NorCal Homes May Event Spotlight
May seems to be the quintessential month of Spring; the sort of unofficial Spring Ambassador. For me, it evokes thoughts of warm weather, blooming flowers, and trying desperately to build my tan before it is officially “shorts season”. However, I can think of quite a few women who, when thinking about the month of May, think about their year round labors of love (sometimes literally) … Mother’s Day.
This month’s local event combines two of my favorite things- spending time with my mom/family, and chocolate. Beginning this past Monday, Old Sacramento has been celebrating Chocolate Week. I know, I can just stop now and I’ll see you there later, but wait! There’s more… Take a look below to check out all of the “sweet” events taking place over the next several days. Also, check out their website to see more events that are taking place this week: Sacramento Downtown Grid
Wednesday and Thursday’s events are not as kid-friendly as some of the other ones, but sometimes mom’s need some time away from the “boisterous love” that is their children… and wine, sometimes mom’s need wine.
Wednesday, May 4 (5 to 7 p.m.): Chocolate Pairing Night
Chocolate paired with wine and brews sounds like the perfect weekday break. Guests can take their pick of chocolate and brews at Ten22 (1022 2nd Street) or chocolate and wine tasting at Rio City Café (1110 Front Street) – or be adventurous and head to both! Ten22’s talented culinary team will present a beer and chocolate pairing featuring two beer tastings paired with a delicious Marshmallow-Chocolate Bar. Rio City Cafe will prepare a delicious Chocolate Trio to delight the palate where guests enjoy a Mini Tart of Milk Chocolate and Grand Marnier paired with Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc, a Mini Pot de Crème paired with St. Sophia Zinfandel, and a Mini Chocolate Terrine Cake with raspberry mascarpone paired with Fonseca Port. Tickets are available online (for guests ages 21 and over only) for $10 per person at Ten 22 and $15 per person at Rio City Café.
Thursday, May 5 (5 p.m. to Closing): Chocolate Bar Hop
Here’s a triple chocolate-ty treat: a chocolate themed bar hop at three of Old Sacramento’s finest establishments. River City Saloon (916 2nd Street) will feature a chocolate porter; Laughs Unlimited (1207 Front Street) will have a chocolate and port wine Happy Hour Special; and Sports Corner Cafe (1030 2nd Street) will have an Avion Tequila Espresso Chocolate Martini.
Starting Friday afternoon, we begin to get into activity’s that the entire family can enjoy!
Friday, May 6 (noon to 1 p.m.): Parent/Child Cupcake Decorating
A little sugar is a perfect way to sweeten quality time with parents and kids. Plan a stop at Ana Apple (114 K Street) to create custom cupcakes using frosting, candy, fresh fruit, and more. All materials are provided and kids will leave with a plate of four cupcakes at the end of the session to devour or share. This hands-on activity is recommended for kids ages 3 or over. Aprons will be provided but children should be dressed in clothing that can withstand a bit of frosting fun. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.
Friday, May 6 (4 to 7 p.m.): 8-Stop Choc-la-tour
Friday afternoon is the perfect time to go on a self-guided “Choc-la-tour” to sample, sip, and savor some delicious (and even surprising!) chocolate edibles. This sell-out event provides guests a chance to stroll and taste their way through the historic district while making stops at participating Old Sacramento merchants to enjoy the following:
• Danny’s Mini Donuts (900 2nd) – Fresh and warm mini donut drizzled with chocolate sauce;
• Heavenly Brew Espresso (904 2nd) – Choice of chocolate or white chocolate mocha;
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (1039 2nd) – Chocolate trio: chocolate covered pretzel, graham cracker, and Oreo cookie;
• Sacramento Sweets Co. (1035 Front) – Milk chocolate salted toffee;
• Sam’s Cafe (910 2nd) – Chocolate ice cream scoop;
• Spud Shack (906 2nd) – Chocolate covered banana;
• Steamers Bakery & Cafe (101 K) – Gourmet mini chocolate chip cookie;
• Ten22 (1022 2nd) – Brandy-cherry cocoa bites;
• Turtles (1017 2nd) – House-made chocolate turtle
*** Featured items are subject to change. Tickets are $15 per person (all ages are welcome) and can be purchased online in advance. Tickets can be redeemed between 3 – 6:30 p.m. at 1124 2nd Street. Guests can wander at their own pace between 4 – 7 p.m. sampling each chocolate treat at their leisure. ***
Saturday, May 7 (10 a.m. to noon): Chocolate Turtle Demonstration
Plan a stop at Turtles (1017 2nd Street) chocolate shop to watch a fun and free demonstration by one of Old Sacramento’s chocolatiers as they create their namesake treat. While there, guests are encouraged to browse a delightful collection of sweets, cookie jars, lunch boxes, vintage decorations, and more.
FINALLY – Mother’s Day! Check out this fun family Cupcake Decorating activity in the heart of downtown. How fun is this?!
Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 (2 to 3 p.m.): Parent/Child Cupcake Decorating
Sweeten Mother’s Day with a special activity at Ana Apple (114 K Street) where moms and kids can create custom cupcakes using frosting, candy, fresh fruit, and more. All materials are provided and kids will leave with a plate of four cupcakes at the end of the session to share with mom. This hands-on activity is recommended for kids ages 3 or over. Aprons will be provided but children should be dressed in clothing that can withstand a bit of frosting. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.
Happy Mother’s Day!!
