Got Milk (Chocolate)?

Have you ever had a day when you didn't feel like breaking off a piece of your favorite dark chocolate bar???

Me neither.

Although I must say that in the few instances when I crave something a little sweeter and creamier, I head towards our milk chocolate bars; and if there's one bar I always come back to, it's the Amedei La Tavoletta Lait. Elegantly rich, silky smooth, and pleasantly sweet (but not *too* sweet) with an excellent mouth feel, I say it is the milk chocolate bar that all other milk chocolate bars strive to be.

It is most definitely NOT your run-of-the-mill grocery store chocolate bar, and it gives new meaning to the words, "You get what you pay for."

Stop by the cafe sometime and let me introduce you to what I think is one of the best milk chocolate bars I've ever tasted.

Grand Prize for Raffle Nov. 5th

I am excited to announce that the Grand Prize for the raffle we are having during the November 5th, Customer Appreciation Night has been acquired.

Not only will you be able to win free drinks, merchandise and a Chocolate Tasting for Four from Chocolatier Seneca Klaussen, you have the chance to win a Pure Relaxation Massage from Burke Williams Spa. I wish I could enter to win.

If you have not had the opportunity to visit Burke Williams Spa, which resides about our humble store, I highly recommend that you do. It is an absolutely beautiful facility with a very friendly and helpful staff. You can stop by and take a tour. The Quiet Room is amazing. It has a fireplace and chairs with their own individual lights if you would like to read or you can sit in comfort and warmth surrounded in serenity.

All raffle winners will be posted on this site and notified by phone or email, so keep watching for more updates.

Show Us You Voted!

Bittersweet wants you to go out and Vote!

If you come in on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th and bring proof that you voted you will receive a 10% OFF coupon to use at a later date. Also, we will have samples, great drinks, pastries and more. We will also, have election night updates, for those who want to stay on top of it.

Go Vote, then swing by Bittersweet Cafe to reward yourself.

Happy Hour Mondays in November

Well, we have a lot of events coming up and this is an addition to that wonderful growing list. It is Happy Hour on Monday's in November from 2:00-4:00 PM.

Each Monday we will have a new special for you to enjoy. You can check out the link to the document with a list of the specials and events on the left hand side of this page.

Come try something new on Mondays in November!

Changing Our Hours?

Well, we have been having a slow start in the mornings during the week.

We open at 7:00 AM Monday-Friday and are considering opening at 8:00 AM, due to lack of traffic. Please tell your friends to stop on by if you'd like us to continue opening at 7:00 AM or let us know your thoughts.

Thank you,

Marienne

My Choice for A Great Bar This Month

People are always coming in and asking, "What is your favorite Bar?" That, for me is a really hard question. I have a few that are my favorites and it depends on my mood as to which one I would like to have at any given moment.

My choice this month is the Theo 84% Ghana Dark Bar. It is really about the darkest of the bars that I enjoy the most. I find this bar to be creamy and bold, without being bitter. The Theo Ghana Bar does take a little longer to melt on the tongue, but it has some nice floral notes that round out the complexity of flavors, with a hint of sweetness. It isn't astringent or too dry, just classic in it's flavors.

If you are not timid about going to dark, but want to try something new, I suggest the Theo Ghana 84% Dark Bar. I think it is a high percentage dark bar that is approachable and enjoyable.

Closing Early on Halloween

Halloween is coming up this Friday, October 31st. We will be closing a couple of hours early that night. Our hours will be 7:00AM-8:00PM. Thank you for your understanding. I hope your holiday is thrilling.

Boo!

Do The Aztec Shake!

(unfortunately no, it's not a new dance that's sweeping the nation...)

One of the frequent questions we get at the shop is, "What is the Aztec shake?"

The Aztec milkshake is another Bittersweet original-- similar to our Spicy hot chocolate drink in that it uses the same chocolate ganache but is blended with Loard's vanilla ice cream to a rich, thick concoction that tingles your throat with a slight warming effect on its way down.

A throat-tingling milkshake? With a slight warming effect?
What a concept!

But of course, words can only do so much to describe this drink, so come on by and let us make one for you! And don't forget to let me know what you think!

Award Winning Fudgy Brownie

Some of you have wondered, "Why is is called an Award Winning Fudgy Brownie?". Well, because we have actually won an award.

Last year we were chosen to compete in the Bliss Spa, You Be the Fudge, Battle of the Bay Brownie Contest. (Wow, what a long title.) After many people voted online and at various tasting places, we were chosen as the winner. This title has given us the opportunity to supply Bliss Spa, in the W Hotel in San Francisco, with our brownies for the last year.

Bittersweet's Fudgy Brownie even got a spot on View from the Bay and a nice write-up in the Chronicle.

So, now that you know come in and judge it for yourself.

The Final Wednesday Night Event of the Year!

Don't miss the final Wednesday Night Event of the year! It is our annual Holiday Shopping Night. We are open a little later Wednesday December 17th, holding the event from 6-9 PM.

This is an opportunity to shop leisurely and enjoy a few of our sweet treats and more. There will also be an extra 10% OFF everything in the store. In this economy every little bit counts and we would like to make the experience enjoyable and who doesn't like a little chocolate in their stocking or at Satyr.

We will be stocking gelt (chocolate coins) and beautiful chocolate ornaments among other items, so please stop by and pick out a delicious treat for your friends and family. This is the perfect way to do it and indulge yourself at the same time.

December 10th - Date Night at Bittersweet

Having trouble figuring out where to take that special someone? Want to make the first move, but don't know what to do or where to go? We have the perfect opportunity to make things happen in your love life, Date Night at Bittersweet Cafe December 10th from 6-8 PM. Come in from the cold and share a sweet treat.

Our special this evening will be:

Your choice of 2 drinks: The Classic, Mocha, or Chocolate Chai
and
Your choice of 1 dessert to share: The Chocolate Terrine or Boston Cream Pie

All of this with fancy porcelain cups and plate, and silver toned placesettings. You get all of this for $12.99. What a deal. And you will have a life changing evening and impress your friends.

Date Night at Bittersweet Cafe, a treat for all.

Game Night December 3rd

Where has the year gone? We are already into December. This Wednesday, December 3rd, from 6-8 PM will be Game Night at Bittersweet Cafe. Be sure to mark your calendars and bring the whole family!

We will have games like Life, Clue, UNO, and many more. This is a great way to meet new people and try new things on a cold winter's night.

Warm up with 10% OFF our Classic hot chocolate.

November 19th brings Jefferson Street

The fabulous band Jefferson Street will be joining us at Bittersweet to perform their acoustic stylings the evening of November 19th, from 6-8 PM.

This evening we will have 10% OFF their favorite drink.

Check out their music at www.myspace.com/jeffersonstreet !

Josh Barron to Perform November 12th

Our very own Josh Barron will be performing on November 12th from 6-8 PM. It is a great opportunity to see him in action. He will be strumming the guitar and singing some of his favorite tunes. Many of you may remember seeing him earlier this year doing a brief one hour engagement here at Bittersweet. His dulcet tones still linger.

We are very excited and eager to have him performing here again.

The special this evening will be 10% OFF his favorite drink. TBD

Please stop by and enjoy the entertainment.

Customer Appreciation Night Nov. 5th

Well, as promised I have more information. We will be having our Customer Appreciation Night November 5th, from 6-9 PM.

There will be 10% OFF all drinks and merchandise, sweet treats, and an informal chocolate tasting. And maybe the most important thing of all, a raffle for some great prizes.

It will be food, fun, and amazing chocolate. Come by and introduce yourself, we would love to meet you and get to know the community on more of a first name basis. The owners will be here to answer questions as well.

Mark your calendars, Wednesday nights in November and December at Bittersweet Cafe.

What is a Bicerin?

No matter how you say it a Bicerin (beach-er-een) is yummy! This Italian style chocolate and coffee drink is rich and heavenly.

We use a scoop of our each of own blends of Mocha mix and Bittersweet mix and melt them in hot water, as the European style. Pour over a shot of Espresso and top with our housemade whipped cream and it is nothing but goodness. Similar to a mocha, it is darker and richer. I prefer it.

Come by and choose your favorite drink today.

Vote, Vote, Vote!

Election Day is coming soon! Tuesday, November 4th is ballot day. So, not only are we highly encouraging you to exercise your right and privilege as an American Citizen to get out there and vote, but we are also encouraging you to stick it to the man!

No really, what could be better than to really eat up your opponent. We are currently stocking chocolate election buttons in each of your favorite political parties. There are the GOP buttons with the wise elephant on front and then the Democrat button with the fun loving donkey.

If you are engrossed in the election process then maybe a party box is for you. We have two boxes, one for each party, that reflect the campaign in chocolate. Three bars in each box show the candidates in their best light. Come in and make your choice.

They are great as gifts, whether novelty or in support of your choice, what better way to show your preference than in chocolate.

Marienne

Halloween is Coming Fast!

Many of you know that the Livery is having their annual Pumpkin Jubliee this Saturday and Halloween Party on Friday October 31st. Well, Halloween is coming quickly and if you would like a special treat for your little Trick-or-Treater or are having a special Halloween get together, we have the treats for you. Cute little items that you won't find anywhere else.

If you like the very delectable Vosges Barcelona or Red Fire Bar, you can now get them in a great skull shape for your little demon. Or for those with more of a sweet tooth, we have a rice crispy treat dipped in chocolate and decorated for the holiday. These are just a couple of our adorable, yet frightening, Halloween goodies. My favorite being the Chocolate Peanut Butter Leaves. I just can't resist a chocolate peanut butter treat, especially this one.

Stop by for a peek-a-boo to check them out.

Marienne

Customer Appreciation Night Nov. 5th

We have our first Wednesday night event coming up and I am proud to announce our first Customer Appreciation Night on Wednesday November 5th. We will have a few activities including a raffle and chocolate tasting corner. I will have more details to come, but please mark your calendars now. Each and every Wednesday night following this event will be filled with music, games, or specials. Watch for the calendar.

Also, I would like to send out a reminder that we open at 7:00 AM during the week and you will find not only great coffee, but much shorter lines than those at our competitors. What a great way to start the day, with amazing coffee and chocolate. Not to mention the pastries, which are delivered fresh daily. Another great start is our Steel Cut Oatmeal. This is slow-cooked fresh every morning, the right way, and served with four great toppings. It will last you until lunch.

Have a great week,

Marienne

To Bittersweet or to Classic?

One of the most often questions that we get here at Bittersweet is "What is the difference between a Bittersweet and a Classic?" Well, let me see if I can put the question to rest. These are two of our most popular hot chocolates and there is a big difference between the two.

The Classic is our typical American style hot chocolate. It is our own unique mix of milk and dark chocolate blended into your choice of dairy (whole milk, 2%, nonfat, or soy) and is served in a 12 oz. cup.

The Bittersweet is our European style hot chocolate. This is our unique mix of four dark chocolates melted into hot water and is served in an 8 oz. cup. This is a darker and richer chocolate experience than the Classic and more like a classic drinking chocolate.

Both of these options are equally yummy and delicious and it usually comes to personal chocolate preference or mood as to which one to choose. They both can take you to that wonderful chocolate heaven that most chocoholics know.

Marienne

Bacon & Chocolate?

I think one of the most often asked questions these days when people come in to look at our chocolate bars is "So what about this Bacon Bar we've heard so much about?". Yes, we have one it is called Mo's Bacon Bar by Vosges and many of you have been in to try it. I think it is one of those either you love it or hate it items. I personally love it! It is almost like a comfort food and let's face it, bacon should have its own food group.

For those of you not familiar with the bar, it literally has an applewood smoked bacon in a dark 41% milk chocolate with an alderwood smoked salt. The bacon has a caramelized sweetness to it and the salt really boosts the flavor of both the chocolate and the bacon. You can liken it to a sweet yet salty snack food, like chocolate covered pretzels, but ohhhh so much better.

Come on in and try Mo's Bacon Bar. It can be found in our Speciaties section of Chocolate Bars. If that is not your thing remember that we have over 100 artisan chocolate bars in our store (over half of them are dark chocolate) and we can be sure to find one that is to your liking.

See you in Bittersweet,

Marienne

Notes from the Manager

Well, as we come online and the store is up and running ( we have been open for two months now ), I am excited to say that we are already planning to have events on Wednesday nights. Bittersweet Danville will kick-off the excitement with a Customer Appreciation Night the beginning of November. More to come on that later.

I am happy to become a part of the Danville community and place for people to go to have a great cup of coffee, awesome chocolate and pastries, and relax. We have free wi-fi, friendly people and are open until 10:00 PM Thursday though Saturday.

This forum will be a way for you to learn about Bittersweet, the people who make up the Bittersweet Team and what is going on in our store and community. We will have postings about specials, bars, recipes, and events.

Please check back often for updates and I look forward to a long and prosperous realtionship.

Thank you for welcoming us Danville,

Marienne