Recchiuti Confections’ new Musical Jamboree collection. (photo courtesy of Recchiuti)

Recchiuti Truffles Get Extra Artsy

If there wasn’t ample reason already to love Recchiuti Confections’ burnt caramel truffles, its new limited edition collection offers up yet another one: They are decorated with dazzling art by Creativity Explored, a San Francisco non-profit that gives those with developmental disabilities the opportunity to create and share their work.

This marks the 14th year that the San Francisco chocolatier has partnered with that organization.

The special Musical Jamboree chocolate collection showcases artist Kate Thompson’s whimsical comic book-like illustrations of musicians in full color on top of each truffle. Thompson’s artwork also was featured on Google’s 2015 prototype of self-driving cars.

“I like to tell stories through my artwork and have it convey people doing things whether that is people on a bike, riding a bus, or playing an instrument,” Thompson said in a statement. “I never thought of having my artwork on chocolate, but I’m very excited!”

An 8-piece box is $23, with a portion of all proceeds donated to Creativity Explored.

Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Recchiuti’s Ferry Building store will host a celebratory jamboree, where Thompson’s current work will be on display.

El Cajon’s Epicurean Tasting Event

For a quarter of a century, the Bay Area’s El Cajon Project has worked to give at-risk and disadvantaged high school students training in the culinary arts that includes hands-on experience at such notable establishments as Chez T.J. in Mountain View, Evvia in Palo Alto, Alexander’s Patisserie in Mountain View, and the Menlo Grill in the Stanford Park Hotel in Menlo Park.

Sunday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., it will host “An Afternoon with El Cajon,” a tasting event at The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse in Palo Alto.

The event, which benefits El Cajon, will include dishes prepared by Alexander’s Steakhouse, The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse, and Alexander’s Patisserie. Among the wineries pouring will be Solis Winery, Roudon Smith Winery, and Thomas Fogarty Winery.

There also will be a raffle and silent auction.

Tickets to the event are $75 each, and will go on sale shortly.

15th Annual Food & Wine Classic

Head to the lovely Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, Sunday, Sept. 9, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a food and wine extravaganza.

The beautiful Montalvo Arts Center. (photo by Ron Leckie)

The villa will host its 15th Annual “Food & Wine Classic” with sips and tastes from a bevy of chefs and vintners.

The event, which benefits Montalvo’s art and education programs, will feature food from such restaurants as Adega in San Jose, August (1) Five in San Francisco, Flea St. Cafe in Menlo Park, Manresa Bread in Los Gatos, and the Majestic Yosemite Hotel in Yosemite. Among the wineries pouring will be Artesa Vineyards, Champagne Taittinger, and Ridge Vineyards.

Tickets are $250 each. Spring for a $375 VIP ticket and you’ll also get access to a private cellar tasting led by Master Sommelier Randall Bertao, who is general manager of Los Altos Golf and Country Club.