Chocolate – just saying the word makes me salivate. If you are a fanatic about this fab treat, head to the Chocolate Salon this weekend. We know the feast is almost upon us, and what should you do once the turkey is in the tummy?  You can head to Made Up Theatre in Fremont for a hilarious improv show. If you are looking for a most unusual outing this holiday season, the Speakeasy may be what you are looking for. And for those with more refined taste, the Vienna Boys Choir heads to Zellerbach Hall with their gorgeous voices ringing in the holidays.

Nov. 20. Chocolate Salon Hotel

Aficionado or addict? However you enjoy your cocoa bean whether transformed into dark, milk, hot or cold, this 7^th annual salon at Hotel Kabuki will tempt your taste buds with all incarnations. There are tastings, exhibits, panel discussions and a screening of the new chocolate film “Semisweet: Life in Chocolate”.

There will be gourmet, exquisitely decorated bites of this delicious confection, Savor your own or purchase gifts for the chocolate lovers in your life. 10 – 6, $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Chocolate lovers head here: www.fallchocolatesalon.com

Nov. 24. Thanksgiving Improv

After the turkey has been gobbled, the games watched and played and you want to laugh to burn calories, head to Made Up Theatre in Fremont. Their special holiday showcase will have you rolling (if you aren’t too full) in the aisles. The cast performs improvised theatre games, scenes and songs similar in feel to the hit TV show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

This show is family friendly and what a great new tradition. Can’t make it off the couch? The talented improvisers perform a Friday Night Showcase, and on Saturday’s Laugh Track City. They also host bring their talents to fundraisers, private events and to businesses for team building. Get your laugh on here: www.madeuptheatre.com

Speakeasy There is an allure and appeal to the roaring 20’s, and if you have ever wanted to experience the prohibition era, The San Francisco Speakeasy plunges you into the world of that decade. This immersive theater performance incorporates guests into the storyline and transports them to prohibition-era San Francisco.  Attendees receive a text the night before the experience, relaying the address.

Part illicit bar, crooked casino and vaudeville cabaret, the over 9,000 square foot space is open for exploration and amusement. Enjoy period authentic cocktails, card and dice games, and watch as sword swallowers, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, chanteuse singers, and hoofers take the stage.

Hidden entrances, unmarked doors and secret passages are all part of the evening’s fun. The entire space is the stage with the servers, hostesses and bartenders acting as performers. As a guest you are encouraged to don 1920’s style attire. You can join in the interaction or lean back on the piano bar sipping “illegal” beverages. Open for gin swilling and more, now through February 26^th, usually Thursday – Sunday. Prohibition fun found here www.thespeakeasysf.com

Nov. 26. Vienna Boys Choir

If you are raring to head into the Christmas holidays, head to Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley and be serenaded by the angelic voices of the Vienna Boys Choir. These magnificent musicians celebrates the magic of the holiday season. Their program includes Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns and festive holiday carols.

These adorable and talented young “cultural ambassadors”, (boys ages 10 – 14) have been adored the world over for their range, purity of tone and remarkable ability to make each audience member smile and glow. Founded in 1498, they have been uplifting audiences for six centuries. Isn’t it time you heard them? To listen to their dulcet tones and get discount tickets via Goldstar.