Happy New Years!

Bittersweet will be closing at 4 P.M. on Thursday December 31st and we will re-open on Saturday January 2nd at 9 A.M. Have a wonderful night and be safe!

Our New Look!

Our Bittersweet Origins Bars have a swanky new look! No need to look for the inconspicuous brown paper wrapper anymore. We are colorful now and each bar has artwork from the stores as well as artwork from the region the cacao comes from.

Come in and check out the beautiful new wrapping and if you haven't tried the bars that we make in house, this will give you the chance. And while you're here you can pick up a few for your friends. They make a great gift, especially since they are totally organic and vegan.

Looking For That Gift To Send?

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.

Holiday Shopping Night Tonight from 5-9!

Don't miss it! We have some great deals and treats for you to enjoy!

Stop by and stock up!

We have all your holiday chocolate needs.

Nice Mention!

It's nice to find out that people actually do read our A-Frame sign on the sidewalk. We got a mention in and inspired the latest post by the Saturday Poetry Series. Bittersweet has several wonderful Baristas that know their poetry and like to share. Stop in and talk to Melanie who made the drawing and Pablo Neruda reference on our sign. She has a great love of Poetry and all art.

Holiday Shopping Night This Thursday!

I wanted to remind all of you to make your list and bring it in this Thursday, December 10th for our annual Holiday Shopping Night, from 5-9 PM. We will have treats and goodies for you to sample and will have 20% off all purchases. We are excited to be a part of your holiday and share our fine products with you.

Thank you for helping to make Bittersweet the place to go for chocolate and coffee!

Holiday Goodies!

It is that time of year again. Where did the time go? We are coming up on our 5th Anniversary next month! 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!

Holiday Shopping Night Thursday, Dec. 10

Here it is! The night you all have been waiting for! It's Holiday Shopping Night! Come by on Thursday, December 10th, from 5:00-9:00 PM for 20% off your purchases and some treats and sweets for your enjoyment. This is the night to get all of your shopping done! We have the cutest stocking stuffers, amazing coffee, and the best gifts for friends and family. There is something for everyone on your list.

We look forward to seeing you here!

This Thursday - Postcards From Paris!

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

He will be joining us this Thursday, December 3rd, 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."

Closed Thanksgiving Day

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!

Our Own Micro Batches Now In All The Stores

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.

Plaid Friday, November 27th.

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.

Postcards from Paris

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

He will be joining us Thursday, December 3rd, 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."

Bittersweet Origins Espresso Now Being Served!

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.

Canned Food Drive In Full Swing

Bittersweet: Rockridge is a drop off location for the Alameda County Foodbank Holiday Canned Food Drive.

When you bring in a donation you will receive 10% off your drink purchase.

Please bring in your canned food to help those less fortunate get back on their feet and to have a full table during the holidays.

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

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 Tuesday the 10th.

Bittersweet will be opening at 9:15 AM on Tuesday, November 10th, 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!

This is a reminder that we will be closing the store early tonight for the Chocolate Club Meeting at 8:00 PM. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Also we will be closing the store at 6:00 PM this Saturday for Halloween.

Have a great holiday!

Thank You!

I would like to say "Thank You" to everyone who helped make the Lafayette School Mentoring Project Fundraiser last night a huge success. Every little bit helps and this will help them continue their good works.

Again "Thank You" for joining us!

Support Lafayette School Mentoring Project Today!

Today is the day! Come in and mention the Lafayette School Mentoring Project and 20% of the proceeds go to them. We are open extra late today to accommodate your wishes to support such a great cause!

So, come in today anytime before 9:00 PM and you can help a great cause flourish for another year.

New Halloween Items In...

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

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.

The Halloween Parade is Coming!

Don't forget to come out this year to see all the little ghouls and goblins on parade in the Eighteenth Annual Rockridge Children's Halloween Parade. It is held on Halloween this year and runs from noon to 2:00. They are meeting at the Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Avenue, at 11:45 AM.

Be sure to swing by Bittersweet for your little treat.

See ya here!

Fundraiser For A Good Cause

Mark your calendars....Bittersweet Rockridge is doing a fundraiser for a wonderful non-profit, Lafayette School Mentoring Project, on Monday, October 26th. Just mention their name when you order and 20% of the proceeds will go to LSMP for the day.

We are very happy to support the community and those who are helping and supporting others.

The store will be open until 9:00PM on that day to accommodate those who wish to show for the cause. Please stop by, purchase a drink, and help Lafayette School Mentoring Project continue their good works.

Chocolate Club To Start This Month!

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 from 8:00-9:30 PM, the Danville store’s first meeting will be November 19 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.

Cloudy skies have gone.....

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.

Halloween Is Here!

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!

Bittersweet is now open one hour earlier during the week. Starting today we are open at 8:00 AM Monday-Friday.

Now you can get your coffee and chocolate even earlier.

See you at 8:00 AM.

Looking for something special to do this Friday?

This Friday, October 2nd from 9:00-1:00, please take the time to visit our Danville store. It is another Free Massage Friday in Danville and we would like to treat everyone.

Leilani and Jessica from D'Jour Massage Thereapy will be there again 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 the Danville Bittersweet this Friday to take advantage of our hospitality.

See ya there!

Out & About Rockridge - This Weekend!

This Sunday, September 27th, College Avenue will be closed to traffic while we celebrate Out & About Rockridge! Bittersweet will be open and ready to supply you with all your chocolate, coffee, and milkshake needs for the day. Enjoy the fashion show, food, and games along College Avenue and then swing by Bittersweet for a real treat.

Last Hot September Night - Tonight!

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....

Bittersweet Cafe is finally getting their own Chocolate Club. We will have our first meeting in October. 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!

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.....

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.

New Item On The Weekends!

We started a little experiment last weekend, and it worked!

Bittersweet Rockridge will once again be baking it's own bread pudding Saturday and Sunday mornings. There will only be one pan available each day, so servings will last until we sell out. Hot from the oven each weekend day when we open, there is nothing like it. Chock full of wonderful ingredients like pecans, coconut, chocolate (of course), and lovely croissants, it is absolutely amazing.

Make Bittersweet your weekend tradition with fresh baked, housemade, bread pudding. Don't forget the whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.

Coming Oct. 5th, New Hours!

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

Thank you for making Bittersweet Cafe a wonderful experience and place to be.

Tonight - 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 on Thursday Nights.

See ya here.

Seneca to Speak at Conservatory of Flowers!

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.

Back to School Event This Friday!

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!

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.

Back to School!

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!

New Chocolate Bar In from Madagascar

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.

You Like Us, You Really Like Us!

Once again we are being featured by another chocoholic.

The Chocolate Manufacturer's - Guide for Chocoholics is out and we are a big part of it. You can check out what they wrote about us on 100cafestreet.com's Dessert Blog. It is quite a nice write up.

I would like to thank @1happyblogger for the info and support.

Some More Fabulous New Items!

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.

Exciting New Items!

Introducing "Amella, the world’s first Artisan Cocoa Butter Caramel. Our team at Artisan Cocoa has created an exciting and new taste sensation for you to enjoy. Amellas are an all-natural buttery caramel made using pure cocoa butter, real fruits, nuts, and vegetables all hand dipped in the finest chocolate."

- Amella website

We are so proud to have this great confection in our stores. Not only is it unique in using cocoa butter, but all natural ingredients, no preservatives, and amazing flavors. We currently offer the passion fruit and carrot cake for your choosing. They actually look like tiny carrot cakes.

Stop by today to try our newest find!

This Coming Thursday Night, July 23rd, Ian Huddleston Performs!

This is a reminder to save the date next week, because you won't want to miss this!

Ian Huddleston a renown musician will be performing acoustically on the guitar for your listening pleasure from 7:00-9:00 PM. His tastes run across the board so you never know what he will play next, but you know it will be good. Grab a loved one and enjoy some live music and chocolate bliss.

Now there is no excuse!

New to Bittersweet Cafe is Adora Chocolates. They have an all natural way to get your calcium, through chocolate! Adora chocolates are delicious and good for you.

They come in both milk and dark chocolate and you will never forget to take your calcium again.

"Adora Calcium in premium chocolate will change the way you think about calcium supplements. If you've been choking down calcium pills or chews that are chalky, sticky, or simply too big to swallow, then you are in for a real treat! Adora Calcium is made from all-natural chocolate - not a fake chocolate chew, but real, premium chocolate produced by a 129-year-old chocolate manufacturer. The flavor is rich and creamy with just a hint of sweetness and no bitter aftertaste. MMMM!!! Adora will make you Crave Your Calcium™."

-Adora website

Not only do you get antioxidants, but Vitamin D and Vitamin K. These really are good for you and thoroughly enjoyable. Come in and try one today! Believe me the price is right.

10 facts about chocolate!

This list comes to us from InfoBarrel.com. I found it to be fun and informative. These are but a few of the many chocolate facts available.

1. It is a known fact that chocolate has caffeine in it. But did you know that you would have to eat more then a dozen chocolate bars to get the same amount of caffeine from a cup of coffee? There are about 5 to 10 mg's of caffeine in one ounce of bitter chocolate, 5 mgs in milk chocolate, and 10mgs in a six-ounce cup

of cocoa.

2. Chocolate is actually a valuable energy source. A single chocolate chip can provide enough energy for an adult human to walk 150 ft.

3. Chocolate has great health benefits. It helps with depression, high blood pressure, Tumors and Pre-menstrual syndromes.

4. Chocolate does not cause or aggravate acne, this is a myth.

5. One ounce of baking chocolate or cocoa contains 10% of the daily recommended intake of iron.

6. Chocolate can be deadly for dogs. Chocolate contains an ingredient called "Theobromine" which can be toxic to a dogs central nervous system and cardiac muscles.

7. People spend more than $7 billion dollars a year on chocolate.

8. The per capita consumption of chocolate indicates that each person consumes 12 pounds of chocolate each year.

9. Milk Chocolate is the most preferred type of chocolate, however dark chocolate is especially popular among men.

10. In Alfred Hitchcock's movie "Psycho" chocolate syrup was used to indicate blood in the famous shower scene.

See us on mentioned on TV!

Yesterday on "View from the Bay" on ABC, Diablo Magazine revealed some of their Best of the East Bay winners and we are among them. This is a handy link if you missed the live show.

We are proud to be voted as one of the Best and want to thank everyone who voted for us.

Please stop by and check out the items mentioned in the episode.

Again Thank You for helping us to be the Best!

Once again mentioned in the Chronicle

Here we are a quiet little chocolate cafe, but people keep finding and writing about us and our products. The latest little blurb was in the San Francisco Chronicle this weekend.

The main mention was of the Poco Dolce Tiles that we carry in each of our stores. We have individual tiles that come in four flavors Aztec, Burnt Caramel (one of the most popular), Sesame Toffee, and Almond. These nice little tiles are covered in Dark Chocolate and topped with Sea Salt for a fantastic flavor that is rich and satisfying. They are also sold in an eight piece and sixteen piece boxes. We also carry a great little bag of Espresso Toffee and Sea Salt Toffee tiles. These are covered in dark chocolate as well. Poco Dolce toffees are a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Come in and see why everyone is talking about them.

Chocolate as an Antidepressant

Here's a tidbit that may lift your day.

"Prone to irritability and worrying about rejection? If so, new research suggests a bar of chocolate could lift your mood and calm you down.

While you may be using chocolate as an energy booster, a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry has found a link between chocolate cravings and personality.

Results suggest certain personality types are not only more likely to crave chocolate, but it may also improve their mood.

Researchers from the Black Dog Institute correlated results from an online survey completed by nearly 3,000 people. Of the respondees, 54 percent reported food cravings when depressed, of which 45 percent specifically wanted chocolate and 61 percent of these said chocolate improved their mood."

- Taken from dietblog.com, written by Kathryn Elliott. Click on the link for more of the story.