Bittersweet Cafe: Danville

New Store Hours!

2010-04-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 21st, we will have new operating hours!

We will be open--
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm, closed between 1-2pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am-5pm

We wouldn't still be here if it weren't for all of you, so we'd like to say thanks for all your continued support!

We had a great time at Pixar!

2010-04-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

What a greeting from life size LEGO versions of Buzz Lightyear and Woody!

On Tax Day, last Thursday April 15th, we attended an event for Pixar employees, the chocolate event to end all chocolate events. Bittersweet was one of 12 guests showing our wares and sampling out our products. What a cool environment to spend the day. The people we met were so nice and inquisitive. They asked so many great questions, what a joy. We were happy to sample out little Bittersweet Hot Chocolate's and Coconut Chill's and of course our very own Bittersweet Origins Chocolate Bars.

This was the first time we have taken drinks on the road and it was very successful. I think we may do it again sometime.

Thank you Pixar for allowing us to be a part of your Chocolate Day!

Lower Your Belly Fat By Eating Chocolate?

2010-04-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

This just in....

BellyFatAnswers.com reports:

According to Prevention Magazine and Web M.D. there are 5 food groups that fall into the category, “Flat Belly Foods” that will help you lose belly fat.

One serving of these foods, each packed with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA's), at each meal will help reduce excess weight in your mid-section and protect you from various diseases.

Nuts and seeds, olives, avocado, dark chocolate, and healthy oils (olive oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil to name a few) are all included on their belly fat busting list. Make an effort to include these foods in your daily diet plan.

Now if you just pick up a bag of our Almond Bark, made with 61% Dark Chocolate and Almonds, you are set to bust the fat.

The list as to why I need to keep chocolate in my diet just keeps growing longer. Oh darn, I will just have to force myself to continue with my chocolate habit.

I have a regular customer of the Danville Bittersweet to thank for turning me on to this.

Have a great weekend!

There's More....Coffee Facts!

2010-04-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few of the facts on the CocoaJava.com website. Enjoy! I found them pretty informative.

"Cowboy coffee"? It was said they made their coffee by putting ground coffee into a clean sock and immerse it in cold water and heated over campfire. When ready, they would pour the coffee into tin cups and drink it.

Caffeine is on the International Olympic Committee list of prohibited substances. Athletes who test positive for more than 12 micrograms of caffeine per milliliter of urine may be banned from the Olympic Games. This level may be reached after drinking about 5 cups of coffee. Ouch! Any coffee athletics out there?

The word "coffee" was at one time a term for wine, but was later used to describe a black drink made from berries of the coffee tree. This black drink replaced wine in many religious ceremonies because it kept the Mohammedans awake and alert during their nightly prayers, so they honored it with the name they had originally given to wine.

Turkish bridegrooms were once required to make a promise during their wedding ceremonies to always provide their new wives with coffee. If they failed to do so, it was grounds for divorce! (Ouch!)

Espresso has 1/3 of the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee.

During the American Civil War the Union soldiers were issued eight pounds of ground roasted coffee as part of their personal ration of one hundred pounds of food. And they had another choice: ten pounds of green coffee beans.

Cafe Procope was the first true Paris coffeehouse. It was opened in 1689 by a former lemonade vendor, Francois Procope. The cafe faces the Theatre Francais, where it drew the artists and actors of the day.

Ugandans mix green beans with sweet grasses and various spices, dry them, and then wrap these in grass packets, which were then hung in their homes. It serves as talisman and as decoration.

Coffee most exacting rite of passage is known as "cupping" or cuptasting. It is the act of assessing the qualities of a particular batch of beans by freshly roasting, brewing, and tasting it. It is the work for serious and talented professionals.

There is a difference between the strength and body of the coffee? The strength of the coffee refers to how much coffee is there in the brew, whereas the body is a measure of the richness (or heaviness) of the coffee taste.

In the old days in Constantinople, the first coffeehouses were called qahveh khaneh (schools of wisdom) because they were the meeting places of men of arts and literature.

The requirements for making of good espresso is summarized by the 4 "M"s: Macinazione (the correct griinding of coffee blend), Miscela (coffee blend), Macchina (the espresso machine) and of course, Mano (barista).

Beethoven who was a coffee lover, was so particular about his coffee that he always counted 60 beans each cup when he prepared his brew.

When coffee supplies became scarce during the American Civil War, soldiers desperate for a cup of coffee used roasted sweet potato and Indian corn as a substitute!

Have a great weekend!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

2010-04-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on epicurious.com and tried it out a few weeks ago with delightful results. Top it off with a little creme fraiche or some raspberry gelato and you've got yourself a great after dinner dessert to treat your guests with!

4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus additional for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 375°F and butter an 8-inch round baking pan. Line bottom with a round of wax paper and butter paper.

Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate with butter, stirring, until smooth. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat and whisk sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs and whisk well. Sift 1/2 cup cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined. Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven 25 minutes, or until top has formed a thin crust. Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes and invert onto a serving plate.

Dust cake with additional cocoa powder and serve with sorbet if desired. (Cake keeps, after being cooled completely, in an airtight container, 1 week.)

Easter Is Upon Us!

2010-04-02T09:09:00.001-07:00

Easter is this Sunday, April 4th! Wow, time flies. We still have some great and very cute items in the store, but time is running out. Stop in today to pick up your favorite treat before they are all gone. We still have Solid Chocolate Bunnies in all sizes and in both milk and dark, little gift collections and various Chocolate Pops and Eggs. I picked up the cutest little Bunny Ears for place settings at the Sunday Easter dinner table.

Items are disappearing, so please don't delay. Your little chicks and honey bunnies deserve the best chocolate in their baskets.

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all!

Bunnys and chicks and chocolates, oh my!

2010-04-01T15:34:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday is fast approaching, and we are your store for last minute Easter gift shopping! From solid milk (and dark!) chocolate bunnies in all shapes and sizes to peanut butter filled chocolate easter eggs, we have the what you'll need to make this holiday weekend extra special for your loved ones.

Have a happy Easter from all of us here at Bittersweet Cafe!

More Coffee Facts

2010-03-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have been having fun scouring the internet to bring some fun and insightful information to you. Here is another site with some fun facts about coffee, whose trading at one time ruled commerce.

* When shopping for perfume, take some coffee with you in your bag and have a good sniff in between smelling each perfume to refresh your nose!

* Sprinkle spent coffee grounds around the base of your garden plants and it will stop snails and slugs from munching them!

* A mixture of coffee grounds and sugar, fed to a pot plant and watered regularly, will revive houseplants that have turned yellow in winter.

* Some of the worlds most powerful business, including Lloyds of London and the New York Stock Exchange, started life as a coffee houses.

* The aromas in coffee develop at the 10th minute of roasting.

* Coffee increases in volume during roasting by 18.60%.

Coffee is...

The second most widely used product in the world after oil.
It was worth 6 million tonnes per year in the mid 90's.
It is worth €30 billion per year to the producing countries.
It is a living to more than 100 million people.
It is consumed at the rate of 1400 million cups per day.
The world's second most popular drink after water.

Check the justaboutcoffee.com site for more fun facts.

Have a great week!

Thanks again!

2010-03-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

On behalf of everyone here at Bittersweet Cafe Danville, I'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who took time out of your busy schedules yesterday to donate blood.

Thank you for helping us help those who need this precious commodity.

Blood Drive Today!

2010-03-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! Your chance to give blood and get a truffle in return. We have slots available between noon and 3:30. Please stop by or go by the website to sign up. It is a great day to help others.

Have a wonderful day!

Fun Easter Facts

2010-03-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun Easter/Passover Facts and Traditions that I found on a website. It is neat to find out why we do some of these things. Enjoy!

- Many pagan traditions have found their way into Christian religious observances. Rabbits are one such symbol. Rabbits symbolize the fertility of springtime. The rabbit is also the symbol of the Egyptian moon — and the moon is used to determine the date of Easter each year.

- The hare (rabbit) is a very important Easter symbol in Germany, almost as important as Santa Claus is in the United States for Christmas. The hare is responsible for laying eggs and hiding them. This probably evolved from children hunting for Easter eggs and scaring away rabbits which happened to be in the area. The hare and egg provide a link between the pagan faith's welcoming of spring and Christianity's Easter celebration.

- The custom of decorating eggs goes back many thousands of years. When you add a few strokes of icing to the surface of a chocolate Easter egg, you are carrying on an age-old tradition. Long before the Bible was written, the egg was a sacred object and it was ornamented as part of numerous religious and superstitious practices.

- The word "Easter" is derived from Eostre or Ostara - the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the dawn. The festival in her honor was celebrated on the first day of spring. It was she who changed a bird into a rabbit, and thus this four-footed little creature joined the egg as another Easter symbol. In our Easter baskets we always include delightfully decorated eggs and rabbits. At the beginning of the 19th century, the first sugar and pastry Easter bunnies became popular in southern Germany.

- In France, children carry eggs to their churches on Holy Saturday at their first confessions for the priests' blessings. Other children hunt for eggs in the church garden, for it is said the eggs had been dropped by the church bells that were silent from Maundy Thursday.

- Although there are no records of Easter eggs as a general custom in Western Europe before the 15th century, there is a tribe in Africa that colors eggs at Easter. They are Mohammedans now, but were once Christians hundreds of years ago. It is also recorded that in the year 1307 King Edward I of England had 450 boiled eggs dyed and covered with gold leaf.

- Like Easter, Passover is celebrated in the spring. The Seder, the traditional meal celebrated in Jewish homes on the first day of Passover, includes the eating of hard-boiled eggs as a symbol of the hope and joy that things are to grow again. It is likely that Jesus' Last Supper was a Passover meal.

- While candy and confections are not identified with the Jewish celebration of Passover the way they are with Easter, many Seders are ended with the eating of chocolate products that are "Kosher la pesach" — Kosher for Passover. No corn syrup or lecithin can be used in the preparation of this chocolate that can be either dark or light — Kosher dairy. Passover confections include chocolate bars with nuts, raisins and dried fruit. Recently, Matzo bread (an unleavened flatbread), dipped or half-dipped in chocolate, has become a popular product.

- Every time you purchase, make or consume chocolate eggs and rabbits, or give Easter baskets or Passover chocolates, you are joining with your ancestors in helping to welcome the arrival of spring — and the joyous Christian and Jewish festivals of hope, rebirth and deliverance. Be proud of your glorious traditions, which link you to an ancient and honorable past.

Thank you!!!

2010-03-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

I'd like to give a big huge THANK YOU to all of you who came to our acoustic show Friday night and to the Jefferson Street show tonight! Good times and great music were shared by all!

I can't wait for next month!

The Easter Bunny Has Arrived!

2010-03-18T17:25:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year again and on April 4th, the Easter Bunny officially does his duty, but until then, swing by Bittersweet to get all those little gifts that you need.

Looking for a cute little something to give to a coworker or friend? We got it! That special little gift that shows you care? We got it! Or the tasty treat for a loved one? We got it!

Spring has definitely sprung. The beautiful weather is the perfect time to get your garden back into shape. Bittersweet has the gifts for the gardening gurus in your life.

We even have a fun Bunny Hunt Game with chocolate rewards. This one is fun for the whole family to play together. And for the little baker in the bunch, a cute bunny or chick filled with cookie cutters and chocolate.

You may not see any chocolate bunnies in this post but we have them aplenty in the store, milk and dark. Every size and shape you are looking for, including the cute little placesetting ones that are so popular.

And in this time of sun and warmth don't forget to drop by for a fabulous milkshake or sundae. The perfect way to cap of a lovely day in the park.

See ya soon!

Just a reminder...

2010-03-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks,

I just wanted to give you all a reminder that our first (hopefully of many) blood drive is going on next Thursday, March 25, from 11am-5pm. We have a sign up sheet at the store, and if you can't make it by here to sign up, you can still do so by clicking here! It's as simple as that! Spread the word!

We will have a table set up so that everyone who donates will get one of our incredible hand-made truffles to savor afterwards.

I look forward to meeting you all, and I would personally like to extend my gratitude to all of you for taking to the time to help us help others!

Thanks!

How much caffeine is in chocolate?

2010-03-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a posting by the California Academy of Sciences, in conjunction with the Chocolate Exhibition, about some interesting chocolate health facts. Here are a few excerpts. Feel free to follow the link to get all the information.

"Does chocolate cause cavities? Not necessarily. According to a recent study, cacao contains antibacterial agents that actually fight tooth decay. However, most mass-produced chocolate contains sugar, which probably counteracts the benefits of these agents."

"Will the caffeine in chocolate make me jittery? Probably not. Cacao does contain a number of stimulants, such as caffeine and theobromine, but in small amounts that are diluted even further when processed into chocolate. In fact, one ounce of milk chocolate contains about the same amount of caffeine as one cup of decaffeinated coffee. Interestingly, one study has shown that the smell of chocolate may actually relax you by increasing theta waves in the brain."

"Will I live longer if I eat chocolate? Perhaps. A Harvard University study found that men who ate chocolate lived one year longer than those who didn’t. Scientist think that chocolate contains chemicals that help keep blood vessels elastic and increase beneficial antioxidants in the bloodstream, but research is underway and no conclusive results have been found. "

Enjoy!

Follow Our Coffee Blog

2010-03-08T11:14:00.001-08:00

We are proud to announce Bittersweet's new Coffee Blog! Ian Riley our roaster extraordinaire is blogging about his exploits and discoveries in the world of coffee roasting.

If you would like to learn more about how it is done, check it out and follow along.

Join the team!

2010-03-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

We are looking for a hard-working, outgoing person who has a love for all things chocolate & coffee!

The barista position is part-time, averaging about 12-20 hours per week with the possibility of receiving more. Prior café experience is a definite plus, but we are ready to train the right person.

If you're interested, please stop by and drop off your resume!
We look forward to hearing from you!

Chocolate May Make Some Strokes Less Likely

2010-03-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Yet again another health benefit to eating dark chocolate.

In news, reported by HealthDay, that's sure to delight chocolate lovers, a Harvard study finds that a couple of squares of dark chocolate a day might reduce the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, by 52 percent.

"There are several possible mechanisms, but the effect of rich cocoa on cardiovascular health seems to be through its effect on blood pressure, and the capacity to improve the flexibility of the blood vessels," said study author Dr. Martin Lajous, a doctoral candidate at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

"In the context of an appropriate intake, eating small amounts of cocoa could be beneficial," Lajous said. "There are several possible mechanisms, but the effect of rich cocoa on cardiovascular health seems to be through its effect on blood pressure, and the capacity to improve the flexibility of the blood vessels."

Wow! Good for your brain and for your heart. Why wouldn't you eat dark chocolate daily?

Schedule of events for March!

2010-03-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

What's coming up here at Bittersweet Danville...

Thursday 3/4: Chocolate Club Meeting with Bittersweet chocolatier Seneca Klaussen. Seats are still available for this informational event!

Saturday 3/6: The musical stylings of Justin Fitch

Friday 3/19: The City of Danville and the VYC present their monthly Acoustic Show (performers TBA)

Thursday 3/25: Bittersweet Danville teams with the American Red Cross for our first blood drive! We need as many people as possible to donate blood and help us make this a success; won't you please help us help those in need? Click here to sign up!

Breathable Chocolate?

2010-03-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought they would come up with this one? NPR reported yesterday on a new product available online. It is called Le Whif and it has gotten some favorable reviews. It definitely is new and interesting. It is chocolate in the molecular form and placed in a tube. Open the tube and inhale, you get all the smell and flavor of chocolate without eating it. There are 8-10 "whiffs" per tube.

But does it really satisfy?

Check it out and decide for yourself. I still prefer the edible kind.

Chocolate Club Meeting postponed...

2010-02-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

We regret to announce that tonight's meeting has been cancelled but has been rescheduled for next Thursday, March 4 at 8pm! We apologize for the inconvenience.

Chocolate Club Meeting is TOMORROW!!!

2010-02-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

Just wanted to give you all a friendly reminder that tomorrow from 8-9:30pm is our next Chocolate Club Meeting! Taste great chocolate and get insight from Bittersweet's own chocolatier, Seneca Klaussen. Ask him about anything chocolate and he's sure to have an answer for you... :)

Seats are only $5 and are limited to 20 per meeting so make sure you stop by the store and sign up today!

It's wet out. Have a Dry Soda.

2010-02-23T15:52:00.001-08:00

Many people who come into the shop are intrigued by our vast array of chocolate bars and goodies from all over the world. One of the most intriguing things that we sell isn't even chocolate at all!

I would like to introduce you all to Dry Soda.

Based out of Seattle, Washington, Dry Soda Co. produces a line of outstanding thirst-quenching beverages that goes beyond your everyday sparkling water or soft drink. With hints of herbs or fruits (depending on your choice of flavor), these all-natural, caffeine-free, and low in sugar drinks are sure to satisfy. We have them here at the shop so make sure to try one out on your next visit!

Shopping For Quality Chocolate in the East Bay

2010-02-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Monthly, East Bay's Premier Magazine of Culture and Commerce, has posted a wonderful and informative article about finding great chocolate not far from home. Of course we are proud to be mentioned among some other local favorites.

Valentine's Day may be over, but the love of chocolate continues. This is the perfect Chocophile's "Cacao Crawl". Take a day and discover what amazing chocolate is near you. The article lists some of my favorites and, who knows, maybe you can show your someone special where to shop for you next year.

Chocolate and Salted Caramel-- A Match Made in Heaven.

2010-02-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

Pizza and beer.
French fries and ranch dressing.
Beans and rice.

All great flavor mixes, but I can't think of a better combination of two flavors than chocolate and salted caramel; and now we have a drink that brings the best of both together!

Our hand-made caramel uses all natural ingredients with an ever-so-slight touch of fleur de sel to compliment its sugary sweetness. Combine that with our already awesome chocolate and what you get is divine goodness in a cup.

(It's even MORE awesome on ice...)

The caramel is not limited to this drink though! Now you can have our artisan caramel in ANY of our drinks for an additional $1.00! Stop by today!

Chocolate Club Meeting on 2/25/10!!

2010-02-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

There are still a few spots left for our second Chocolate Club Meeting on February 25th! We are limited to only 20 seats per meeting so make sure you come by and sign up now!
The knowledge and insight you will gain by tasting different chocolates, in addition to the information given by Bittersweet's chocolatier, Seneca Klaussen, will be invaluable when you go out and have your own chocolate tasting adventures!

Spots are only $5 per person, so reserve your seat today! Hurry, because they're going fast!

Wowzers!

2010-02-08T12:08:00.001-08:00

We've relaunched the Bittersweet Cafe website, and I must say it is AWESOME. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think!!!

Did you know...?

2010-02-03T02:10:00.000-08:00

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine. This chemical is a stimulant related to amphetamine and is released when people fall in love.

This led to the "Chocolate Theory of Love" after researcher Michael Liebowitz published his 1983 book, The Chemistry of Love. The book stated that chocolate is "loaded with phenylethylamine".

Phenylethylamine - one more reason chocolate is a great Valentine's Day gift!

Chocolate Club Mention

2010-02-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Diablo Magazine came by for a little talk and gave a nice mention in their recent issue. It is about our fabulous Chocolate Club (meeting coming up in two weeks!). This is an event that is so much fun and a great way to get together with friends to have a good time while eating and learning about chocolate. What could be better?

We are meeting Thursday, February 25th at the Danville store from 8:00-9:30 PM. Be sure to sign up early as space is limited for each meeting. We look forward to seeing you here!

Valentine's Goodies Are Here!

2010-02-01T15:17:00.001-08:00

Now in the stores are those unique chocolate gifts that can only be found at Bittersweet Cafe. It is that time of year again. Really, the day that is for gifting chocolate, Valentine's Day, the day to celebrate love.

We have some very cute gifts for everyone you know and those little unique collections for your special Valentine. As you can see, there are beautiful Chocolate Hearts, and fun Conversation Pops, then we have amazing Truffles to choose from and more.

Come in and find that perfect gift for everyone on your list, from grandchild to life partner. We select only those chocolates that we ourselves would be proud to give, quality chocolate that will satisfy the most discerning palates.

We look forward to seeing you in Bittersweet and helping you find your perfect gift.

Chocolate & Beer!!!

2010-02-01T14:59:00.001-08:00

Come join us on February 6th for a classic but underexplored combination! Tickets and more information here...

Treat your Valentine!

2010-02-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

Times are tough... but you want to get your special Valentine an awesome gift that will satisfy their sweet tooth at the same time.

What can you do?

Never fear, we're here to help! From now until closing time on Valentine's day, February 14th, all you have to do is tell us that you "saw it on the blog" and we'll give you 10% your entire order! Bring your significant other by for a warming "Classic" hot chocolate or choose a chocolate bar from our wide variety of choices and get 10% off!

Just for saying that you saw it here on the blog! No coupons to clip, no text messages to show... nothing!

(Offer is good until 7:00pm, Sunday, 2/14/10. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, including the Frequent Buyer Program. All discounts subject to manager approval.)

Chocolate pudding

2010-01-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love chocolate pudding? If you can't stop by the store to try some of our velvety, rich, decadent chocolate pudding with dulce de leche, here's a recipe for a delicious pudding that you can make at home!

Chocolate Pudding

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup natural cocoa powder
4 teaspoons cornstarch
3 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Directions

Put 1 1/2 cups of the milk, the sugar, and the cocoa in a nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a simmer, over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup of the milk, cornstarch, salt, egg yolks, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium-high heat whisking constantly, until the pudding comes to a full boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and continue whisking until thick, about 2 or 3 minutes more.

Pour the pudding into 6 small cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight until set.

(recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com)

We're Celebrating!!!

2010-01-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 5th anniversary of Bittersweet Cafe's first store in Oakland! For those of us on this side of the mountain, we are celebrating by having an "Anniversary Special" of our own!

All day today, you can get 2 of our "Classic" hot chocolate drinks for $5.55!
(These drinks are excellent over ice as well...)

Come bring all your friends and family down to the store and celebrate with us!

Our Second Acoustic Show!

2010-01-18T11:27:00.001-08:00

On Friday, January 22nd, the Bittersweet will be holding it's second Acoustic Show featuring young talent from throughout the Diablo Valley! From 7-9 pm we will have great music, great friends, and drink specials throughout the night!

Happy Anniversary Bittersweet Rockridge!

2010-01-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

This week, it will be 5 whole years since the very first Bittersweet Cafe opened up on College Ave. in Oakland. Isn't it amazing how time flies?!?

To help celebrate this momentous occasion for our company, on Thursday, January 21, we are offering 2 of our delicious "Classic" Hot Chocolate Drinks for $5.55!

Please stop by and celebrate with us!

Puerto Plata Bars for Haiti!

2010-01-15T15:26:00.000-08:00

We here at Bittersweet want to do our part to help the people of Haiti. Our own Bittersweet Origins Puerto Plata Bar comes from the Dominican Republic and that is why, starting tomorrow and for the next week, we are donating all of the profits from the sales of that bar, both 65% & 75%, to the International Rescue Committee's Haiti Fund.

The International Rescue Committee has deployed its Emergency Response Team to Haiti to deliver help to the devastated city of Port-au-Prince. Their team includes experts in emergency health, shelter, and children’s welfare. They will be working with local aid groups to provide vital help to survivors of the massive earthquake that struck Haiti January 12. Meanwhile, the IRC has committed to raising $5 million for reconstruction work in Haiti over the next year.

Please help us help others in their greatest time of need.

The many faces of ganache

2010-01-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

A question I hear a lot of customers ask at the store is, "What is ganache?"

Simply put, a ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream that is used to act as a filling, an icing, or a glaze. I personally make ganache to pour over a cake when I don't have time to spread frosting. What makes it so great is that when chilled, a ganache can be used to make delicious truffles for your friends and family.

Ganache Recipe (Courtesy of joyofbaking.com)

8 ounces (227 grams) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into small pieces

3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

1 tablespoon cognac or brandy (optional)

This simple recipe can be tweaked for your own personal tastes by substituting other flavored liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, or various spices such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper (but not too much!)

The magic that is the Barcelona Bar

2010-01-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

The Barcelona Bar takes you on a magical journey...first you are swimming through the deep blue ocean and then you find yourself frolicking through a mystical forest...wherever it takes you, we can guarantee you'll be satisfied! This bar has the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with hickory smoked almonds and grey sea salt. The rich, deep milk chocolate effortlessly blends the flavors into one succulent treat!

Start a new journey this year, and let the Barcelona Bar guide your way!

Melissa Love
Lead Supervisor

It's time for the next Chocolate Club meeting!

2010-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

Want to extend your knowledge of chocolate? How about having some private time with Bittersweet's own chocolate guru to discuss the different nuances between chocolates and the art of chocolate making? Well we have something for you! The next wave of Bittersweet's quarterly Chocolate Club meetings!

The Rockridge Chocolate Club will be on February 4th, the Danville store’s next meeting will be on February 25th and the San Francisco Club will have its second meet on March 18th!

Each location's Chocolate Clubs will be limited to 18 regular members plus seven open spaces reserved for on-the-spot sign-ups for each meeting. Spots are only $5 per person and are sure to fill up quick, so make sure you sign up now!

For more information about our clubs, check out our post from the first meeting!

Time To Get Healthy In The New Year!

2010-01-05T10:23:00.001-08:00

It's that time again. Time for resolutions and changes to keep healthy and stay on track. This recent article by RealAge.com spouts, yet again, the health benefits of chocolate and why we should be making it a part of our regular diets.

Apparently there are 3 new reasons to keep eating dark chocolate.

Chocolate makes you smarter. Ample research suggests that the flavonols in dark chocolate increase cerebral blood flow, which in turn may trigger the creation of new blood vessels and brain cells. And a new study showed that older adults performed better on cognitive tests after eating small portions of the sweet stuff. Talk about a nourished noggin! (Here's why opting for semisweet or unsweetened chocolate may be even better for your brain.)
Chocolate weakens heart attacks. Although more research is needed to confirm this one, a new study showed that regular chocolate eaters who had heart disease were less likely to die following a heart attack compared with the people who didn't treat themselves to the dark and dreamy stuff. (Here's more on chocolate's heart-smart qualities.)
Chocolate has a cavity-fighting compound. Okay, so you don't necessarily want to trade in your toothbrush for a chocolate bar. But some interesting new research shows a compound in chocolate -- theobromine -- may be just as good as fluoride at hardening tooth enamel. So the compound could find its way into toothpastes and mouthwashes one day. Until then, keep in mind that most commercially prepared chocolate has lots of sugar in it. Get healthier teeth and gums with these three easy dental tricks.

Most of us knew it was good for your heart, but fighting cavities and making us smarter? There is no reason not to eat dark chocolate, in moderation. That is the key. Anything you eat can be overdone and it is easy to do with the delectable taste of chocolate, but keeping it to a daily moderate level will still give you all the health benefits you need.

Happy and Healthy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

All of us at Bittersweet Danville would like to extend our best wishes to all of you for a very happy, safe, and prosperous 2010! Thank you so much for you patronage this past year!

Happy New Year!

Alter Eco and the El Ceibo Cooperative

2009-12-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

We are carrying a delicious new deep milk chocolate that tastes good and is good for farmers in developing nations. The bar, called Dark Chocolate Velvet, is a 46% milk chocolate made from organic fair trade cane sugar from Paraguay and organic fair trade cocoa from Bolivia. It is the result of a collaboration of Alter Eco in France and the El Ceibo Cooperative in Bolivia. As one of my new favorite chocolate bars here at Bittersweet, I am glad to read about the sustainable practices that go into making this chocolate. That and the bar is our only one from Switzerland and its velvety texture is truly a testament to the centuries of chocolate craft tradition in the region.

Alter Eco is a fair trade organization based in France. It started in 1998 and quickly built up its name in the Fair Trade Movement thanks to its unique marketing and extensive product range. Considered to be one of the strongest Fair Trade brands on the market, Alter Eco offers over 100 products that are sourced from 42 cooperatives in 37 countries. The organization took the Fair Trade Movement forward in 2006 when it approached Brazilian retailers to sell Brazilian products under Fair Trade terms, hereby creating the first South-South Fair Trade arrangement. All Alter Eco products are Fair Trade Certified by TransFair USA.

The El Ceibo Cooperative formed out of the ashes of the Brazilian government's cocoa coop, which went bankrupt in the 60s. After its bankruptcy, farmers were forced to sell to local middlemen because of the difficulty of transportation to La Paz coupled with their lack of knowledge of market prices. In the early 70s, farmers in the Alto Beni region in northeast Bolivia formed small cocoa coops, and in 1977, 37 of these small coops united to form the stronger El Ceibo Cooperative. In 1988 El Ceibo became the first certified organic cocoa cooperative in the world. Since then, the coop has reinvested its profits into its community: they provide allowance for school fees to their members, give out yearly bonuses to members over 65, reinvest in trucks and improvements in their processing facilities, operate a technical assistance program in agroecology and forestry, research alternative cultivation methods, and provide all members with health and accident insurance. Today, El Ceibo is responsible for 70% of the organic cocoa production in Bolivia.

Our Holiday Hours

2009-12-21T16:52:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone!

Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season so far!
I'd like to remind all of you of our holiday hours just in case you might need to grab some last minute goodies!

Today until December 23rd: Regular operating hours
December 24th: 7am - 4pm
December 25th: CLOSED
December 26th - 30th: Regular operating hours
December 31st: 7am - 4pm
January 1st: CLOSED

We resume our regular operating hours on January 2nd.

Happy holidays, and thanks very much for you patronage!

Music Comes to Bittersweet This Saturday!

2009-12-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

This is an event that you won't want to miss. We have some great local artists coming to play for you. What a night, great chocolate, great coffee, and great music!

Stop in this Saturday from 7-9PM to join the fun!

Acoustic Saturday Coming Next Week!

2009-12-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to bring to you some great local artists for an Acoustic Evening of song on Saturday, December 19th, from 7-9PM.

We will be hosting Graham Harper, Kacie Cone, and Michael Sallstrom as they play some of their favorites.

Stop in for a drink and a pastry and some great local artists playing their tunes for a night of fun.

Looking For That Gift To Send?

2009-12-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for that perfect gift to send to a client or maybe your best friend? We have a wonderful selection that is not in our stores, but available to you to order. Just pop on over to our Bittersweet Corporate Gifts file and all the information you need to pick the perfect gift is available to you. From wine and chocolate to your favorite Bittersweet Drink Mix or Bittersweet Origins Coffee. It is here ready to send.

These are gift selections that you can't get anywhere else and have all of the quality you have come to expect from Bittersweet Cafe.

Favorite Drink?

2009-12-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

A lot of people ask me what is my favorite chocolate drink. Like my favorite chocolate bars I havea couple of favorites and it really depends on my mood as to which I pick.

Other than the Bicerin, I love the Spicy! hot chocolate. And if I feel like coffee I think it is even better with a shot of espresso in it. However, if I am in the mood for a cold drink it is either the Iced Mocha or Vanilla Dry Soda that I choose.

No matter my mood I will always find something pleasing at Bittersweet. Hot or cold, you can't beat the rich chocolate and smooth creaminess of any Bittersweet drink. Why do you think I chose to work here. I can have one every day. Though in the mornings it is usually a latte in my hand.

Stop on in to find out your mood and your favorites today.

Reminder No Postcards Tonight!

2009-12-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

This is a reminder that the Paris Postcards Event tonight was cancelled.

We will have one more event this year. Details to come....

Clothing Drive

2009-12-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

So far the Clothing Drive has been a great success! Every weekend we have been overflowing with donations. Thank you Danville for being so generous this time of year when others need your help.

The drive will be continuing through the weekend of December 20th, so be sure to come in soon with you gently used clothing.

All donations are greatly appreciated.

Paris Postcards Cancelled!

2009-12-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

I am sorry to say that our Thursday Night Event this week has been cancelled. Please make note. The store will be open for our regular hours.

Thank you!

Holiday Goodies!

2009-12-03T09:12:00.001-08:00

It is that time of year again. Where did the time go? We have been in Danville for over a year now! Wow!

Bittersweet has some great treats and stocking stuffers in the stores perfect for all your gift giving needs.

These are just a few of the fabulous items that we have. The ever popular Crispy Pop, Marshmallow Fellow, Placesetting Tree and Snowman, and the tastiest (and cutest) ornaments ever done in chocolate!

Also, for that one of a kind gift please ask our friendly Baristas to help you put together a gift box or bag.

This is the time of year for Hot Chocolate as well and we
have ours ready to go home with you. A gift of Hot Chocolate or Bittersweet Origins Coffee will keep your loved ones warm this winter.

Everyone loves to receive chocolate. This is your opportunity to please even the most distinctive Chocophile this holiday season.

Happy holiday and we will see you soon!

Next Week - Postcards from Paris!

2009-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

"Paris Postcards" is a new book written by Leonard Pitt.

He will be joining us next Thursday, December 10th, from 7-9PM, to discuss his new book and show some of the postcards, as well as, discuss his favorite chocolate, Pralus.

“The book has almost 200 stunning postcards, many hand tinted, from the early 1900s. The history of the early postcard is full of drama. Deplored by many, it became a world-wide craze that revolutionized communication just like email today and with many of the same problems. The photos in the book show a Paris that no longer exists. The messages written by Americans to loved ones back home evoke the American experience of Paris at the turn of the century.”
-Leonard Pitt

Come and join us for some fabulous chocolate and a "guaranteed good time."

Marshmallow + Chocolate = Yum!

2009-11-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Heeeeee's Baaaaaaaack!!!
Stop by and pick up your own Marshmallow Fellow today!

Closed Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

So that our family can be with their families, Bittersweet will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. We will reopen at our normal time on Friday.

Please have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Plaid Friday, November 27th

2009-11-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

Wear plaid while you shop on November 27th to show you support for local and independent businesses.

About Plaid Friday

The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of Bay Area independent businesses. Envisioned to be the independent business alternative to the big box store "Black Friday", Plaid Friday is designed to help raise awareness about shopping local and supporting the local economy.

Although the designation of this day is a new concept, the movement towards supporting the independent spirit and "Indie" Businesses of the Bay Area has been growing and expanding year by year. In early 2009, The East Bay Express launched a monthly guide to shopping local called the Indie Resolution, where patrons pledge to spend money at local establishments. Other local movements include Buy Local Berkeley, Oakland Grown and Oakland Unwrapped. Plaid Friday was created by two local independent businesses, Blankspace Gallery and the Compound Gallery, as a way to tie into this movement and elevate the awareness of the abundant and thriving independent businesses located in neighborhoods throughout the East Bay.

Help us celebrate by supporting participating shops on Friday, November 27th and throughout this Holiday season.

Wear plaid on November 27th to show your support while shopping at participating businesses. Look for the special plaid placards at your local shops. Many of the participating businesses are offering specials for Plaid Friday. Go to the participating businesses page to find out.

Trunk Show Is On Right Now!

2009-11-19T10:08:00.001-08:00

Barbara Edelston Peterson, renown jeweler is here today until 12:30 showing her beautiful handmade jewelry. Stop in to browse and maybe pick up a latte for yourself.

Our Own Micro Batches Now In All The Stores

2009-11-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

Bittersweet Café Introduces Its Own Micro-Batched Bittersweet Origins Coffee

New Hand-Crafted, Locally Roasted Coffees Join the Bean-to-Bar Micro-Batched Bittersweet Origins Chocolate Bars

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - November 17, 2009) - Bittersweet Café, the Bay Area's bean-to-bar Bittersweet Origins chocolate maker and chocolate cafés, announced today the introduction of its own Bittersweet Origins micro-batched coffees. The coffees -- espresso, drip blend, single bean and decaf -- are locally roasted by Bittersweet's own coffee expert in micro-batches and use beans from Kenya, Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Sumatra.

The Bittersweet Origins coffees join the company's own Bittersweet Origins micro-batched, hand-crafted chocolate bars. The coffees and the chocolate bars are for sale at the three Bittersweet Cafés in Danville, Oakland and San Francisco as well as online.

"Our coffees follow the same hands-on approach we use for our Bittersweet Origins chocolate bars," explains Penny Finnie, co-owner of Bittersweet Café. "This is another amazing varietal product and we are taking the same interest in the farms and cooperatives where the coffee beans are grown as we do with our cacao sourcing."

The Bittersweet Origins coffee is light roast. Light roast coffee, though it tastes less strong than some darker roasts, actually contains a stronger caffeine "dose."

The micro-batched Bittersweet Origins coffees include:

--  "Long Day's Journey" Espresso -- named in honor of Danville's own
 Eugene O'Neil's play.   The Espresso is a blend of Kenyan and Brazilian
 beans now which will change depending on the season.
--  "Faultline" drip coffee -- this will always be a blend; today it is a
 mixture of Sumatra, Ethiopia and Guatemala.
--  Single bean drip -- this coffee will change seasonally. Right now it
 is Guatemala Finca Florencia.
--  Swiss water process Decaf coffee is also available from Bittersweet
 Origins.

"Bittersweet has developed its bean-to-bar chocolates. Moving into roasting our own coffee beans is a logical next step," explained Finnie. "We are very motivated to take control of our products so we can provide our customers with an outstanding taste experience."

Seneca Klassen, Bittersweet Café's chocolate maker, makes the "bean-to-bar" chocolate in 50-pound micro-batches, making each bar unique. He uses cacao beans from the Dominican Republic, Bali and Madagascar for the Bittersweet Origins chocolates and roasts and prepares the beans in Bittersweet's Berkeley production facility. The coffee beans now join the cacao beans, roasting in the Berkeley facility, under the supervision of a Bay Area coffee roasting expert.

About Bittersweet Origins and Café

Bittersweet Origins is a manufacturing and retailing company which creates craft chocolate and coffee in handmade, micro-batches to engage the senses and the mind. Bittersweet Café retail stores' ambience and furnishings reflect the one-of-a-kind nature of its chocolate bars, chocolate drinks and coffees. The warm and welcoming spaces furnished with unique tables, benches, carts and artwork from local craftspeople and artists create a gathering place for the community to savor locally made chocolate delicacies, coffee and tea. The Bittersweet Cafés are located in San Francisco on Fillmore Street, College Avenue in Oakland and the Rose Garden Shopping Center in Danville. For more information, visit www.bittersweetcafe.com or call 510-705-1860.

First Chocolate Club Meeting This Thursday.

2009-11-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Clubs are forming now, are open to the public, will meet once per quarter, to teach the ‘art’ and nuance of chocolate tasting

Seneca Klassen, chocolatier for the Bay Area’s three renowned Bittersweet Cafes, will host once per quarter chocolate tastings through newly formed Chocolate Clubs. Each of the three Bay Area Bittersweet Cafes will have its own club.

The Rockridge Chocolate Club will kick off on October 29, the Danville store’s first meeting will be November 19 from 8:00-9:30 PM and the San Francisco’s Club will enjoy its initial meeting on December 17.

Forming now, the Chocolate Clubs at each store will be limited to 18 regular members plus seven open spaces reserved for on-the-spot sign-ups for each meeting. Annual memberships cost $20 which includes four chocolate tasting meetings (one per quarter) and a ten percent off discount card for Bittersweet purchases. Individual meetings will cost $5. The first Chocolate Club meeting at each store will cost $5 so people may attend and see what’s in store before making a full year’s commitment.

"Focused chocolate tasting is a great experience and offers a new way to really appreciate the amazing palate you find in chocolate," explains Klassen. "Like any other fermented varietal food, chocolate is affected by factors ranging from genetics to soil, climate and microbiology. We look forward to exploring this territory with our in-store chocolate clubs."

“The initial club meetings will introduce members to the various aspects of chocolate tasting so people will have an opportunity to see what the concept is all about, and the chocolate club membership might be a great gift for your favorite chocoholic,” says Bittersweet co-founder, Penny Finnie.

Klassen will guide members through the chocolate tastings at each store. He is the creator of Bittersweet Origins chocolate and makes the “bean-to-bar” chocolate in 50-pound micro-batches, making each bar unique. He uses cacao beans from the Dominican Republic, Bali and Venezuela for his Bittersweet Origins chocolates and roasts and prepares the beans in Bittersweet’s Berkeley production facility. Klassen spent this summer in Oahu, planting a 15-acre 7000-tree cacao plantation.

Sign ups for each Chocolate Club are available at each Bittersweet location. The first meeting is $5 to reserve your seat. Space is limited, so please act early.

Postcards from Paris

2009-11-12T13:09:00.001-08:00

"Paris Postcards" is a new book written by Leonard Pitt.

He will be joining us Thursday, December 10th, from 7-9PM, to discuss his new book and show some of the postcards, as well as, discuss his favorite chocolate, Pralus.

“The book has almost 200 stunning postcards, many hand tinted, from the early 1900s. The history of the early postcard is full of drama. Deplored by many, it became a world-wide craze that revolutionized communication just like email today and with many of the same problems. The photos in the book show a Paris that no longer exists. The messages written by Americans to loved ones back home evoke the American experience of Paris at the turn of the century.”
-Leonard Pitt

Come and join us for some fabulous chocolate and a "guaranteed good time."

Chocolate Club Meeting Next Week

2009-11-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

It is arriving quickly. Our first Chocolate Club Meeting is next Thursday, November 19th at 8:00 PM. Please call or come in to secure your seat.

Also, don't forget tonight is Holiday Shopping Night from 5-9PM. We will have 20% off of purchases and get your free cup of brewed coffee.

While you are here, bring in your clothing donation for our Clothing Drive. We are looking for gently used clothing for high school age students.

We look forward to seeing you here!

Holiday Shopping Night This Thursday

2009-11-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

It is a town wide event and we are happy to be participating in Danville's Holiday Shopping Night this Thursday, November 12th, from 5-9 PM.

While you get ahead on your shopping list, please enjoy a free cup of brewed coffee and 20% off your purchases. There will also be a few little treats around to keep you going.

Don't forget to bring your clothing donations for our Clothing Drive, we are accepting donations until December 20th of gently used clothing.

Come and enjoy the fun and community spirit while shopping locally.

Bittersweet Origins Espresso Has Landed!

2009-11-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

It is finally here and we are so excited. After months of talk and hard work we have come up with a wonderful espresso blend that will know your socks off. It has some great citrus notes with a wonderful chocolate finish.

Bittersweet Cafe is now exclusively serving Bittersweet Origins Coffees and drinks.

Come in today and try it for yourself. It is amazingly good, especially in a Mocha.

Help Us Help Others

2009-11-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

Bittersweet Cafe is joining with Free Stores Partners of Danville and Vallejo for their Holiday Clothing Drive.

We are collecting gently-used and clean clothing to stock the Free Stores at Vallejo High Schools. You donations will help disadvantaged high school students in Vallejo. We need sweaters, jackets, coats, t-shirts, pants, gently-used shoes, and accessories.

This is a great opportunity to clean out your closets before the holidays and to make a young person smile.

Please drop off your donations at Bittersweet Cafe. We are accepting clothing every weekend through December 20th.

Thank you and enjoy the holiday season.

Holiday Shopping Night November 12th.

2009-11-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't marked you calendar yet, next week is the big day! The Holiday Shopping Night for Danville is Thursday November 12th, from 5-9 PM.

We here at Bittersweet Cafe will be offering 20% Off purchases and a Free Cup of our Brewed Coffee to celebrate.

Come in and get started on your holiday shopping early. Everyone likes a gift of chocolate, and don't forget your co-workers this time of year really love chocolate.

We are in the news again, and what a nice article!

2009-11-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

This article came out a few days ago in the Oakland Tribune. The picture of Seneca is quite nice. It is a really good article explaining about fine chocolate and what we, Bittersweet, do.

Opening Later This Friday the 6th.

2009-11-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Bittersweet will be opening at 8:15 AM on Friday, November 6th, instead of our usual time, due to staff training. We are excited to be rolling out our very own Bittersweet Origins Espresso and want to make sure that every cup is served perfectly. Our knowledgeable staff will be training to serve you better.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you the quality you expect from Bittersweet Cafe.

Closing Early On Halloween

2009-10-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Bittersweet will be closing at 6:00 PM on Halloween to hide from all the little tricksters.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Chocolate can be your knight in shining armor...here's why!

2009-10-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Eat Chocolate at least twice a week, and live longer!!

A recent study in Sweden concluded that eating chocolate can lengthen your life! According to the study, eating chocolate cuts the risk of dying from a heart attack by three times. The study was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine and led by Imre Janszky at the Karolinska Institute, and they found that chocolate with a 70% cocoa content was most effective in making people healthy and live longer. Another result from the study showed that it cuts the mortality rate for post-menopausal women and healthy older men, which gives them yet another reason to enjoy retired life with chocolate!!

So head on over to Bittersweet, for your bittersweet chocolate....who knows, it could save your life!

Melissa Love, Shift Supervisor

New Halloween Items In...

2009-10-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

and they are going fast. If you are looking for that special little gift for your little ghostie, stop in soon before they all disappear.

We have a nice selection of little gift bags filled with all kinds of treats. Perfect for a co-worker or friend who you wanted to find "a little something" for.

We will see you here and have your favorite drink waiting for you.

Another Rainy Day

2009-10-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

It is sprinkling yet again. What a perfect day to curl up with a good book and stay in bed all day. What would make it even better? Why a cup of amazing hot chocolate made with real chocolate, no syrups or flavorings added. Then on top of that add a housemade raspberry marshmallow to complete the picture.

Your chocolate is waiting for you at Bittersweet. It will brighten your cloudy day.

Chocolate Club To Start Next Month!

2009-10-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Clubs are forming now, are open to the public, will meet once per quarter, to teach the ‘art’ and nuance of chocolate tasting

Sign ups for each Chocolate Club are available at each Bittersweet location. The first meeting is $5 to reserve your seat. Space is limited, so please act early.

Cloudy skies have gone.....

2009-10-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

and the bats are once again flying in anticipation of Halloween. We are quickly selling out of our limited edition Halloween items, so if you are looking for that little something special you will want to drop in soon.

Also, we will be introducing our Single Origin drip coffee on Monday. It is a Guatemalan bean, Finca La Forencia. This is the primary bean of our Faultline blend and has a wonderful aroma. This is the perfect introduction to a Single Origin Coffee or if you are a well seasoned coffee aficionado, it is sure to please. Stop by and try a cup next week or take a bag to try at home.

And not to forget, the ladies of D'Jour will be in the store tomorrow for their usual Free Massage Friday event. Come in the morning to take advantage of their amazing talents to soothe and relax you after a tiring and stormy week.

Cure for the rain-soaked blues...

2009-10-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's pouring out there! And as the rain pours from the clouds, we're pouring hot drinks to soothe you from the cold weather.

We've got a lot of people coming in for a deliciously rich cup of our Classic hot chocolate drink. Why don't you join us? We even have smaller portions for the little ones who are crave a little chocolate warmth as well.

For all of you that need a little caffeine boost, we make a killer mocha that rivals (or should I say, "surpasses") the corporate coffee guys...

It's very peaceful in here today-- the perfect place to catch up on work or finish writing that 10 page essay your teacher's been bugging you for... :)

Halloween Is Here!

2009-10-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Boo! Did I get you?

Treats and sweets for all your little ghosties, ghouls, and goblins have skipped into the store. If you are looking for the perfect chocolate treat we have things you won't find anywhere else. The ever popular Crispy Pop is back along with fall flavored chocolate caramels and gift bags filled with chocolate eyeballs. Bittersweet is the perfect stop for your Halloween Party gifts or satisfying munchie.

We even have a fun interactive Haunted Hunt Chocolate Game. Enjoyable for kids of all ages and filled with fun chocolate game pieces.

Stop in and check out the treats for yourself.

Wooooo, don't be scared. Our Ghouls are sweet!

Open Earlier!

2009-10-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Bittersweet is now open one hour earlier during the week. Starting today we are open at 7:00 AM Monday-Friday.

Now you can get your coffee and chocolate even earlier.

See you at 7:00 AM.

Last Chance!

2009-10-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day that we are giving away free cups of Bittersweet's own "Fault Line" drip coffee!!!
Consisting of 95% Guatamalan and 5% Sumatran beans, our new line of drip coffee is the perfect compliment to any of our chocolate bars and pastries.

Stop by and get your free cup of coffee today!

Free Free Free!!!

2009-10-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

I love free stuff.

Just wanted to give ya'all a little reminder that Leilani from D'Jour Pamper Tours is here at this very moment to give our wonderful customers free massages today! In addition to free cups of Bittersweet's own "Fault Line" drip coffee, how can you go wrong???

Stop by right now and get pampered! :)

Free Friday!

2009-10-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Not only are we celebrating the rolling out of our Bittersweet Brand Fault Line Coffee with Free Cups of Coffee through Saturday, but Leilani and Jessica of D'Jour will be here tomorrow morning offering their services and giving Free Massages from 9:00-1:00.

What a way to start the weekend, but with an amazing cup of free coffee and a free massage.

I know I will be enjoying it around noon and I hope to see you here.

Fault Line is Here!

2009-09-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Fault Line, our new Bittersweet Brand Coffee, is now in the store. Stop by any day this week for a free cup. Try it and let us know what you think.

Our roaster, (who has trained as Blue Bottle, Ecco Caffe, and Ritual), has made a wonderful blend of 95% Guatemalan and 5% Sumatran coffee beans. Roasted to perfection in our warehouse in Berkeley, Fault Line goes very well with our chocolate drinks. Bittersweet strives to the utmost in quality and it shows here.

Please stop in and try it for yourself. Samples will also be available at the other stores beginning tomorrow.

Free Massage Friday - This Week!

2009-09-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

It is that time again. The time when we say "thank you" for making Bittersweet the premier chocolate shop in the East Bay.

Leilani and Jessica from D'Jour Massage Thereapy will be here again this Friday, October 2nd from 9:00-1:00 to help improve your day. Their talent in massage is not equaled and I know I am looking forward to the opportunity to start my weekend off right.

Great Coffee, Amazing Chocolate, and a Relaxing Massage to boot! Stop by this Friday to take advantage of our hospitality.

See you here!

Bittersweet Brand Coffee!!!!

2009-09-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

We have a big week next week that you won't want to miss! Bittersweet Cafe is excited to be rolling out it's new Bittersweet Brand Coffee, starting with a Guatemalan/Sumatran blend drip coffee that will be available this Monday. With this new unveiling we are offering free cups of our Bittersweet Brand Fault Line coffee all week, beginning on Monday, September 28th.

Please stop in for some fabulous free coffee and tell us what you think. We are working hard to make the best quality products that we can and would love your input!

Last Hot September Night - Tonight!

2009-09-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's the last one! Stop in tonight from 6-9 PM for 20% off drinks!

It just won't be the same without you!

Chocolate Club to start....

2009-09-21T09:55:00.001-07:00

Bittersweet Cafe is finally getting their own Chocolate Club. We will have our first meeting in November. More information will follow, but keep it in the notes on your calendar. There will only be a select number of memberships available, so keep an eye out for more news to come.....

TCHO is Here!

2009-09-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

It has been a long wait, but we finally have TCHO on our shelves!

TCHO is a local chocolate company out of San Francisco. They are free trade and doing some really great things. The following is a piece of their story:

"It’s a story of hunting down flavor itself. Sourcing beans after jolting rides by Sourcing Director John Kehoe up-country in Peru. Or personally selected by our co-founder in Ghana. Or from the plantation of a friend in Madagascar. Then cut tested, roast-tested, and melanged in hundreds more tests before a particular lot was even accepted. Then enumerable formulation trials begin, including sugar tests, to even get the earliest 0.1 Beta to put out a bar to tasters. Moving to factory production, large-scale bean batches are roasted to lab-determined profiles, then ground, refined, and conched as they are heated and cooled at specific intervals; and finally the chocolate is tempered to perfection. Behind it all: Chief Chocolate Officer Timothy Child’s genetically-blessed mouth and its over-abundance of taste buds obsessively searching for peak flavor.

1.0 is also a story of reimagining what it means to taste chocolate. The wine conventions currently used, like varietal, origin, and percentage, can be misleading — the same varietal, for example, grown on the same farm in the same growing region can taste radically different depending on the season, how the beans were fermented, or how they were dried. We suggest there’s a better way to discover your chocolate — namely the flavors that are inherent in cacao. Our flavor wheel is our attempt to make chocolate that is the purest expression of the flavors inherent in cacao, in this case, so far, “Chocolatey”, “Fruity”, “Nutty”, and “Citrus.”

"Much like our counterparts in the California wine community revolutionized the industry, TCHOSource works with farmers and cooperatives to improve fermentation and bean drying methods, which is where making good chocolate actually starts—in the field. TCHOSource also partners with leading research organizations in cacao producing countries to deploy “Flavor Labs,” allowing farmers to make small batches of chocolate with their own cacao beans to better understand the core principle of TCHO chocolate: flavor."

We are carrying their four 1.0 dark chocolate bars: Fruity, Nutty, Citrus, and Chocolatey. All four bars run around 70% Cacao. My favorite of the bunch is the Fruity.

Stop in and find out which is your favorite and help support another local company.

Another Mention in the Paper.....

2009-09-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

If you remember when I first started blogging and wrote about the Amadei Porcelana Bar and it's mention on NBC's "30 Rock", well it has brought us even more fame.

The Examiner's, Oakland Food Editor, Lisa Cecconi, has explored the idea of the most expensive chocolate in the world. Discover her thoughts in this recent article.

Then stop by Bittersweet Cafe and see if it is worth it for yourself. I think it is. Life is too short for cheap chocolate.

This Week's Events!

2009-09-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

We have a lot going on this week! Come and join us for the fun!

Wednesday, September 16th - Yappy Hour!
Please join us in supporting Dog Bone Alley and their upcoming event for pets and their people. There will be music, carnival games, treats, and raffle prizes, so be sure to bring your furriest family member and come join the fun. And if you don't have a pet the Arf Mobile Adoption Unit will be on hand to help you find a new friend and family member.

Thursday, September 17th - Hot September Nights!
Every Thursday Night in September, Bittersweet Cafe is Hot!

From 6:00-9:00 PM tonight Receive 20% Off Drinks.

Celebrate the coming of Fall, the kids being back in school, life, and chocolate.

Friday, September 18th - Free Massage Friday!
We are still appreciating all of you! Stop by this Friday and every other Friday from 9-1 for your Free Massage from D'Jour Massage Therapists. They are licensed and professionals and take it from me...they know what they are doing! Leilani is the best!

Coming Oct. 5th, New Hours!

2009-09-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Due to high volume and demand we will be opening an hour earlier during the week beginning October 5th. We are happy to be serving you great coffee and chocolate an hour earlier.

New Hours: (As of October 5th, 2009)

Sunday: 8:00-7:00 PM
Monday-Wednesday: 7:00-7:00 PM
Thursday-Friday: 7:00-9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00-9:00 PM

Thank you for making Bittersweet Cafe a wonderful experience.

Yappy Hour - September 16th from 5-8 PM!

2009-09-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Please join us in supporting Dog Bone Alley and their upcoming event for pets and their people, Yappy Hour at the Rose Garden, Wednesday, September 16th, from 5-8 PM.

Bittersweet Cafe and Amici's will be providing refreshments in a Benefit for Arf: Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation. There will be music, carnival games, treats, and raffle prizes, so be sure to bring your furriest family member and come join the fun. And if you don't have a pet the Arf Mobile Adoption Unit will be on hand to help you find a new friend and family member.

See ya then!

Tonight - Hot September Nights!

2009-09-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday Night in September, Bittersweet Cafe is Hot!

From 6:00-9:00 PM tonight Receive 20% Off Drinks.

Celebrate the coming of Fall, the kids being back in school, life, and chocolate on Thursday Nights.

See ya here.

Seneca to Speak at Conservatory of Flowers!

2009-08-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

Our own Seneca Klassen, who spent the summer planting his own Cacao Plantation in Oahu, Hawaii, will be speaking at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park Thursday, September 17th, from 6-7:30 PM.

Please join Seneca as he shares information about the botany and cultural history of chocolate. You’ll also experience a “behind the scenes” visit to a hidden treasure – a fruiting cacao tree in a Conservatory greenhouse. And then… you’ll enjoy tasting of 5 origin chocolates while gaining an understanding about the importance of post-harvest processing and quality finishing.

This is part of a Chocolate Event that they are hosting as an Evening of Chocolate. You can visit the Conservatory site to learn more and purchase tickets. Space is limited.

First Event of September this Friday, September 4th!

2009-08-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

We still appreciate all of your support and patronage! Stop by this Friday and every other Friday from 9-1 for your Free Massage from D'Jour Massage Therapists. They are licensed professionals and take it from me...they know what they are doing! Leilani is the best!

Another chance to start your weekend off right as the summer winds down and the kids are back in school.

See ya Friday!

Back to School Event This Friday!

2009-08-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Save the date! Friday, August 28th, from 4-7 PM we are having a Back to School Event! Bring your school ID and Buy One Milkshake and Get The Second for 1/2 Price! We love teachers too, so you too can cash in on the event.

Write this one down, because you won't want to miss it!

See you this Friday and enjoy your new school year!

Hot September Nights!

2009-08-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday Night in September, beginning September 3rd, Bittersweet Cafe is Hot!

From 6:00-9:00 PM Receive 20% Off Drinks.

Celebrate the coming of Fall, the kids being back in school, life, and chocolate on Thursday Nights.

See ya here.

New Chocolate Bar From Madagascar

2009-08-20T12:40:00.001-07:00

For all of you Madagascar lovers we now carry Madecasse 67%, 70%, and 75% Dark Chocolate Bars from Madagascar.

There are many things about this chocolate to like. Not only is it really very good, but it is fair trade and organic. Something that is important to all of us.

	A NEW APPROACH…
				We make our chocolate from scratch (bean to bar) in Madagascar. This means every step of our process happens close to the source and our cocoa beans only spend a month between harvest and manufacturing.

				It also means the people of Madagascar profit more (400% more) from their own natural resources.

				In addition to working closely with farmers, we equitably source sugar, packaging materials and transportation, all in Madagascar. And skills, market knowledge, profit and ownership are shared with the people of Madagascar.

-from the Madecasse website

They are doing great things as well as making great chocolate. Come in and try some today.

Back to School!

2009-08-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

Save the date! Friday, August 28th, from 4-7 PM we are having a Back to School Event! Bring your school ID and Buy One Milkshake and Get The Second for 1/2 Price!

Write this one down, because you won't want to miss it!

See you then and enjoy your new school year!

Free Massage Friday this Friday, August 21st

2009-08-17T08:24:00.001-07:00

We are still appreciating all of you! Stop by this Friday and every other Friday from 9-1 for your Free Massage from D'Jour Massage Therapists. They are licensed and professionals and take it from me...they know what they are doing! Leilani is the best!

Another chance to start your weekend off right as the summer winds down.

See ya Friday!

We got it going on tonight!

2009-08-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

We are not only participating in the Art & Wine Stroll going on in downtown Danville, but we are celebrating our One Year Anniversary! Tonight from 6-9 stop by and enjoy everything we have to offer with a 20% discount and treats and chocolate and fun!

See ya here!

This just in.....Leilani and her fabulous co-workers at D'Jour will be here tonight after 6:30 PM to give free massages to all of our favorite people. One more reason to stop in tonight and enjoy yourself at Bittersweet Cafe.

Some More Fabulous New Items!

2009-08-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

One of our best sellers, Frans Caramels, now come in a handy three piece box. Great for those little "thank you " gifts and the perfect size if you haven't had the opportunity to try them.

Frans Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels are a harmonious blend of complex flavors - rich smooth chocolate, soft buttery caramel and the unexpected boldness of the gray and smoked salt. All of Frans caramels are made with organic ingredients.

And new to the collection is Frans Gray Salt Thins. These area rich blend of Venezuelan and Caribbean dark chocolate enhanced with gray sea salt and comes in a ten piece box. Perfect for those little dark chocolate cravings, versatile and sophisticated, Frans Chocolate Thins are wonderful when paired with espresso or dessert wine.

Come in to Bitttersweet Cafe and try some for yourself and see what everyone is talking about.

Hello Fall!

2009-08-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how to make a smooth transition back into fall and into the start of a new school year? Come by Bittersweet Cafe Danville for a creamy and delicious Classic that will surely warm your heart and ease you back into the daily bump and grind of a new school year. It has the perfect combination of milk and dark chocolates that will satisfy any chocolate lover. For an even better twist to this classic hot chocolate, try a homemade raspberry or vanilla marshmallow on top!

Say goodbye to summer, and hello to fall with a steaming cup of Classic!!

-Melissa Love, Shift Supervisor