(Brett Sutton) – Las Vegas is known for its neon lights, world-class casinos, and buzzing nightlife. But just beyond the Strip, in the quiet town of Henderson, lies a chocolate lover’s paradise – Ethel M Chocolates.
The Keystone Corporation took Valentine’s season to the next level with their first Sips & Sweets Night at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory.
And let’s be honest: What’s more romantic than chocolate, wine, and twinkling lights? (Answer: Nothing.)
This was decidedly NOT like your typical “wine and cheese” soirée. It was a little slice of history mixed with a whole lot of cocoa.
Among the guests: Myself and my wife Cheryl, John and Mary Beth Tsarpalas from Nevada Policy, Brendan and Rebecca Davis of DOGE Nevada, Chuck and Gia Muth of Citizen Outreach Foundation, Erik and Jennifer Newkirk, and John and Pamela Maksimik.
The only downside?
No Oompa Loompas!
A Tasting to Remember
Founded in 1981 by Forrest Mars Sr. (yes, THAT Mars – the one behind M&M’s, Snickers, and Milky Way), Ethel M was created as a tribute to his mother, Ethel.
Unlike the mass-produced candies you grab at the checkout aisle, these chocolates are handcrafted in small batches, using time-honored recipes.
And as Keystone members and guests discovered, they pair exceptionally well with a good glass of wine.
The tasting kicked off with an indulgent chocolate and wine pairing experience. Our guests sampled gourmet chocolates, each expertly matched with fine wines.
From velvety dark chocolate with a bold red to creamy milk chocolate with a crisp white, every bite (and sip) was pure bliss.
The tasting wasn’t just about flavor – it was about experiencing how different chocolates and wines bring out unique notes in each other.
It was like a chemistry lesson, but way more delicious.
Strolling Through a Desert Wonderland
After the tasting, guests took a romantic stroll through the Lights of Love Cactus Garden – a breathtaking, three-acre wonderland glowing with thousands of twinkling lights.
Cacti and desert plants were wrapped in vibrant reds, soft pinks, and shimmering whites, creating the perfect Valentine’s ambiance.
Unlike the typical rose-covered gardens you see in romance movies, this was a love story with a Nevada twist.
Who needs cherry blossoms when you have a saguaro dressed in fairy lights?
The Magic Behind the Chocolate
Ever wonder how Ethel M’s chocolate goes from bean to bar?
It all starts with cocoa beans grown in tropical regions near the equator. Farmers harvest the pods by hand, scoop out the beans, and let them ferment – which, surprisingly, is what gives chocolate its rich flavor.
After drying and roasting, the beans are ground into a thick paste called chocolate liquor – which, sadly, contains no actual alcohol.
From there, ingredients like cocoa butter, milk, and sugar are added to create the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate we all love.
While some critics argue that gourmet chocolate is just overpriced candy, true chocolate connoisseurs know the difference.
Quality chocolate has a snap when you break it, a shine when you look at it, and a slow, velvety melt when you taste it.
And based on the reactions from Keystone’s guests, Ethel M’s chocolates passed with flying colors.
A Sweet Ending
At the end of the night, there were no poker chips, no slot machines, and no Elvis impersonators. Just good company, great chocolate, and a garden glowing with romance.
It was a Valentine’s event that proved you don’t need a Vegas showgirl or a high-stakes blackjack table to have an unforgettable night.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little chocolate, a sip of wine, and a stroll through a sparkling desert garden.
Fun (and a whole lot of sweets) was had by all. Hope you’ll join us next year!
Mr. Sutton is president of Keystone Corporation. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views.
