On November 2, 2004, America voted. It is official that President Bush will have four more years in The White House. So, what can disheartened, defeated Democrats do to lick their wounds? One outlet that will have you laughing hysterically takes place eight times a week in San Francisco. The place is called Club Fugazi. And the outlet is called "Beach Blanket Babylon."

Whether you're a tourist visiting San Francisco or a resident of the city, Steve Silver's Production, now in its 30th year, is as strong as it was on December 31st, 1986, the first time I saw the longest-running hit musical revue in theater history.

November 11th 2004's performance was as good as 1986's, and probably as good as 1974's performance when Silver first launched his production.

The signature, offbeat hats and costumes alone are worth the price of admission ($25-$75). The 33-foot-tall San Francisco skyline headdress has become world-renowned.

The political humor, especially for despairing Democrats, won't change history. But if laughter is the best medicine, there's no better place to lick your wounds than by watching and listening to Matt Alber, Curt Branom, Val Diamond, Renee Lubin, Doug Magpiong, Stirland Martin, Kenny Mazlow, Christy McIntosh, Tim McManus, Jennifer Moore, Jenny Moore, Phillip Percy Williams and The Beach Blanket Babylon Band.

A Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network Exclusive by Jennifer King

Now that I've hopefully captured your attention...

Last week, I stopped into XOX Truffles to get a big box of Jean-Marc and Casimira Gorce's creations as a partial wedding gift. As I sipped my XOX latte and waited for the collection of twenty-seven flavors to be put together, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation between Jean-Marc, as he stood there making his creations, and three women indulging in a taste of his finest.

Three times a year, these two sisters and their friend typically rendezvous for a wine tour up in Napa. Nancy Eggert travels from Denver to San Francisco to experience the West Coast's finer places and products of life. However, on this trip -- for a change -- she, her sister, Paula Zigant and their friend Catherine chose chocolate-tasting over wine-tasting.

The three women were gracious to share their itinerary with me and their comments as inspiration for others who live in this great city, as well as for those traveling to Northern California looking for an alternative adventure in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Over the past year, in preparation for coming to America's most European chocolate mecca, Nancy had compiled her list of Chocolate Adventures after collecting all the best articles from her favorite magazines including: Gourmet, Departures, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, Bon Apetit and Town & Country.

She had every article with her along with a tasting bag to take back to her sister's place. At the end of their adventure, the three intended to share a glass of wine and do a taste test of each of their favorite chocolates of the day.

First Adventure

The ScharffenBerger Factory Tour in Berkeley (free to the public)

914 Heinz Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94710
phone: 510.981.4066 or
email: tours@scharffenberger.com

Tours of the 27,000 square foot factory are free to the public.
Reservations are recommended.
Private tour groups cost $35 (limit 30 people)

For more details go to: ScharffenBerger.com

The Scharffenbergers and Steinbergs use vintage European equipment and artisanal methods to create their "lovingly handcrafted" chocolate from the finest cacao beans.