2009 Chocolate, Wine and Roses Festival

When the food gods chose magical pairings surely chocolate and wine were among their first. Subtle complexities from the one’s roasted cacao beans coupled with the other’s multileveled fruitiness deliver exciting taste sensations.
With the additional sprinkling of roses an intoxicating fragrance is complete.

Next Saturday, Nov. 7, the trio converge in Kings Beach’s North Tahoe Event Center to benefit not one, but two local organizations — Tahoe Women’s Services and Project MANA.

“TWS works actively to reduce the incidence and trauma of domestic violence, assault and abuse,” said TWS’s Michele Prestowitz. “Project MANA alleviates the causes of hunger and promotes nutrition through education and awareness.”

For three flavorful hours starting at 7 p.m. a hallmark of chocolate will be presented through the efforts of choclatiers or chocolate experts. Its seductive scent will permeate from the towering tortes of layers of cake and filling to the dark chocolate enrobing of a truffle such as the handmade fleur de sal caramel and sweet orange varieties offered by Adam Zender from Mr. Z’s Chocolate at last year’s event. Other tasty nibbles will be delivered by San Francisco’s Bridge Brand Chocolate. The company specializes in presenting its freshly made wares in tins highlighting wildlife and National Parks. Other participants include Big Water Grille, Bite, Cocoa Bibelot, Frederick's, Jake's On The Lake, Lahontan Country Club, Le Bistro and Tahoe Creamery.

Serenaded by the music of Quartet Minus One, festival goers will be asked to vote on their favorite chocolate creation and wines. Categories on the former will range from most outstanding table top presentation to original flavor.
Where the chocolate will leave gaps in one’s personal taste buds the pouring of wines from wineries such as Big Woody, Charles B. Mitchell, Cossart Gordon Madeira and Row Eleven will fill them in.

Another volunteering vendor is the Truckee River Winery whose dark lush Pinot Noir is renowned. Also participating will be Placerville’s Gold Hill Vineyard. The winery has a loyal following for creating white and red wines such as the delicate Viognier or the rousing stone fruit flavors of its Cabernet Franc.

When it comes to the actual food and wine pairings expert help is being supplied by master sommelier Joseph Nase. Nase’s sterling credentials were honed at places such as New York City’s Pierre Hotel and the Lodge at Pebble Beach.

For those who cannot live by chocolate alone Mark Estee and his team from Moody’s and Baxter’s bistros will provide savories. A grand antipasto featuring marinated vegetables, red wine braised beef and shrimp scampi over risotto are among the highlights.

A live auction also raises funds for TWS and Project Mana. Attorneys with a flair for the dramatic the combined wit and enthusiasm of Jim Porter and Jim Simon once again will bang down the gavel on such unique auction items as one week’s lodging in a stunning home in Belize or a stay at the stucco mansion of Casa Magdalena just minutes from the historic central Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende. The town, rich in stunning examples of colonial architecture is often mentioned as one of Mexico’s best destinations and places to retire. Belly dancing lessons, ski passes and pet items help to round out the auction’s appeal.

The rewards reach far beyond the winning bids.

“Every auction item bid on supports two of the most important safety net agencies in our community,” Prestowitz said.