Celebrating its sweet 16 this year, Chocolate Decadence is sure to be love at first bite as more than two dozen restaurants unite to present chocolate treats and gourmet coffees, alongside live jazz and silent and live auctions.
“It’s a long-standing event in Automobile Alley,” said Mickey Clagg, chairman of the board of directors for Automobile Alley Inc., whose mission Chocolate Decadence supports. “A lot of people have never missed it, and that’s their Valentine’s date.”
Sharing love in the kitchen is a mix of eateries from across the city.
La Luna Mexican Cafe, 409 W. Reno, plans to serve chicken mole with a side of rice. To create mole’s complex, rich flavor, Mexican chocolate will be blended with dried chili peppers.
“We are a nice alternative for people who want a savory dish,” said Cindy Cabrera, owner of La Luna. “We always run out [of mole by] the end of the night.”
The Melting Pot, 4 E. Sheridan, will stay on the sweeter side by offering fruits, cookies and cakes, all ready to be dipped into a melted chocolate mixture.
Brown’s Bakery, 1100 N. Walker, brings to the table more than just one indulgence. Count on thumbprint
cookies, made with chocolate and vanilla shortbread, topped with fudge icing.
It also will prepare petit fours and red, heart-shaped sugar cookies.
“We [bake] something that is non-chocolate because not everyone likes [it], or we might have someone who is allergic,” said Michael Brown, owner of Brown’s Bakery. “We fill the table full.”
He has been a vendor since the event’s inception and has enjoyed being a part of the annual tradition.
“In the beginning, there were not a lot of vendors,” Brown said. “It has really grown and become a fun event.”
Auctions will feature items donated from retailers like Plenty Mercantile, 807 N. Broadway, the event’s newest sponsor. Brittney Melton, Traci Walton and Chris England opened the sustainable lifestyle-themed shop last fall.
Plenty Mercantile’s gift basket contains a piece of AstroTurf cut into the shape of Oklahoma and can be employed cleverly as a doormat or as a rug.
Other items include a balsam-scented pillow, a succulent plant in a vintage green pot, mints and several other surprise goodies.
“We love chocolate,” said Melton.
“We love being in Automobile Alley, and everyone has been supportive of us [so we wanted to give back].”
Advanced ticket purchase is required. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
