February’s Silicon Valley NACE meeting at the Golf Club at Boulder Ridge in San Jose, had my favorite theme thus far since I’ve started attending meetings, Pairing Port, Wine and Chocolate. As usual the details were amazing with even the plates at our tables bearing a chocolate lollipop favor, and themselves being a chocolate color.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the chocolate display outside. It was amazing seeing all the colors and textures that were created just using chocolate. All of these intricate displays are made entirely of chocolate.
These photos were a little tricky as they were taken outside at dusk with little outside light. Still I was able to capture some intricate details with my camera.
There were so many beautiful pieces that it was hard to pick a favorite. Since I could decide on one here are my two favorites, the cigar case (even the box and the cigar are pure chocolate and the chocolate jigsaw puzzle. The former is popular at bachelor parties, the latter make great favors for all kinds of parties and even bridal show giveaways.
Inside the room was absolutely amazing. We learned during the meeting that the cards hanging from the lights were antique Valentine’s Day cards.
After a wonderful dinner it was finally time for dessert with our special lecture. For chocolate each table was brought a box of truffles to share. My favorite was the white ones – white chocolate with honey and hint of lavendar. It was interesting learning which ones worked best with white and white which with red, though I did think the red wine brought out the best of all of the chocolates even the white one which is best paired with white wine. It was a great evening with fun, networking and great tastings.
by Danielle Stolman
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