlands baker Luke Hanaike, previously with Rosalind Bakery and Tartine, is in charge of the evening’s bread.
November 11th
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Coffee & Chocolate
We’re bringing together two crafts that share a love of detail: Ohm Coffee’s carefully roasted beans and Dandelion’s single-origin chocolate. In this guided, seated tasting, our experts will lead you through pairings that highlight how coffee and cacao — grown in similar climates and nurtured with care — mirror and contrast one another. Sip, taste, and discover how notes of fruit, spice, and earth come alive when coffee and chocolate meet side by side.
Please note: There is no seated dinner at this event. Without advanced notice, we cannot guarantee accommodation of allergy restrictions.
November 11th
8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Cheese and Chocolate Dessert Pairing
Few things are as indulgent as the meeting of cheese and chocolate. In this guided, seated tasting, our experts will take you through pairings that reveal the unexpected harmony between Dandelion’s single-origin chocolate and a selection of artisanal cheeses. Think the creaminess of brie meeting the brightness of a fruity origin, or the crystalline crunch of aged cheddar alongside chocolate with nutty, caramelized notes. Each bite uncovers something new — a balance of texture, flavor, and craft.
Please note: There is no seated dinner at this event. Without advanced notice, we cannot guarantee accommodation of allergy restrictions.
November 13th
Shows at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
A Pairing of Music & Chocolate
In collaboration with Tertulia Chamber Music, we welcome acclaimed cellist and newly appointed Artistic Director of Tertulia NYC, Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, for an evening of curated cello works, improvised soundscapes, and intimate oboe duos. Known for her imaginative programming and expressive artistry, Thorsteinsdottir creates a one-of-a-kind performance that blends classical repertoire with spontaneous musical dialogues, offering audiences a rare chance to experience both precision and play.
Throughout the program, guests will enjoy tastes of our single-origin dark chocolate, a selection of curated desserts, rich hot chocolate, and more — each thoughtfully chosen to complement the evening’s music. This multi-sensory event invites you to savor the interplay of sound and flavor, where music and chocolate meet in harmony.
Note: Pairings may include nuts, dairy, and gluten. We are unable to make substitutions.
Please note: There is no seated dinner at this event. Without advanced notice, we cannot guarantee accommodation of allergy restrictions.
November 14th
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wine & Chocolate
Fortified wines have long been a classic companion to chocolate, and with good reason. For the first time, we are offering this seated tasting, where experts will lead you through a thoughtful selection of ports, sherries, and madeiras, each paired with our single-origin chocolate. Together, we’ll explore how notes of dried fruit, spice, and toasted sugar in the wine meet the fruity, floral, or nutty flavors in the chocolate. It’s a pairing that reveals depth, warmth, and a satisfying sense of discovery.
Guests must be 21 years or older to attend this experience. We’ll verify your age upon arrival.
Please note: There is no seated dinner at this event. Without advanced notice, we cannot guarantee accommodation of allergy restrictions.
November 14th
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Whiskey & Chocolate
An evening that brings together two rich traditions: craft chocolate and Irish whiskey. Guided by our team and whiskey expert Andrew Healy, also known as “Irish Whiskey Lad,” you’ll taste three single-origin chocolates alongside four distinctive whiskeys. Together, we’ll explore how flavors come together, from smooth and chocolatey to bold and unexpected, while learning about the processes that make each unique.
Guests must be 21 years or older to attend this experience. We’ll verify your age upon arrival.
Please note: There is no seated dinner at this event. Without advanced notice, we cannot guarantee accommodation of allergy restrictions.
November 15th
SHOWS at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Dinner and a movie featuring Shelley Lindgren of A16, Michelle Minori with La Cocina & Stephen Durfee of Dandelion Chocolate
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.
November 16th
12 p.m. matinee
3 p.m. evening SCREENING
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.
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 percent 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.