Death by Chocolate
Before the Christmas decorations are even off the
shelves at Target, that darn Cupid seems to pop
up to remind us that Valentine’s Day is around
the corner. Not everyone is happy to see him, but
perhaps maybe we should be. After all, Cupid brings a little
something special to the Fox Cities each year. And whether
you’re single or taken, recently dumped or celebrating
years of being in a relationship, this Valentine’s Day season
has something to offer everyone...
Chocolate bliss.For the fifth year in a row, Downtown Appleton is hosting the Death By Chocolate March – a chance for patrons to sample a variety of chocolate treats from College Avenue’s most notable restaurants and coffee houses. Venues like the Copperleaf Hotel (with help from Black and Tan Restaurant) and Bazil’s Pub and Provisions are selecting their favorite chocolate offering to share with participants, and each are certain to leave a distinct chocolate mark on everyone’s hearts.
“I think the variety of chocolates is what makes it so special,” says Anne Wiegman, Project Coordinator for Appleton Downtown, Inc. “From mochas and martinis to chocolate fountains to gelato to cannollis to cookies to…” Just like there is no shortage of dining options, there is no shortage of chocolate options to celebrate the event with. The Death By Chocolate March began as an idea of a downtown restaurant owner, and has since grown to showcase twelve restaurants in this year’s event. Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director for Appleton Downtown, Inc. says that it’s the perfect event to show how the downtown area has evolved to be what she calls “the most comprehensive selection of delectable options anywhere in Northeast Wisconsin.”
According to Stephany, the event is such a success for its participating venues that many return the following year. This year, Wiegman was excited to announce the addition of two rookies to the event. The Live Oak Market has signed up to offer chocolate duets and a wine tasting, while The Bar on the Avenue will be making its debut with the event by treating participants to Kahlua Mousse.
“But,” Wiegman confesses, recalling previous years of the event, “I am also looking forward to indulging in my favorites again from last year.”
Though many people are unable to make it to every stop, they are able to explore some of the many other downtown retailers that stay open on the night of the event to welcome the visitors – many of whom have never seen just how much the downtown area has to offer. Though stuffing patrons with a variety of delicious treats is certainly part of the night’s purpose, showing off the College Avenue staples is another goal of the event.
“Our goal is to attract visitors to downtown with a unique event,” explains Stephany, “and in come cases, introduce them to all that downtown has to offer.”
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While the event occurs on Valentine’s Day and ties into the “Valentine’s chocolate” tradition, it is far from just a date-night event. According to Stephany, the event is also a great alternative to a group of friends who are looking for a different way to have a fun night on the town. And for some, the Death By Chocolate March is a precursor to an evening at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, where the Valentine’s Cabaret featuring Steve March Tormè is being featured later that evening.
In addition to the exposure that it offers downtown businesses, proceeds from the ticket sales for the event will also raise money for the Downtown Cool Trolley – a trolley service that runs on weekends from June through December. Part of the money raised from the ticket sales will also help support some of the beautification enhancements in downtown.
Participants for the event include: Frank’s Pizza Place, Spats, Sènor Tequilas, The Bar on the Avenue, Copperleaf Hotel, Lombardi’s (inside the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel), Copper Rock Coffee House, Bazil’s Pub and Provisions, Brewed Awakenings, CSI of Appleton (inside the City Center Building), Sirocco’s Tapas Restaurant and Live Oak Market. Tickets for the event cost $20 per person, or $30 per couple, and can be purchased at any of the participating venues or online at www.appletondowntown.org. Valentine’s Day never looked so sweet, did it?
