Whether you like your treats sweet, bitter or a little of both, the International Chocolate Salon satisfies all cravings. 

The International Chocolate Salon in San Francisco is a place where “chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolate in one of the world’s great culinary metropolitan areas,” as stated by sfchocolatesalon.com.

This year marks the Salon’s 11th anniversary of chocolate dedication and the celebration was hosted at The Kabuki Hotel, in San Francisco’s Japantown on March 18.

The International Chocolate Salon started back in 2007 and San Francisco has not seen anything like it. 

The Salon became a smash hit and traveled across the West Coast and Las Vegas. 

The Salon allows guests to wander around and experience chocolate in all its delicious forms, but there are also a variety of panels that participants can watch, ranging from chocolate films to a lecture on the science of chocolate, as well as samplings from local wineries and tea distributors. 

There was also award-winning chocolatiers from all across the United States whipping up these gourmet treats. A chocolatier is a type of culinary artist who creates delectable sweets from a wide variety of chocolate. 

This event had it all, everything from milk chocolate to black berry infused delights. Sampling was highly encouraged and the goal for many participants.  

Stalls of different chocolatiers lined the walls of the showroom, each one eager to have you taste their creations and answer any questions you might have about their products.

The best vendors were Cowboy Toffee Company and Fookie.net, both of which weren’t chocolatiers. 

Fookie is the genius combination of cookies and fudge. The Fook-a-Doodle and Original Fookie were especially delicious. 

The arguably worst vendor, Firefly Chocolate, served the Bay Nut, which is actually a bestseller. It had an unsettling burnt aftertaste.

One brand, Live A Lot, had a bar called Unwind. This claimed to be a stress relief chocolate and it was later discovered to contain medical mushrooms.

If one plans on going to the salon next year, it is recommended to get there early, because the relatively small show room filled up quickly and a lengthy line stretched out the door. 

It would also be wise to purchase tickets ahead of time to forgo an additional line.  

Although booths only offer samples of chocolate, there is still a lot to try at the event, so we recommend that you pace your indulgence. 

It is advised to wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking because there was very limited seating in the showroom. Most people were on their feet for a long time. 

If one didn’t want to buy chocolate at the salon, each vendor also provided a business card, so you can make an order later.  

It is expected that the Salon would be a place of indulgence and chocolate and other goodies galore.  However, it might leave guests with their stomachs turning like a washing machine. So for one’s own safety bring Pepto Bismol.