The Cafes of San Francisco, 3rd Edition

Final List of Cafes included in Bay Area Cafe Guidebook

We are happy to announce that the new 3rd Edition of our bestseller, THE CAFES OF SAN FRANCISCO has been released!

PUBLICATION DETAILS:

# Total size of book: 6 x 9 inches
# Total pages of book: 166 pages
# Over 50 cafes featured
# Over 200 black and white photographs

Copies of the new edition can be purchased on Amazon.com

FEATURED CAFES AND BRASSERIES, with page number

Absinthe 86, 161
Aroma Cafe 156
Atlas Cafe 68
Balboa Cafe 114, 161
Bistro Vida 146, 147
Bittersweet Chocolate Cafe 109
Blue Bottle Coffee 84, 91
Blue Danube Coffee House 122
BookBeat 154
Brainwash Cafe & Laundromat 62
Butler & The Chef 58
Cafe Abir 90
Cafe Bastille 44
Cafe Borrone 144
Cafe Claude 48
Cafe de la Presse 46
Cafe Flore 70
Cafe La Tartine 142
Cafe Madeleine 36
Cafe Zoetrope 38
Caffe Acri 157
Caffe Centro 56
Caffe Greco 32
Caffe Museo 52
Caffe Puccini 28
Caffe Roma 30
Caffe Trieste 22
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 108
Curbside Cafe 108
Depot Bookstore & Cafe 150
De Young Museum Cafe 136
Delucchi 37
Dolores Park Cafe 76
Elite Cafe 109
Emporio Rulli 152
Fairfax Coffee Roastery 155
Florio 109
Frjtz 88
The Grove 116
The Grove Fillmore 111
Jackson Place Cafe 40
Java Beach 130
La Boulangerie de Polk 100
La Mediterranee 108
La Terrasse 120
Le Zinc 72
Leaping Lemur Cafe 134
Left Bank 139, 147
Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store 29
Maxelds House of Caffeine 78
May's Coffee Shop 113
Mojo Bicycle Cafe 94
Momi Toby's 91
Nani's Cafe 128
One World Cafe 93
Pamplemousse 146
Peet's Coffee & Tea 140
People's Cafe 92
PlumpJack Cafe 110
Poulet 139
Revolution Cafe 80
Rigolo 126
Ritual Coffee Roasters 74
Sam's Anchor Cafe 158
Samovar Tea Lounge 66
San Francisco Art Institute Cafe 135
South Beach Cafe 54
South Park Cafe 60
Stella Pasticceria e Caffe 28
Steps of Rome 34
Sugar Cafe 102
Sunower Cafe 149
Tartine 82
Tosca 25
Velo Rouge 124
Vesuvio Cafe 26
Vivande 109
Warming Hut Cafe 118


TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
• Las Vegas Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

SEXY DISHES Recipe Demo and Tasting

A fun cooking demo and tasting featuring chefs and mixologists featured in the recent TasteTV foodie book, "SEXY DISHES: A Guide to Who's Hot in the Kitchen (Bay Area Edition)"

Meet these sexy chefs, who will demonstrate their sexy recipes and provide sample tastings of their sexy dishes at the Williams-Sonoma flagship store's demonstration kitchen in lovely Union Square, San Francisco.

Featured at this TasteTV event:

* Cindy Chen, Owner and Chef, Shanghai 1930
* Taylor Boudreaux, Executive Chef, California Cafe
* Iris Eisenlohr, Wine Director, Piacere Restaurant
* Miriam Russell-Wadleigh, Executive Chef, Piacere Restaurant

Bring your copy of SEXY DISHES to be signed in person, or just come and meet and eat!

Saturday, July 11, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Where: Williams-Sonoma 340 Post St San Francisco, CA 94108

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Upcoming Chocolate Salons and Chocolate Salon Awards

TasteTV has just released the design for the TasteTV Chocolate Salon Awards (see right), which are presented at every Chocolate Salon to the best of the best, as judged by our panel of chocolate experts.

Las Vegas is the newest city to host a TasteTV Chocolate Salon (see dates below). The event takes place at the Venetian and Palazzo Resorts.

Upcoming TasteTV Luxury Chocolate Salons:

• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon (July 12th)
  
• The Las Vegas Luxury Chocolate Salon (September 11th)
  
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon (October 11th)
  
• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon (March 2010)
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon (May 2010)
  

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

THE OBAMA MENU : Dining with Barack Obama

New Release Alert - THE OBAMA MENU : Dining with Barack Obama

TasteTV announces the release of its newest culinary book,

"THE OBAMA MENU: Dining with Barack Obama".

About THE OBAMA MENU:

One of the innovations of the Obama campaign of 2008 had a surprising culinary angle that took him from table to table across the nation. The campaign's famous fundraising and "person-to-person" dinners took place in people's homes, in restaurants, and in hotels, and ranged from the humble to the extravagant. The Obama Menu includes not only menus and recipes from these events, but also the stories, first-hand accounts, photographs, speeches and quotes. The result is a unique view of this American candidate for president - from a culinary perspective.

Featuring recipes ranging from the Kahala Resort in Hawaii to the Biltmore Hotel in Florida, from the kind of pie that Obama loves to the Obama Family Chili.

Spoiler alert: Multiple appearances by food guru Alice Waters and the journey to the utlimate organic White House vegetable garden!

"THE OBAMA MENU: Dining with Barack Obama" is available now on Amazon.com, and soon in Borders, Barnes & Noble, Books Inc., and bookstores nationwide.

About TasteTV

TasteTV is a leading New Media food, wine and lifestyle network, covering delicious topics ranging from restaurants, food, and wine to chocolate, cooking, fashion, and style. Its videos can be seen online at http://www.TasteTV.com, ChocolateTelevision.com, BlogCritics.org, on HULU.com, Comcast On Demand, and on over 100 television stations nationwide.

TasteTV books include "The Cafes of San Francisco," "The Chocolate Guide," "Sexy Dishes," "Chocolate French," "The Dog's Guide to Surfing" and the newest, THE OBAMA MENU: Dining with Barack Obama.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

SEXY DISHES WEEK - Current Lineup of Restaurant Specials

SEXY DISHES WEEK in the Bay Area is from May 4th-8th, and restaurants & bars in the book will be featuring food and drink Specials as well as launch events. Fans can also have copies of their books signed by these local culinary celebrities. A list of the customer specials for SEXY DISHES WEEK will be updated regularly here on Tasteable.com

Current SEXY DISHES Specials include:

• Sam's Chowder House (Half Moon Bay): Half off either of the two dishes featured in the book - The Rock Shrimp-Bay Scallop Ceviche, or the Ahi Tuna Poke (see video on NBC) for customers that bring the book or buy a book from Sam’s Gift Shop (Chef Lewis Rossman will sign it when you come in)..
  
  
• 83 Proof (SF): Half price for the 2 cocktails featured in the book from 8pm til Close - The Cactus Flower, and the Burnt Fig Sazerac (see video on NBC)
  
  
• Piacere Restaurant (San Carlos): Half price for the cocktails featured in the book - The Cucumber Spring Fizz. Book Launch party with cocktails also on May 4th at Piacere.
  
  
• California Cafe (Los Gatos): A 3-course "Bay Area Sexy Dishes" dinner for $21
  
  
• The Beach Chalet and Park Chalet (SF): Half price Beignets at the Beach Chalet and Half Price Cupcakes in the Park Chalet (both recipes are in the book SEXY DISHES). Bring in your copy of Sexy dishes (or buy one) and get a free order.
  
  
• The Market Street Grill (SF): Half Off the Branzini fish dish featured in the book for customers that bring in a copy of the book or buys one from the restaurant (Chef Adam will also sign it if he is in when you come)
  
  
• Shanghai 1930 (SF): $29.95, Prix Fixe
  

Appetizers: Nanking Spring Rolls
Soup: Neptune Hot & Sour Soup
Main Course (Please choose one item):
- Szechwan Chili Prawns with Sautéed Leeks
- Chicken “Lily” with Black Bean Sauce
- Crispy Chewy Szechwan Beef
- Fish Pillows with black and silver tree ears

The above entrees include the following
Pea Shoots sautéed in Rice wine
Vegetable Stirred Rice

Dessert: Crème Brule


• Shoggi Chocolate (SF): SEXY DISHES Chocolate Package has a value of $ 13.25 and is offered to anyone with a copy of Sexy Dishes for only $ 6.50 (1/2 price)
  
  SEXY DISHES Chocolate Package: A Combination of our drinking chocolate (regular size, value $ 3.75), four of our best selling pieces of chocolate and pastries (around $ 7), as well as one of our popular macaroons (value $ 2.50). The customer can choose his favorite pieces from a selection of over 80 different chocolates and pastries, as well as 7 different flavors of macaroons, or just follow our recommendation. This is a great way to get a taste of SCHOGGI.



• More Sexy Dishes Customers Specials to come soon!
  
  
  

Featured chefs, mixologists and chocolatiers in the new Bay Area Edition of SEXY DISHES include Sky Wegman (83 Proof), Adam Jones (Market Street Grill), Jamie Lauren (Absinthe), Lewis Rossman (Sam's Chowder House), Steve Adler (Sacred Chocolate), Jill Ann Cosentino (Dolce Vita Catering), Alex Molitz (Supperclub), Lara Graham Truppelli (Beach Chalet), Amy Heater (Park Chalet), Taylor Boudreaux (California Cafe), Stephanie Marcon (Coco-luxe Confections), Iris Eisenlohr (Piacere Restaurant), Justine Miner (RNM Restaurant), Cynthia Wong-Chen (Shanghai 1930), Mindy Fong (Jade Chocolates), Tony Diiorio (Poggio Trattoria), Devon Boisen (Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto), Dominik Schieweck (Schoggi Chocolate), Ben Paula (Sauce Restaurant), David Lawrence (1300 on Fillmore), Rachel Bassignani (Spruce), Alex Marsh (Levende East), David Borges (Cafe Claude), Dominique Crenn (Luce), and Eric Joppie (Mayacama).





TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

TasteTV DARK DINING on the TRAVEL CHANNEL

TasteTV's DARK DINING events will be featured on the Travel Channel's new program, Extreme Restaurants , which debuts on Wednesday April 29th


TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Sexy Dishes Week in the Bay Area, May 4-8th

Sexy Dishes Week will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area, May 4-8th, with drink and food specials at participating restaurants.

More information coming soon.

To view the book, go to Amazon.com



TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Gawker asks why both Gourmet and Bon Appetit coexist

Gawker asks why these two major food magazines are still currently in existence...

at the same time!

"Bon Appetit and Gourmet are both Conde Nast-owned food magazines with similar reader demographics and ad rates. They're both equally popular among Gawker readers. They're both troubled. Why does Conde need both?"

Then they go on to point demographics, money made per ad, and other things that normally lead to a joint venture or buy out. But since no one has any money these days for that type of thing, it's just a nice interesting article.


TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Rachel Ray gets Feisty (uhh ...Feistier)

In People Magazine, Rachel Ray defends some of her recession proof recipes and apparently some photos that some people felt were kind of ... tantalizing.

RRrrr says her whole thing is really perfect for people living in a recession:

Per People Mag:

"The magazine, the daytime show, we've always tried to write affordable, accessible [recipes]," Ray, 40, tells ABC's Nightline for a profile to air Monday. "Those are key words for us, and I do mean us, a huge staff of people at the magazine who love to cook affordable, friendly food that helps families eat better for less. So I think this is really a time for all of our team to shine ... You know, food is such – it's a hug for people."

Ahh, to be worth $18 million....

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Sexy Dishes is Published!

Hooray! Our book SEXY DISHES: A Guide to Who's Hot in the Kitchen (San Francisco Bay Area Edition) is on its way to bookstores, Amazon.com, and more.

The final list of chefs, chocolatiers and wine experts featured in SEXY DISHES is listed below. (Yes, that is TOP CHEF Jamie Lauren on the cover)

You can see a new sample PDF of the first 21 pages of the FINAL Edition by going here.

FINAL LIST (name, profession, and page number)

Sky Wegman
Mixologist / Bartender 16

Adam Jones
Chef 22

Jamie Lauren
Chef 28

Lewis Rossman
Chef 36

Steve Adler
Chocolatier 42

Jill Ann Cosentino
Caterer 46

Alex Molitz
Chef 50

Lara Graham Truppelli
Restaurateur 54

Amy Heater
Pastry Chef 60

Taylor Boudreaux
Chef 68

Stephanie Marcon
Chocolatier 74

Iris Eisenlohr
Wine Director 78

Justine Miner
Chef / Restaurateur 84

Cynthia Wong-Chen
Chef / Restaurateur 88

Mindy Fong
Chocolatier 94

Tony Diiorio
Mixologist / Bartender 98

Devon Boisen
Chef 102

Dominik Schieweck
Chocolatier 106

Ben Paula
Chef 112

David Lawrence
Chef / Restaurateur 116

Rachel Bassignani
Sommelier 122

Alex Marsh
Chef 126

David Borges
Mixologist / Bartender 130

Dominique Crenn
Chef 134

Eric Joppie
Chef 140

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  


• ChocolateSalon.tv
  


• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Tifa Chocolate, PlayFirst and Brix Chocolate at SF Chocolate Salon

Tifa Chocolate, Serendipity! Brownie Truffles, and PlayFirst's Chocolatier Games (Decadence by Design) have joined the Chocolate Salon event on March 21st.

Brix Chocolate just joined the SF Chocolate Salon. You might have seen them at Cost Plus, with their chocolate for wine lovers package.

If we're lucky, and maybe bribe them with Brix Chocolate, PlayFirst might show us some keyboard secrets on how to win their Chocolatier video game.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Vegan all Day, Carnivore all Night

The New York Times reports that someone has come up with the half-in, half-out plan for better eating and health:

Many people struggle to improve their eating habits. The Times food writer Mark Bittman, appearing this week on WNYC radio, told listeners about an unusual strategy that has worked for him.

All day long, he eats a vegan diet. But after about 6 p.m., anything goes.

This is from his newest book, “Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating With More Than 75 Recipes:" Considering that we at TasteTV eat dark chocolate all day, then other food all night, this means we're 100% committed to the Bittman diet plan.

We're sooo cutting edge.


TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

San Francisco Chocolate Salon - William Dean and Sweet Beauty

William Dean Chocolates and Dove Chocolate Discoveries just joined the San Francisco Chocolate Salon event. Plus, D' Sweets and Sweet Beauty Organic Chocolate Spa, and the Bread Project have joined the Chocolate Salon event.

Also, yelp is a sponsor!


TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  


• ChocolateSalon.tv
  


• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Celebrity Chefs sometimes have Potty Mouths?

WannabeTVChef has a funny response to the big deal about Mario Batali's swearing at a $1000/plate dinner.

His take:

NEWSFLASH: People in the food service industry cuss . . . a lot.

Hmmm, not surprising if you've ever spent time in their kitchens for 12 hours. If WannaBeTVChef wants to be a TV Chef, he needs to brush up on the colorful language.


TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  


• ChocolateSalon.tv
  


• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

San Francisco CHOCOLATE SALON _ New Additions

Additional places that have joined the San Francisco CHOCOLATE SALON include Poco Dolce, Coco Delice Fine Chocolates, The San Francisco Chocolate Factory, Schoggi, Rushburn Toffee Company, Choclatique, TCHO, The Xocolate Bar, Sterling Confections, Happy Chocolates, Jeanne's Fudge, Dolce Bella Chocolates, VIE Winery, and the Rigolo Cafe.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  


• ChocolateSalon.tv
  


• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

DOMAINE De TASTE - CHOCOLATE SEIZURE has Arrived!

The DOMAINE De TASTE 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, CHOCOLATE SEIZURE wine vintage (www.ChocolateSeizure.com) has been released!

The design team for this one of a kind boutique wine consisted of TasteTV, Crushpad winemakers, a panel of top artisan chocolatiers and food & wine journalists, and you - the chocolate lovers -- who at a public tasting event jointly decided on the flavor components to be blended into the first chocolatiers cult wine:

"Domaine de Taste Amerique:
Chocolate Seizure 2007"

Chocolatiers involved include artisans such as:
- Coco Delice
- Jade Chocolates
- Cosmic Chocolate
- Schoggi,
- TCHO
- The TeaRoom Chocolates
- Saratoga Chocolates
- NEWTREE America - Gourmet Belgian Chocolate
- Amano Artisan Chocolate
- Decadent Tastes

The production was limited and the vintage is no longer available (sorry). But perhaps next time!

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Open Call for Videos - SF Chocolate Salon Film Festival

Chocolate Videos, Documentaries, etc. for the SF Chocolate Salon Film Festival. The 3rd Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON is on March 21st, 200 (www.SFChocolateSalon.com). During this month, the SF Chocolate Salon Film Festival will be airing on TasteTV on Demand in Northern California, featuring selected videos on the topic.

To submit a video for consideration, go to the Tastemakers Social Club website (http://tastemakers.tastetv.com) and upload a video. After uploading, send a message to the TasteTV profile (do not email TasteTV directly) to review your video. Selected programs will be notified on February 5th.

Selected videos need to be sent to TasteTV on DVD for broadcast. Winners will also receive two tickets to the Chocolate Salon.

TasteTV airs on over 100 television stations nationwide, as well as on KFTY-TV50 (Ch. 199, 4:30pm Sundays) in the San Francisco Bay Area viewing area, as well as on Comcast On Demand in Northern California (inc. SF, SJ, Oak, Marin, etc., Comcast Ch 1 > Get Local > TasteTV), reaching millions of households & viewers.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

SF International Chocolate Salon Returns on March 21st

San Francisco International Chocolate Salon Returns on March 21st

Chocolate lovers, get ready!

San Francisco. March 21, 2009. The largest major chocolate show on the West Coast takes place this Spring at the 3rd Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON, Saturday March 21st, 2009 at the Fort Mason Center's Herbst Pavillion in San Francisco. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists can experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

The Third Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON participants include over 50 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans, such as: Coco-luxe Confections, Sacred Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate Company, Saratoga Chocolates, Marti Chocolatt, The Tea Room chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Neo Cocoa, Socola Chocolatier, Kikas Treats, CJ's Bitz, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Quady Winery, Sol Rouge Winery, Akaroa Winery, Le Creuset, Swissmar, Putumayo World Music, Chocolate Television and TasteTV, and many more.

New 2009 Chocolate Salon additions include an actual Chocolate Wedding, and a Chocolate Art Gallery. Other Salon highlights feature chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef & author talks, wine pairings, a live chocolate body frosting demonstration, ongoing interviews by TasteTV's Chocolate Television program, and book signings of the Intenational Chocolate Salon publication, "The Chocolate Guide (Western Edition)." The Salon will also include a Silent Auction/Raffle charity fund-raiser for Holy Family Day Home, providing care and education for homeless children.

TasteTV also announces that the Ten Days of Bay Area-wide chocolate events culminating with the Chocolate Salon at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center. During the week leading up to the International Chocolate Salon, Williams-Sonoma San Francisco and Draegers San Mateo and other locations will present daily chocolate recipe classes in their kitchens by chocolatiers as well as by well-known chefs and cookbook authors.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Rouge Tomate Restaurant and Rob Valencia Score Big in New York

TasteTV's chocolate salon judge and adviser, Rob Valencia, and his gig at Rouge Tomate in New York have just gotten a fantastic writeup in the New York Daily News. 

According to the Daily News's writer Restaurant Girl, "..less is more!"

Other tasty observations: 

"Rouge Tomate may be a prototype for a restaurant of the future - a new way of thinking, a new way of eating, a new way of dining out.
...There's also dessert, which is where you would really mourn the missing calories. Except you don't here. The chocolate and banana tasting is 272 calories - a chocolate and caramelized banana napoleon, roasted baby banana split and a teacup of rich hot cocoa"

Four out of Five stars...Kudos Rob!

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Photos from the Mini Chocolate Salon @ Williams Sonoma (SF, Union Square),

Photos from the Mini Chocolate Salon @ Williams Sonoma (SF, Union Square), featuring Saratoga Chocolates and Sacred Chocolate can be seen here.

More information at the SF Chocolate Meetup. Other TasteTV Chocolate Meetups are in Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

When in San Francisco, Don't Order Cabernet Sauvignon

Here's some friendly advice: when visiting San Francisco, don't ask for "Cabernet Sauvignon."

For that matter, don't order a "Pinot Noir," a "Zinfandel," and absolutely do not even think of uttering the dreaded phrase "White Zinfandel."

Why? Because the labels "pretentious," "rube" and "non-wine drinker" will be stuck to your forehead and nothing else you say will be taken seriously, at least pertaining to food. Let's face it, being so close to Wine Country, even SF biker bars serve a decent vintage or two.

Here's a TasteTV tip: When in San Francisco, the "proper" way to order the above mentioned wines is the following:

• A "Cab" = Cabernet Sauvignon.
• A "Zin" = Zinfandel (red, mais bien sur)
• A "Pinot" = Pinot Noir (if you want a Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, then say the full name)
• A "White Zinfandel" = This beast does not exist within the boundaries of the city, but you can ask for a nice "blush" wine and get something close
  

Voila, you are now charming, cultured, and good-looking. Plus, you now have the keys to any bartender, waiter or sommelier's ear and respect in San Francisco.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Tasting fair trade chocolate - is it just your opinion?

Another great one from the New York Times. In this instance they do a taste test of all the fair-trade/organic type chocolates they can gather, and give them to a local chef for his thoughts. As you can guess, he hates most of them.

Reader and chocolatier comments ensue! Hilarity for all (not)

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
• The Chicago Chocolate Salon
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

A Magazine Pilgrimage

The New York Times has an interesting article about a magazine store in Berlin called "Do You Read Me?"

Considering the amount we spend on magazines almost rivals the amount we spend on gas, this looks like the kind of place a magazine junkie has to go when you're in Germany.

TasteTV Events include:

• The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
• The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon
  
• ChocolateSalon.tv
  
• The New Media Tastemakers Summit

This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood