Destination: Chocolate City
Dorothy was right: Dreams really do come true.
Many women I know have waited a lifetime for this.
And at long last here it is, their reward for diapers, Thanksgiving dinners, freezer defrosting and other household drudgery.
From Sept. 12 to 14, the saints of Portland will consecrate the Rose City with “two days and two nights of pure chocolate decadence.”
To get in on this bender, make a pilgrimage to the Northwest Chocolate Festival, where organizers will teach, celebrate and sell the many glories of milk, dark, cocoa and more. They’ll probably let you taste some, too.
The festival’s Education Center takes an academic approach to the subject with chocolate gurus instructing you in the “culinary, history and health of chocolate.”
In an odd twist, the curriculum includes spa classes, along with the more predictable slate of tastings, culinary workshops and demonstrations.
The Wine and Chocolate Tasting will showcase small vineyards and single-origin creations. Meanwhile, the World Chocolate Market doles out vendor samples, kids’ games, crafts from around the world, “family fun” and more.
According to organizers, the Gala Celebration Party qualifies as a “chocolate lover’s dream come true.”
Let us honor the wisdom of the Prophetess Dorothy.
The evening wraps thousands of tastes, beer, wine, local art, live music, dancing and The Northwest Regional Chocolate Competition into one delicious, chocolate-flavored package.
This momentous battle pits chefs, chocolatiers and candymakers in a display of their best chocolate talents. (Get your mind out of the gutter!)
In addition to the scheduled events, you’ll find prizes, seminars and elbow-rubbing with the luminaries of the chocolate world.
Find additional mouthwatering information at (206) 855-6915, (503) 715-0068 or www.nwchocolatefestival.com.
The grizzled of O.Z.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
They’re not only for the young. And just to prove it, the Oregon Zoo will hold a Senior Safari on Sept. 16.
The free event – restricted to zoo visitors 65 and older – provides a day’s worth of activities and entertainment such as a hands-on visit to the Pygora goats and Shetland Sheep.
You can also attend animal talks (about the critters, not by them), climb aboard the zoo train, take in the special musical performance, and nosh on complimentary doughnuts and coffee, as well as a “reasonably priced lunch.”
Get the details at www.oregonzoo.org or (503) 226-1561.
Holiday affair
Mark Labor Day with some good old small-town fun at an Affair on Mainstreet in Metaline Falls, Wash., Saturday and next Sunday.
It all starts with Mainstreet breakfast on the lawn. As you’d expect, they’ll fill your plate with pancakes, ham and eggs.
Your belly full, proceed to the arts and crafts booths, more food, a flea market, activities for children and teenagers (texting, most likely), the Shine Car Show, the Motorcycle and Off-Road Vehicle Show, Lions Club Train Rides, and that required ingredient of community festivals: the “Falling for Quilts” quilt show.
What’s more, the Cutter Theatre will present “Radio Gals.”
To get your own slice of this Americana, try www.povn.com/byway/towns/Affair.htm or call (509) 446-2429.
Regional events
•Fremont’s Oktoberfest, Sept. 19-21, Seattle. Get your German on with 70 microbrews; the “Buxom Beer Garden” and the new “Miss Buxom Contest; BMX stunt bikers; wine garden and cigar bar; bratwurst; free music; children’s activities; the Texas Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest; and more. (www.fremontoktoberfest.com/206-633-0422).