Chocolate heaven

Illustration by SERENE LUSANO

Give me a warm blanket and box of chocolates, and I’ll require nothing else for a fabulous evening. Eating quality chocolate can be an exciting journey, with plenty of natural flavor profiles to explore: nutty, spicy, fruity, caramel, floral and earthy, among them. Dive deeper into caramel and reflect on each note: butterscotch, honey, milk, butter, molasses. Sounds fun, huh? There may be no blankets at the third annual Sacramento Chocolate Salon on Saturday, January 30, but there will be lots of chocolate to taste. Talk to chocolatiers, food experts, authors and chefs; attend a chocolaty seminar and discover your next favorite chocolate maker. Of course, there will be other confections and beverages available as well. The event takes place at Embassy Suites, 100 Capitol Mall, and tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. More at www.sacramentochocolatesalon.com.