Chocolate & Wine Tasting tickets are going fast

Tickets for the Tenth Annual (has it been ten years already?!) Chocolate & Wine Tasting at Hamilton Hall are going fast!  They have been on sale for a week, and word on the street is that they are more than half-sold. 

This is an event worth planning for.  Don't wait - there's not going to be a Groupon or another social deal.  This is a once-a-year opportunity to indulge in decadent treats that range from chocolate mousse to chocolate dipped strawberries to chocolate ice cream to chocolate gateau, and every chocolate in between. 

Participating restaurants include:

62 Restaurant and Wine Bar
Adriatic Restaurant & Bar
Ben & Jerry’s
Busa Wine and Spirits
Café Polonia
Caffe Graziani
Capt.’s Premium Steak & Seafood Grill
Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream
Finz Seafood & Grill
The Great Escape
Green Land Café
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
Pamplemousse
Rockafellas
Salem Waterfront Hotel
Sweet Adeline’s
Thai Place
Victoria Station
Ye Olde Pepper Co.

This is the festive kick-off to the annual Salem So Sweet Festival.  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street.  This event is produced by the Salem Chamber of commerce and Salem Main Streets.

I highly recommend making dinner reservations for afterward (or, perhaps, before), because the restaurants are always busy on Chocolate & Wine night.

Here are the details, in a nutshell:

10th Annual Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Friday, February 10 from 6:30 - 8:30
Location: Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut Street, Salem, MA
Sponsored by the Salem Waterfront Hotel.

Ice sculptures worth a trip

21 ice sculptures were installed throughout downtown Salem this morning.  The weather was gray, but the sculptures were wonderful, and the chocolate plentiful - proving yet again that Salem is So Sweet.

My boys and I walked around town and saw 18 of the 21 sculptures today.  Here are our pictures... 

Dutch Tulips at the Peabody Essex Museum.

Dragon at the Trolley Depot.

Salem Five on Essex Street.

Rapunzel at Mud Puddle Toys.

Jazz piano at Rockafellas.

Snowflake at Lappin Park (by the Bewitched statue)

Salem State University at Lappin Park.

Champagne Glasses at Adriatic Cafe.

Sled at Maria's Sweet Somethings.

Always a highlight of Salem So Sweet - Maria's Sweet Somethings' chocolate fountain.

Beautiful lady at Rouge.

Anchors Aweigh at the Salem Waterfront Hotel.

Big Tuna at Finz.

Mermaid on Pickering Wharf.

Through the Looking Glass at Sophia's.

Salem Film Fest at CinemaSalem.

The sculptures will stay up as long as the weather allows, and many of them are under tents or tarps to protect them from rain.  These are definitely a great excuse to get out and walk around a snowy, wintery Salem.

For more information on Salem So Sweet, which continues through February 14, visit SalemMainStreets.org.

Salem So Sweet Chocolate & Wine

The Chocolate & Wine tasting at Hamilton Hall last night was decadent and delicious.  250 people gathered to sample the sweetest fare from Salem's restaurants and specialty shops. There were truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate martinis and flourless chocolate torte, Black Forest mousse and Nutella pizza.  The wines were red, white, sweet, dry, and sparkling. Oh, and the dramatic and flaming Cherry Flambe over vanilla ice cream. 

Barbie Cake from Coffee Time Bake shop

Chocolate-tinis from Finz.

The crowd mingling, tasting, sampling...

Chef John Andrews from Victoria Station working the cherry flambe.

It's a good thing this evening of indulgence only happens once a year! 

Salem So Sweet is produced by Salem Main Streets and Salem Chamber of Commerce.  Events and promotions continue through February 14.

Salem So Sweet Starts today!

The chocolate is brewing, the ice is chilling, and the weather is going to hold off just long enough so we can revel in chocolate, wine, and all things Valentine.  Salem So Sweet kicks off tonight, and the specials run all week.  Visit Salem.org/Valentine for a list of events, and visit SalemMainStreets.org for a list of ice sculptures and Valentine-themed promotions.

 

Salem So Sweet is produced by Salem Main Streets & The Salem Chamber of Commerce.  We appreciate all of their efforts to make Salem come alive in February! 

Delectable & Decadent... February in Salem!

The 9th Annual Salem So Sweet Festival is nearly here! The ice sculptures begin arriving tomorrow, the Chocolate & Wine Tasting is Friday night (sorry, it's sold out!), and shopping and dining specials and promotions will be found throughout Salem from February 4th through the 14th.

 

Visit Salem.org/Valentine for more information, and happy decadence!

Salem So Sweet is presented by Salem Main Streets.  For more information on Salem Main Streets, and all of their programs, visit SalemMainStreets.org. 

Mark your calendar for Salem's So Sweet!

Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival features 18 ice sculptures!

Organizers Salem Main Streets, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and local retailers, restaurants and businesses invite you to attend the 9^th annual Salem’s So Sweet, Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival, held on Saturday, February 5^th & Sunday, 6^th.  Over 35 downtown businesses will offer discounts and free chocolate during the weekend.  The festival officially kicks off with a scrumptious Chocolate and Wine Tasting event in Hamilton Hall February 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Don't miss Salem's sweetest event of the year, a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures and Valentine’s Day shopping! 18 sparkling ice sculptures will grace downtown Salem and Pickering Wharf starting February 5 as part of the 9^th annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival.   Sculpture Themes will range from the Rapunzel, the Salem Witch, a Mermaid, a Fish, a Dragon and Champagne Glasses, and the Museum Place Mall is dedicating their Ice Sculpture to the memory of Pep Cornacchio (featuring a football).  Maps showing the locations of the ice sculptures can be picked up at participating retailers and restaurants.

For the first time this year, Salem Trolley will be offering free trolley rides around the festival route weather permitting on February 5 & 6 from 12 – 4. Pick up locations include the Salem Visitor Center, Pickering Wharf and Washington Street (near Eastern Bank).

The festival kicks off with a Chocolate and Wine Tasting, on Friday, February 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, at Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut Street.  This luscious tasting event features wine and chocolate samplings from restaurants, stores and sweet shops. The Chocolate and Wine Tasting is sponsored by the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites.  Participants include 62 Restaurant & Winebar, Adriatic Restaurant & Bar, Busa Wine & Spirits, Café Polonia, Café Valverde, Caffe Graziani, Capt.'s Waterfront Grill & Pub, Captain Dusty's Ice Cream, Coffee Time Bakeshop, Coven Artisanal Market, Finz Seafood & Grill, GreenLand Café, Gulu-Gulu Café, Maria's Sweet Somethings, Milk & Honey Green Grocer, Pamplemousse, Rockafellas, Salem Waterfront Hotel, Salem Wine Imports, Victoria Station, and Ye Olde Pepper Co.  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street.  

In celebration of the chocolate weekend, many of Salem’s finest restaurants will feature special chocolate offerings on their menus, including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces.  Participating Salem retailers will offer in-store promotions, innovative displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine’s Day.  Once again, Golden Tickets will be available in downtown Salem.  Pick up your Golden Ticket and have it validated at participating businesses (no purchase necessary) then enter to win a Salem's So Sweet gift basket.  The Salem's So Sweet gift basket features many fine items from area retailers.

For more information please contact Salem Main Streets / Salem Chamber of Commerce at T. 978-744-0004 or visit www.salem-chamber.org

Salem's So Sweet... this weekend!

Here's a summary of what's happening in Salem this weekend for Salem So Sweet, presented by Salem Main Streets. You can download the brochure, or pick it up at the Salem Chamber of Commerce or any participating retailer. (I noticed Rouge Cosmetics is stuffing their bags with the brochure. Quite handy!)

Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Wine Tasting

Friday, February 5 | 6:30- 8:30 PM

Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut Street, Salem, MA
SalemMainStreets.org | 978.744.0004

Join some of Salem’s best chocolatiers for this perennial favorite! Salem So Sweet is a decadent evening of chocolate sampling and wine tasting. This event does sell out, so tickets ($20) are a must!

Salem's So Sweet Ice Sculpture Festival

Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7

SalemMainStreets.org | 978.744.0004

In celebration of the chocolate weekend, many of Salem’s finest restaurants will feature special chocolate offerings on their menus, including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces. Participating Salem retailers will offer in-store promotions, innovative displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine’s Day. Pick up your Salem So Sweet Brochure prior to the event which will have a Golden Ticket. Have your Golden Ticket validated at 8 participating businesses and be entered to win a Salem's So Sweet Basket. Click here for the brochure.

Don't miss the ice carving demonstration at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 6 at 1:00 PM on Pickering Wharf!

J.Mode

Friday, February 5th, 5:30 – 8:00 PM

17 Front Street, Salem, MA 01970

JModeFashions.com | 978.744.7007

Ladies Night Out

There will be gifts, Champagne, chocolates & cheese. Meet greet Jenny Johnson from NECN’s TV Diner, and receive a J. Mode $25.00 gift certificate that can be used on any purchase of $100 or more thru Feb 28th

Phillips House, Historic New England

34 Chestnut Street, Salem MA 01970

HistoricNewEngland.org | 978.744.0440

Salem So Sweet

During the Salem So Sweet celebration sponsored by Salem Main Streets, you are invited to see an ice statue of Prince, the Phillips family dog, carved by local artist Josh Gerloff in the Phillips House garden. On February 6 and 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., tours of the house will be offered at the special rate of 2-for-1 admission, and all visitors are welcome to enjoy a cup of cocoa in Stevie’s playroom. When: Friday, February 5 through Sunday, February 14. Admission: Free to Historic New England members, $5.00 nonmembers for tours. Donations suggested for refreshments. Museum is only open for tours Saturday and Sunday in the winter.

The Salem Inn

7 Summer Street, Salem MA 01970

SalemInnMa.com | 800.446.2995

Sweet Stay in Salem, February 5-7, 2010

Come visit Salem and the Inn at a time when the hectic pace of the holidays has slowed down. This popular festival starts Friday, February 5th with a delicious Chocolate and Wine tasting at Hamilton Hall, included with your 2 night stay. During your stay, stroll downtown and enjoy beautiful ice sculptures, window displays, fantastic discounts, a golden ticket contest and much more! After your busy day, unwind and relax in the serenity of a cozy guest room complete with your choice of a working fireplace or a whirlpool bath. A hearty continental breakfast is included each morning. All this for the sweet price of $299, plus tax for 2 adults. Package valid February 5-7. Chocolate and Wine tasting on February 5th at 6:30 based on availability and double occupancy. Must be requested at time of booking and not valid on previously booked reservations. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Salem So Sweet in 2010

It is time again for Salem So Sweet, the weekend created with chocoholics in mind!

On February 5, 2010, Salem will become a haven of chocolate, wine, and ice. The weekend kicks off with the annual Chocolate & Wine Tasting at historic Hamilton Hall (tickets are $20 each, available from the Salem Chamber of Commerce). This event is always crowded, so get there early - and remember to eat some protein before you go, because the samplings are decadent. Chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate mousse, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, iced chocolate... last year some of the wine was chocolate, as well as red, white, and sparkling.

I like to make a night of it and go out for dinner (Calories? What calories?!) after the Chocolate & Wine tasting, I'm not alone in this, however, so you may want to make a reservation if your heart is set on a particular restaurant. Check out your options on Salem.org.

Come back downtown on Saturday for the ice sculptures. Organizers at Salem Main Streets expect more than 12 ice sculptures to be on display around town. Keep an eye on the weather forecast - if it warms up (like it did last year) you want to come out on Saturday to walk around and see the ice. If it's very cold, the ice will be around throughout the weekend and into the week.

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't mention how easy it would be to make a weekend out of Salem So Sweet! Check out the off-season hotel rates on Salem.org and find some cozy quarters, walking distance from everything, that will make your weekend a perfect escape.

Locations of the sculptures will be posted here and at SalemMainStreets.org, and it's a lot of fun to wander from Town House Square to Pickering Wharf looking at the sculptures. There is also going to be a mixed media sculpture (ice is one of the media!) at the Phillips House on Chestnut Street, so be prepared to wander that way, too!

Most of Salem's stores and restaurants run Salem So Sweet promotions, which range from sale pricing to chocolate infused menu items to chocolate samples, so be sure to browse a bit while you wander. You'll need to warm your fingers and toes, anyway. No better way to do that than with chocolate!

Also worth noting: February 7 is the last day of the Iris Apfel: Rare Bird of Fashion exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum. If you haven't seen it, make time to do so. It is a fabulous and fun exhibition of fashion and personality.

There is no better way to kick-off the Valentine's Season in Salem then with chocolate and ice, so mark your calendars and make your plans!

Salem's So Sweet DEALS!

Salem's So Sweet year-round, but especially this weekend. I've listed all of the promotions below for you, and you can find them on the brochure, which is online and available at participating businesses around town. Thanks to Salem Main Streets for organizing this great weekend... again!

This is one of my favorite weekends in Salem - especially when the weather looks good for walking around outside! (Although not so good for ice, so come early to see the ice sculptures!)

Here are this year's in-store promotions:

Clothing and Accessories

Coon's, 226 Essex St. - Receive 25% off your purchase with Golden Ticket during Salem's So Sweet and enjoy some delicious complimentary chocolate.(Offer cannot be combined with discounted items)

Crunchy Granola Baby, 72 Washington St. - "Feb. 13 - 15 20% off all red and pink items (some restrictions apply).

J. Mode, 17 Front St. - Friday, February 6th, J. Mode's ladies night out and J. Mode Gifts. Meet & Greet Jenny Johnson from NECN's TV Diner. Receive a $25 Gift Certificate, Wine, Chocolates & Cheese 5:30 - 8:00 pm.

Quint Essentials, 96 Wharf St. - Taste our delicious, fudgilcious brownies, and register to win a Baggallini Travel Cosmetic bagg, a $39.95 retail value! Plus, get a free rain poncho or travel umbrella with every $25 purchase!

Salemdipity, 86 Wharf St. - Free Kisses!!! (of the chocolate variety!) and special discounts Feb 6 - 14 Valentine gifts like Zip Hoodies, Cute Tees and Salem Charms Winter Hours 11-5 closed Tues and Wed (978)745-5556.

Signatures, 181 Essex St. - Stop in for a sweet treat and a sweet deal take 20% off all full priced clothing, winter clearance in progress.

Trolley Depot, 191 Essex St. - Stop by for chocolate treats and discounts! Great gifts for your Valentine? Sparkly Jewelry? Cute Teeshirts? We've got them and more! 9:30 - 6 Mon-Sat 11-5 Sundays (978)745-3003

Witch City Consignment and Thrift, 301 Essex St. -Shop for your sweetheart at our storewide 50% sale during Salem’s So Sweet Festival. Free gift with chocolate with any purchase.

Food and Dining

Caffe Graziani , 133 Washington St. – Come enjoy our Valentine Wine Dinner on Thursday, February 12 at 6 pm. Join us for this four course meal plus dessert and you will enjoy delicious wines from around the world with each course.

Capt's – 94 Wharf St. -Capt’s will be pleased to offer 10% off your lunch and dinner plus a free special Salem So Sweet dessert when any 2nd dessert is purchased.

Coffee Time Bake Shop – 96 Bridge St. Sunday & Monday 2 pm - 6 pm Kids decorate their own valentine cookie ($2 Donations to St. Josephs Food Pantry).

Gulu-Gulu Café, 247 Essex St. - Gulu-Gulu Café wine tasting! Sunday Feb. 8 from 4 - 7 p.m. Come in for free samples of some of our delicious wines from around the world.

Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. W. - Visit us at award winning Nathaniels at the Hawthorne Hotel and receive a free chocolate raspberry bonbon dessert with melba sauce whipped cream with the purchase of any dinner entrée!

Maria's Sweet Somethings - INDULGE…at our giant chocolate fountain, no double-dipping please. Come sample some of our favorite gourmet items including chocolates, jellies, finishing sauces and more. We have something special for al your valentines! Enter to win a gourmet valentine gift basket. Please visit and join in the fun! (February 7 & 8)

Rockafellas, 231 Essex St. – Your choice between Rockafellas raspberry chocolate mousse Muddy Berry Bowl or bittersweet chocolate infused with orange Grand Sequoia offered ½ price at lunch and complimentary for 2 or more at dinner.

Salem Beer Works, 278 Derby St. - You're going to LOVE Beer Works this February…Featuring deep dark stouts and chocolate infused menu specials. Come in during the chocolate festival and sample our "Milk Chocolate Stout"

Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, 225 Derby St. - Enjoy luscious desserts and cocktails in the Regatta Pub. Romance your sweetheart in a luxurious room with our special Valentine’s Package! For reservations, call 978-740-8788

Sixty2 on Wharf, 62 Wharf St. - Sixty2 on Wharf is a casual neighborhood bistro serving rustic modern Italian cuisine in downtown Salem. Chef Antonio Bettencourt and his team are dedicated to using the best locally-sourced, all natural and organic ingredients in season and at the peak of flavor. The cooking at Sixty2 on Wharf shows true soul and a dedication to the “craft” of cooking.

Thai Place, Museum Place Mall - Come celebrate the 18th Anniversary, of Thai Place the 2008 Viewer's Choice #1 Thai restaurant in Salem 2008, and receive a discount card and valentine gift.

Turtle Alley Handmade Chocolates, Museum Place Mall - Featured in Gourmet, the Boston Globe, on the Food Network and soon to be featured on Rachel Ray Turtle Alley tempts with Handmade treats. (978)740-0660

Arts, Events and More

Awakening Guild, 66 Wharf St. - Stop into the Awakening Guild a store dedicated to love and mention the Salem So Sweet brochure and receive a free small crystal.

Cat N The Fiddle Uniques, 61 Wharf St. – Home to Maryanne Piro whimsical prints. Come browse through our selection of both old and new treasures. Coming soon delicious specialty treats.

CinemaSalem - 1 East India Sq, Museum Place Mall Buy two tickets at CinemaSalem during Valentine's day weekend and ask for the Lovebirds special: a large popcorn, two medium drinks, M&Ms for just $6.75.

Cornerstone Books – 45 Lafayette St. Come by and see Cornerstone's ice sculpture. Stop in with your golden ticket for a free hot chocolate and browse books or sit by the fire.

Goddess Treasure Chest, 173 Essex St. - $5 off psychic reading when you pay cash and enjoy a sweet treat while you shop.

Gulu-Gulu Café, 247 Essex St - “The First Romance Show” Feb. 7 & 8 at. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Be swept off your feet while First Place winners from DEBRA CROSBY’S Talent Quest TV Show sing a variety of Romantic songs from POP, Rock, and Broadway to old time classics. Come and be serenaded. For more information go to: www.talentquesttvshow.com.

Peabody Essex Museum Shop, East India Square - The Peabody Essex Museum Shop will be handing out samples of Salem's handmade chocolate from Harbor Sweets. Try their new sail mix, while supplies last.

Red Lion Smoke Shop, 94 Washington St. - Show him he’s special this Valentine’s Day with a Handmade Imported Premium Cigar – receive a FREE cigar cutter with brochure.

Salem Witch Museum, Washington Sq. - Show your Golden Ticket at the Salem Witch Museum Gift Shop and save! Spend up to $50 and receive 25% off your total purchase. Spend over $50 and receive 35% off.

Sophia’s, 105 Essex St. - Celebrate Salem’s So Sweet at Sophia’s enter a drawing to win a Memory Block of your choice by Vancouver artist Sid Dickens. Enjoy complimentary sweets and a 20% discount on any Valentines Day purchase over $100.

The Art Corner, 231 Washington St. - Members of Salem Arts Association will demonstrate their crafts throughout the day Saturday, February 7 from 10 – 5.

The Picklepot, 75 Wharf St. - Free gift with every purchase over $20.

Health and Beauty

Body and Soul, 60 Washington St., Ste. 201 – Indulge in Something Sweet with many Rewards:1 hour Couples Massage $165 Even sweeter: Mention this brochure with your gift certificate purchase and receive a free herbal eye pillow.

Laura Lanes Skin Care - 242 Essex St. - We specialize in facials, massage therapy, make-up and bare as you dare bikini waxing. Gift cards are available for your Valentine.

Rouge, 322 Derby St. – Come find out for yourself why Rouge is THE place to buy all your makeup & skincare! Enjoy free chocolates & glominerals gift with any glominerals $50 purchase while supplies last Feb. 6 – Feb. 8

Pet Care

Living With Pets, 73 Wharf St. - Come by with your favorite canine and sample a valentine doggie truffle from our extensive organic natural treat bar. Pets are always welcome!

Penelope’s Pet Boutique, 99 Washington St. - Pet lover's and pets, warm up with 25% off your purchase with the Golden Ticket, and enjoy coffee, chocolate, and treats for your pet. (Offer cannot be combined with discounted items)

Salem is SO SWEET!

Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber have announced the 7th annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival, which will run February 6 – 14.

The festival kicks off with a Chocolate and Wine Tasting Event on Friday, February 6 at Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut St. from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or at the Salem Chamber of Commerce in advance. This luscious tasting event features wine, beer and chocolate samplings from restaurants, stores and sweet shops.

Participating businesses providing samples include: Salem Wine Imports, Salem Beer Works, Capt's Waterfront Grill, Finz Seafood & Grill, the Regatta Pub, Maria's Sweet Somethings, Coffee Time Bake Shop, Rockafellas, Ye Olde Pepper Company, Spirits @ 300 Derby, Pamplemousse, Rose Medallion Tea Room, Rita's Water Ice, Captain Dusty's Ice Cream, Sixty2 on Wharf and Victoria Station.

The Ice Sculpture viewing starts Saturday, February 7th at noon. Come downtown Salem and view all 12 ice sculptures ranging from Curious George to a dancing polar bear for free. Stop in downtown stores and restaurants to enjoy chocolate, special events and great shopping discounts. This is a great opportunity to shop for your special Valentine.

The Golden Ticket will be back this year, as well. Pick up your free golden ticket at any participating business during the festival. Visit 10 participating businesses and have your Golden Ticket validated and you will be entered to win a Salem ’s So Sweet gift basket. Last year’s basket was valued at over $700!

Many downtown businesses will also be competing in another window display contest so be sure to take a look at the windows while you are downtown.

Yes, it is almost time for Salem ’s So Sweet – the fabulous Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival so mark your calendars now! For more information and updates visit salemmainstreets.org