Twittersweet!

We have a new link on our blog. Seneca Klassen, our esteemed Chocolatier, has started a Bittersweet account on Twitter. He will be updating it and keeping you informed on his chocolate making and how that is going. I have added it to out blog page, but if you subscribe to twitter you can find it at twitter.com/bittersweetcafe, and add it to your list.

Check it out and see how he progresses on new formulations and if the weather is affecting his work.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to our Bittersweet Family and everyone who supports us. I am sad to say that the store will be closed tomorrow in observance of the holiday, so that our family can be with their families, but we will be open on Friday at our regular store hours.

Have a great Holiday and please stay safe.

Can I Have A Vanilla Latte?

The answer to that oft asked question is "I am sorry, but we don't have any syrups." We hear that question a lot here at the Danville location and there is a very good reason for the answer.

You see, we here at Bittersweet are into organic and local. We make our own mix bases in the store and our own simple syrup (or liquid sugar) to make sure that what goes into what we make is natural. We don't like to serve syrups that may contain chemical additives and flavorings to our customers. We don't believe in it. Also, we strive to be a classic cafe. All of our drinks are one size and traditionally made by hand.

I feel that since our coffee is organic and local and oh, so good, that it doesn't need the syrups and flavorings. It really is great on its own.

Last Happy Hour Monday!

Don't forget that our last Happy Hour Monday is tomorrow from 2-4 PM. If you buy one Cranberry Cider you will receive the second free. Definitely not to miss!

We have a new product in, County Fair Peanuts. These are addictive little bites consisting of roasted peanuts covered in chocolate. They are so yummy, come and try a bag.

I hope you all are having a great weekend and are looking forward to a nice Thanksgiving.


Today's soup is Portabello Mushroom and Roasted Tomato Bisque.

Holiday Treats Are Here!

We have started to receive our holiday items.

For Thanksgiving we have some very cute chocolate Turkey Placesettings for each of your guests, seasonal chocolate Cookie Cutters, and turkey decorated Krispy Pops covered in chocolate for the kids.

The Christmas items have started to arrive. Not only do we have chocolate pengiuns, reindeer, and snowmen, but we have after dinner mints and a wintermint coin box. Coming soon - Peppermint Bark, a favorite, and chocolate ornaments for your tree!

There is something for all the nice people on your list, we also are carrying a delightful chocolate menorah and gelt.

Please stop in a see what's new. From stocking stuffers to party gifts, you'll find something for just about everyone.

Last Night Went Beautifully!

I am sorry that I missed last nights event with Marketing Manager David Salowich, but I have heard such great things about it. Thank you to all who signed up and attended the event.

We still have openings for the event with Seneca Klassen next month, Chocolate Tasting 101. Please call or come into the store to sign up. You can find out more information about the event by clicking the link on the left side of the page.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!


Today soup is Hearty Beef and Vegetable. mmmmmmm.....

Jefferson Street Tonight!

One night only, the band Jefferson Street performs their favorite hits acoustically. What a treat! I have been listening to them here on the iPod at work and they are really good. I am excited that they are performing here, tonight from 6-8 PM.

There will be a special of 10% off their favorite drink.

Come and enjoy the tunes and sip a nice warm drink. What a way to get the holiday season going. Be sure to bring your friends and family.

Tomorrow Night's Event is Closed.

Thank you for all who signed up and are interested. The Chocolate Trends event on Thursday night is full. It's going to be a lot of fun!

See you there!

Events This Week!

This is just a reminder that we have a couple of events this week.

Tomorrow night Jefferson Street is performing acoustically from 6-8 PM. I have been hearing their music on Jay's iPod here in the store and they are really good, it will be a fun evening. Also, there will be a 10% discount on their favorite drink.

Then on Thursday night from 7-8 PM we have our Merchandising Manager, David Salowich in to discuss trends in the current chocolate industry. The link to the event information is on the left side of this page. The last I heard there were two spots left, so hurry if you would like to attend.

And don't forget we have our Coloring Contest underway and our last Happy Hour Monday is coming up next week, so don't miss out on the fun.

Have a great week!


Today's soup is Artichoke and Chicken Florentine.

Thanksgiving Coloring Contest On Now!

I hope everyone's weekend is off to a good start.

We have just kicked off our First Annual Thanksgiving Coloring Contest. We have three pictures to choose from just ask one of your friendly Baristas for your choice. There are three competing age groups; under 5, 5-8, and 8-12. The winners will receive a $10 Gift Certificate to use at their leisure. The contest ends November 26th, and the winners will be announced November 28th, 2008 and will be posted on this site.

Bring in the kids and have a good time. We can't wait to see the pictures in color.


The soup today is Split Pea with Ham.

There's still some time left!

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to remind you all that there are still some seats available for our upcoming workshop and tasting on November 20th with Bittersweet's own Chocolate Buyer and Merchandise Manager, David Salowich. Don't miss this chance to gain some knowledge about current and future trends in the chocolate industry!

More information about this event here.

Chocolate Tasting 101 with Seneca Klassen

This just in! An event you won't want to miss, Chocolate Tasting 101 on Thursday, December 11, from 7:00-9:00 PM.

All you've ever wanted to know to know about chocolate and more. Seneca Klassen, world renown for his knowledge of chocolate and chocolate making skills, will lead a tasting on the introduction of chocolate and all of it's properties.

It is a great opportunity to learn and experience chocolate.

The class is $5.00 and is limited to 20 people. You will receive a 15% off coupon when you arrive that night for use at your leisure. Please stop by the store or call to sign up.

Chocolate Bar Pick of the Month

This month I am going to go with one of my middle of the road favorites. When desiring a classic chocolate bar I prefer to pick up the Grenada 70% Dark Chocolate Bar. It is smooth and creamy, with touches of mango and cedar and is so enjoyable. It is a bar that most people have on their favorites list.

Some more reasons to back this bar are the good things they are doing for the environment. Not only are they a free trade and organic co-operative, their company is solar powered! You can't beat that. It proves that you don't have to skimp on quality to do right by mother nature.

Come in for a taste and see if you agree that the Grenada 70% is a nice comfy cozy chocolate to enjoy any day of the week.


Today's soup is Chicken Coconut Curry, mmmmmm.

Tonight! Josh Barron!

Tonight is the night!

The one and only Josh Barron is performing his favorites and will be joined by a special guest. His dulcet tones will fill the cafe for your enjoyment. You've enjoyed his work as a barista, now experience his other talents.

Come tonight between 6:00-8:00 PM and join the fun.

We will have 10% off his favorite drink, Latte's!

Today's soup is Chicken Coconut Curry, one of my favorites. Yummy!

We are now on Facebook!

In our ever constantly changing and evolving society, we are trying to reach out to everyone to let them know we are here, who we are, and what we are doing. In this effort I have begun a Facebook Group.

Now, this is a new endeavor, as I have never had such a page before, so please bear with me as I get up to speed. It will carry most of the same information as we have on this blog, but maybe a little easier to find in the universe.

If you have any suggestions, please let me know, and I guess MySpace is next?

Soup today is Santa Fe Tortilla.

Just a reminder...

... that our very own Joshua Barron will be performing his smooth stylings for all of you this coming Wednesday night, and that we will be giving 10% off his favorite drink!

Also don't forget next Wednesday, November 19, my personal friend Josh Pinkston and Jefferson Street will grace us with an acoustical set. This talented performer will have copies of his CD available and we will also be giving everyone 10% off Josh's favorite drink!

Thanks to all of you that helped kick off our "Mid-Week Mayhem" Wednesday night activities last week! It was fun meeting all of you!

Our Next Big Event, Chocolate Trends!

Please join us at Bittersweet Café for our latest workshop and tasting:

Current trends in the chocolate industry and how to navigate your way through the ever-expanding chocolate marketplace.

While most industries are experiencing slow growth, the chocolate industry is booming! Every day, new and interesting chocolates are appearing on the shelves, making the task of choosing a chocolate more and more complex. Join Bittersweet Buyer and Merchandise Manager, David Salowich for an exploration of this exciting moment in chocolate’s long history. Together, we will explore several factors fueling this boom and look at their underlying issues.

Dark Chocolate: How dark chocolate can be part of a nutritious diet - really! Plus, the secret truth behind cacao percentage and the difference between single bean origin and blended chocolates.

Milk Chocolate: It’s a new day for milk chocolate! Chocolatiers are making milk chocolates which rival the best of the darks. Put your preconceived notions aside and become reacquainted with an old friend.

Fair Trade and Organic Certification: While certification can be a valuable tool, learn about non-certified chocolates which are de-facto organic and fairer than Fair Trade.

American Chocolate Makers: We could go on and on about the stunning chocolates of Utah and Missouri, which rival the best chocolate houses of Belgium and France. And we’re not joking.

Chocolate and friends: One of the keys to chocolate’s continued popularity is the ingenuity of chocolate makers, who craft incredible chocolates with interesting flavor combinations. Goats milk, sea salt, bread, and even bacon, take chocolate to a whole new level.

Bittersweet San Francisco: Tuesday, 11/18/08, 7:00
Bittersweet Danville: Thursday, 11/20/08, 7:00

This event is about an hour long and free, but due to high-demand for our chocolate events, reservations are required. Please contact David Salowich directly to reserve your place at david@bittersweetcafe.com or call the Danville store at 925-837-9900

We look forward to seeing you there!

Fall Menu Item

We have our Fall Special Menu Item in the store and ready to go. This year we have brought out our Cranberry Cider again. For those who have not tried it, you'll find it is a delightful mix of cranberry juice, organic apple cider, and spices, all mulled together for a warm and wonderful drink that is surprisingly refreshing. It is a nice change from the usual or if you feel like you would like something other than our fabulous chocolate or coffee drinks. Come by and cozy up with a Cranberry Cider tonight.

And the Winner Is......

Thank you to all those who attended our Customer Appreciation Night last night. It was quite a success and it was wonderful to get a chance to meet some new people. We had food and chocolate and specials, but now lets get down to business.

The winners of last night's raffle are as follows:
Free Brownie Bite
Marsha Beeler
Patty Walker
Angie Verzosa
Kendall
Free Drink
Claude Trusty
Sue Riegel
Marcia Miller
Lauren Johnson
Vicki Jasinski
$5 Gift Certificate - Edna Trusty
$10 Gift Certificate - Tina Stewart
Bittersweet T-Shirt - Kathy Mima
Chocolate Smarts Game - Chris Leimpeter
$15 Gift Certificate - Mollie Byrd
Coffee Smarts Game - Jim Bala
Stella Luna Gift Certificate - Shawna Pinkston
KRV Package - Bob Riegel
Baby & Kids Gift Certificate - Victoria Chiang
Chocolate Tasting for 4 - Ann Conley
Pure Relaxation Massage from Burke Williams - Crystal Kirby

Enjoy! Just come by the store to claim your prize.

Thank you again for all who came. It was a lot of fun and I look forward to the next one.

Just a reminder that this Monday from 2-4 PM we have Happy Hour and next Wednesday we have our own Josh Barron performing from 6-8 PM. Links to more information on both of these events is on the left side of this page.

See ya then.

Tonight is the Night!

Congratulations to all of you who voted!

Now is the time to celebrate and what better way than to come to Bittersweet Cafe tonight for Customer Appreciation Night from 6:00-9:00 PM. This is the first night in a series of Wednesday night, "Mid-Week Mayhem" events. Tonight we will be having a raffle for some great prizes, including a Pure Relaxation Massage from Burke Williams and a Chocolate Tasting for Four with Seneca Klassen. Also, we will be having samples of some of our treats and some chocolates to taste.

This will also be a chance for you to meet with the owners and let them know what you think.

Please stop by tonight, introduce yourself and say "Hello". We would love the chance to get to know you better and have the opportunity to say "Thank You" for making our first 3 months in Danville thoroughly enjoyable.

Vote And Change The World!

Please take time out of your day today and Vote! No matter your choice, it is important to let it be known.

After you vote stop by and try our special treats today and pick-up a 10% off coupon to use on your next visit.

But, whatever you decide to do today, go Vote! Please exercise your rights.

Soup is Back!

After a too long absence, Soup has now made a reappearance at the Cafe.

We strive to have a different and delicious flavor each day. Today's choice is Asparagus, mmmmmm......

Please stop on by for a steaming bowl on these cool fall days. At $3.25 a pop it is the best deal in the area.