San Francisco International Chocolate Salon 2013

I can't believe I missed this event the last six years. This was the 7th annual SF Chocolate Salon and also the first year I heard about it. It was absolutely worth it. $20 for an early bird ticket at the Fort Mason Center gained me entry, free demos/talks, and unlimited tastings of chocolate, wine, balsamic vinegar, tea, skin care items and spirits. There was even one beer vendor. It didn't hurt that the chocolate and non-chocolate vendors at this event were award winners. Here were a few of my favorites.

Amella
http://www.amellacaramels.com/
Salted caramels are all the rage right now and there were many chocolate vendors handing out samples of their version. These were, in my humble opinion, the best salted caramels at this whole event, or that I've ever tasted. Too bad they are a Los Angeles company. But lucky for us, online ordering is available.

Plumeria Flours
http://www.plumeriaflours.com/
Inspired by the Hawaiian flower, this Walnut Creek-based company not only makes confections and cookies, but they also cater. I ended up purchasing a couple flavors of their caramel popcorn. Online ordering is also available.

SpringLoaf
http://www.springloaf.com/
This Lafayette catering and event planning company gave out samples of a super chewy, chocolatey, moist and not too sweet brownie. I had to mention them just because of the brownie. I will definitely keep them in mind for any future catering needs I may have. Yum.

Toffee Talk
http://cjstoffeetalk.com/
Very delicious toffee. The sample I tried had roasted almonds in it which gave it a nice toasty aroma along with the buttery toffee that wasn't too sweet and had a very nice texture. These can also be ordered online.

Marich Premium Chocolates
https://www.marich.com/
This vendor had a variety of chocolates including chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruit as well as jelly beans and caramels. I ended up going home with their chocolate-covered Chipotle roasted almonds and some chocolate covered blueberries. Online ordering is available.

Raff Distillerie
http://www.raffdistillerie.com/
I love supporting the small, craft distilleries, and these were a surprisingly tasty Absinthe Dieu and Dry Gin. They also mixed each one into cocktails they designed and they were very good. I ended up with a bottle of each. The distillery is located at Treasure Island, but their spirits can be found at several retail locations.

Alquimia Organic Tequila
http://www.tequilaalquimia.com/
I would have never considered tequila a sipping spirit, until I tried this line. Alquimia is also the first eco-friendly and sustainable tequila maker I've ever heard of and they make an exceptional product. My favorite was the Anejo. Very smooth and full of flavor.

Overall, this event was two hours well spent. I will definitely be looking forward to it next year to discover other amazing chocolate and non-chocolate products.